Asia have confirmed details of their first album with new guitarist Sam Coulson – Gravitas will be released on March 21 via Frontiers Records. Originally to be called Valkyrie, the band started work on the record last year following the departure of Steve Howe and the announcement that Coulson, then 25, would take his place. Drummer Carl Palmer says of Gravitas: “The addition of Sam allowed us to take the band in a slightly different, and perhaps tougher, direction. We’ve been able to grow, while at the same time remaining true to the classic sound that our fans know and love.” Frontman John Wetton agrees, adding: “It’s pure, unadulterated and stereotypical Asia, with raw energy, enthusiasm and free from impurities. It conveys the spectrum of emotion and colour, from real-life agonies to ecstatic fantasy of escapism. Great songs, fabulous performance – Gravitas is Asia by Asia. At last.”