Silent Nation marks the "return" of a band that never really went away--Asia has actually recorded six albums since the days of "Heat of the Moment" and "Only Time Will Tell." The album, though, according to vocalist/bass player John Payne, is a return to the sound that made them famous.
In large part, he is correct. Silent Nation is largely a throwback to the prog/classic style that produced over 10 million sales of their debut album. "Long Way from Home" sounds like it could have come from their first album, or even an Alan Parsons Project disc. "Midnight" employs a Kansas/ELP keyboard, and "Ghost in the Mirror" probably sums up the Asia tone better than any other track.
"I Will Be There for You" features Journey-like harmony vocals, while simultaneously recalling the Asia classic "Heat of the Moment" as well. "Gone Too Far" resembles Petra during the Greg X. Volz era.
With an incredibly experienced band (members have at times been members of Yes, The Buggles, Earth Band, Uriah Heep, The Firm, and AC/DC), and a wealth of studio guests, Silent Nation is a pleasing addition to the Asia catalog. They have come up with a trademark sound that manages not to sound dated.
3.5 tocks
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