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Asia


"Astra" is the third studio album by the British rock supergroup Asia, released on November 11, 1985, through Geffen Records. This album marked the departure of co-founding vocalist and bassist John Wetton until the band's reunion in 2006, and it was their last full-length studio album with him until "Phoenix" in 2008. Following the departure of Steve Howe, Swiss guitarist Mandy Meyer joined Asia for "Astra," making it the first of two albums featuring him, the other being "Then & Now." The album continued in Asia's tradition of melodic rock, though it faced mixed critical reception compared to their earlier successes. Despite this, "Astra" still managed to produce singles and maintain the band's commercial presence during the 1980s rock scene.