Legendary progressive rock veterans FOCUS released their new studio album, X, on November 5th in Europe via Eastworld Recordings. Four Worlds Media USA today confirms February 5th as the North American release date for X.

Featuring cover art by Roger Dean (YES), the album was produced by the band with a running time just shy of 60 minutes. It is the first new material from the four-piece in six years.

Largely instrumental, X (pronounced Ten) expands on the band's traditional base. Jazz, middle eastern, acoustic/adult contemporary and more find their way into the compositions making the album a true must listen for long-time as well new fans. The North American release follows the successful launch of the album overseas; the band currently wrapping up a tour supporting the album's initial European release.

Focus is regarded as one of the most influential and successful rock bands from The Netherlands. Founded by keyboardist/flutist Thijs van Leer in 1969, the band have two certified gold recordings in the US spurred on by hits 'Hocus Pocus', 'House Of The King', and 'Sylvia'.

Thijs van Leer comments, "it is a thrill to have finally completed Focus X. We are all ecstatic about the new material. Our music is evolution, not revolution."

A renewed interest in Focus launched a few years back when Nike included the band's music in a commercial for the 2010 World Cup; a piece directed by Mexican filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (noted for his directorial work on major motion pictures 21 Grams and Babel). In addition, guitarist GARY HOEY re-recorded the band's 'Hocus Pocus'; a recording that rocketed into Billboards' Top 5.

Tracklisting:

'Father Bacchus'

'Focus 10'

'Victoria'

'Amok In Kindergarten'

'All Hens On Deck'

'Le Tango'

'Hoeratio'

'Talk Of The Clown'

'Message Magic'

'CrossRoads'

After a comeback which resulted in the well received albums Focus 8 and Focus 9, the band is now back on the frontline, with a fantastic lineup. Also back on the drums is Pierre van der Linden, who is internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, and is still a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who stems from a well-acclaimed Dutch musical family and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, completes the band's current lineup.

More on Focus at this location.