Asia-Aria (1994)

In 1994, Asia, led by Geoff Downes and John Payne, confirmed the melodic hard rock trend of their previous work with the release of their fifth album, "Aria", undoubtedly their heaviest and most energetic release to date. Although little remained of the early Asia sound, Downes' keyboards still possessed enough character to give this new release the band's signature sound. In addition to Payne (bass, guitars, and vocals) and Downes (keyboards), the band included drummer Michael Sturgis and guitarist Al Pitrelli, the latter undoubtedly the main architect of the album's power and vigor. Featuring another spectacular cover designed by Roger Dean, "Aria" showcases a range of tracks, from vintage pieces with the unmistakable sound of their early work, such as "Sad Situation", to energetic rock anthems like "Anytime", "Military Man", "Don't Cut The Wire", "Are You Big Enough?" and "Remembrance Day", thunderous ballads like "Feels Like Love", and tentative forays into progressive rock with "Desire" and the title track. While "Aria" doesn't quite surpass the creativity of their "classic" albums, it remains one of the most coherent and solid works in the legendary British band's discography.