If 2012 was a year to remember for ASIA, with the release of the acclaimed studio album, XXX, marking the band’s 30th anniversary, then 2013 is set to be another. John Wetton, Geoff Downes and Carl Palmer recently announced that not only do they have an incredible talent in place to step into guitarist Steve Howe’s shoes, but also that their first international show with newcomer Sam Coulson will be a high profile performance at Sweden Rock 2013. Sam is a wonderful player, world-renowned amongst guitar virtuosos.

Additionally, a new studio album, to be entitled Valkyrie, will be recorded for Frontiers Records during 2013 continuing the band’s relationship with the label. A new EPK introducing Coulson can be seen below:

John Wetton said, “Asia is ready to take its next steps along this remarkable road. We cannot wait to perform again for the fans and also to unveil some of the new material, of which we are very proud."

Geoff Downes said, “We look forward to writing another chapter in Asia's history.”

Carl Palmer commented, “We’re all looking forward to the next decade of great Asia music.”

Asia formed as a supergroup of stunning pedigrees, bringing together songwriter, lead vocalist and bassist John Wetton (KING CRIMSON), keyboardist Geoff Downes (YES, THE BUGGLES), drummer extraordinaire Carl Palmer (ELP) and Steve Howe (YES) Their self-titled debut album was the biggest selling album in the world in 1982 and monopolized the #1 slot in the Billboard charts for 9 weeks. The album is still in the top 3 Geffen sales of all time, with GUNS N' ROSES and WHITESNAKE! With tracks like mega-hit ‘Heat Of The Moment’, Asia helped to create the MTV phenomenon. The band’s work perfected the use of videos that encompassed stories and messages, examples being the work for ‘Wildest Dreams’, ‘Only Time Will Tell’, ‘The Smile Has Left Your Eyes’ and ‘Don’t Cry’. ‘Heat Of The Moment’ is still a radio fixture and has been in top TV and films including 40 Year Old Virgin, South Park, Cold Case, The Matador and countless others.

In 2006 the original band reunited for a tour of the US, which was followed by four world tours and several continental tours. The reunited band has played over 300 shows and released three new studio albums, three DVDs and a number of live albums. The track ‘An Extraordinary Life’, from 2008’s album Phoenix, was chosen as the theme music for America’s Got Talent. This is a band with plenty more to say.

With a new guitarist in place, Sweden Rock confirmed and more high profile live dates to come, plus a new album slated for release, the Asia trajectory continues: onward and upwards!

Sweden Rock Festival 2013 will take place June 5th - 8th in Sölvesborg, Sweden. Confirmed acts now include: ACCEPT, AMARANTHE, AMON AMARTH, ASIA, AUDREY HORNE, AVANTASIA, AXXIS, BULLET, CANDLEMASS, CIVIL WAR, CRAZY LIXX, DEMON, DORO, JON ENGLISH, FIREWIND, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, HUNTRESS, HYPOCRISY, IHSAHN, KISS, KREATOR, KROKUS, MORGANA LEFAY, LENINGRAD COWBOYS, LEPROUS, MANILLA ROAD, MARTIN PRAHL'S SKELTER WHEEL, NAGLFAR, NINE BELOW ZERO, PARADISE LOST, RAUBTIER, RUSH, SATAN, SAXON, THE SCAMS, SISTER SIN, SONATA ARCTICA, STATUS QUO, SURVIVOR, TANKARD, THRESHOLD, UFO, VADER, WITCHCRAFT.

Sweden Rock Festival is a four-day festival with a total of 80 bands performing on five outdoor stages. More info can be found at SwedenRock.com.