BETWEEN FLESH AND DIVINE

Maybe one of the best in '80s. The second ASIA MINOR album shows a very consistent band (musicians from Turkey and France) approaching to CAMEL style, but adding deeper and darker intimate atmospheres, remaining some moments of PINK FLOYD or the French band PULSAR. The listener will enjoy every second of magnificent melodies, great instrumental sections and a very good vocalist (he sings in English). One of those albums where all tracks are highlights. Excellent!

One hell of an album ! Mainly instrumental although most numbers are sung the Backbone of this band is french but the two frontmen are of Turkish origin and this is the main asset of the group . Overtones of Near-eastern music make for delicious prog but they stay discreet and are certainly not overpowering the rest .

Deeply rooted in the vein of the best CAMEL, ASIA MINOR blend rich atmospheric filled progressive/symphonic rock with floating flute, guitar , drums and bass. Setrak Bakirel's voice is superb and remains quiet and serene throughout which seems to fit the music flawlessly. Musicianship here is very rich and songs are well constructed and offer nice variation and instrumental interplay. "Between Flesh & Divine" is superbly well recorded and offers excellent sound repro and speaker seperation. Highly recommended prog!

A prog rock band starting at the tail end of the '70 doesn't seem to have much appeal. Instead this album is absolutely excellent. They have a soft, melodic side that reminds me of Camel, but with a darker, melanchonic atmosphere. A big surprise.

In the middle between Camel and Edhels, with hints of the romantic sound by Ange (but in a darker mood), this band produced a couple of fresh albums since 1979/early eighties, even though a bit derivative. Nevertheless their imprinting was quite personal and strong as well. The melodic lines of flute are always convincing, expecially enriched with the music colours created by an aggressive guitar and the Mellotron keyboard as well, sometimes resembling the dark style of Pulsar...I think of the rhytmical section, getting a major impact on the listener by hearing- I suppose- the re-mastered version of this album and I believe they could be fascinating for a wider crowd of fans within the symphonic rock genre, also regarding of a few good progressive bands in the eighties, often too much derivative. Their line-up was composed also by Turkish musicians and was more remarkable in comparison to the majority of the neo prog bands in Europe (except on some tinny keyboards tunes- anyway a few ones). As for all these reasons, I hope listening to a cleaner version of this album, but I don't know whether a remastered version by Musea exists or not (let me know about it!!)

If you like the most experimental albums by Camel (e.g. "The Snow Goose" or "Moon Madness"), but in a darker vein,you have to buy this album...otherwise you can anyway check it out at least!!

Recommended!!

Masterpiece of prog rock in an era where you least expect it: the early 1980s. 1979's "Crossing the Line" was their debut, but "Between Flesh and Divine" is regarded as their best album. ASIA MINOR was a French band consisting of Turkish musicians playing mid to late '70s style prog in the vein of many of your favorites: CAMEL, FOCUS, KING CRIMSON, GENESIS, even PULSAR. The instruments consists of vocals (in English), guitars, flute, bass, drums, and keyboards (Elka Rhapsody string synth, electric piano, Hammond organ, Mellotron, Minimoog).

On the opening cut, "Nightwind", the band starts off sound deceptively like OZRIC TENTACLES, but that's just for a few seconds, before you know what you're listening to is symphonic prog. Here you get some great guitar and flute work, and some atmospheric passages. Here the vocals are very much like CAMEL's Andy Latimer (not to mention the flute). "Northern Lights" starts off rather mellow, heavy on the string synths, with some space Minimoog to go with it, but then the music gets more energetic, with the end part resembling GENESIS. The rest of the album is of the same high quality, and I very highly recommend this album. Great stuff!

As some fellow reviewers have stated before me, 'Between Flesh and Divine' is a masterpiece of the prog genre, as well as Asia Minor's top achievement. This album is one of the best things that came out of France (though 3 quarters of the band were actually Turkish) in the symphonic prog area. As quartet now, the fourth member Robert Kempler handled the duties of bass player and keyboardist, which gave the band the opportunity to expand their sonic potential with a more prominent addition of synthesizers, organ, pianos, and even occasional layers of mellotron - all this in 1980! Of course, the electric lead guitar and the flute are still the major features in the instrumental passages, being in charge of the solos and the main melodic lines. Beltrami's drumming is still as polished and energetic as on the band's debut album, displaying his jazzy vein under the guise of a rock- oriented attitude. The sound production is more refined, which makes every instrument show itself clearly amidst the band's overall sound. The contrast between the strong passages and the soft ones is handled more naturally, which allows the band to go deeper into their Camel-esque explorations, without letting go of their penchant for Asian-based exotic textures. The repertoire has a somewhat accentuated tendecy towards the creation of serene ambiences, locating the rockier passages in the shape of gently incerpted interludes or preambles. Tracks 1, 2 and 4 are the best examples of this clever arrangement strategy, and may I add that I consider them their best tracks ever, specially 'Dedicace', which is catchy, yet keeping a typically progressive sophistication. 'Nightwind' kicks off on a vibrant ethnic mood, ultimately leading to a main body set on the standard of spacey-driven symphonic rock, not unlike Pulsar or "Moon Madness"-era Camel. 'Northern Lights' states a more pronunced atmosphere of introspection, generally speaking, while the aforementioned 'Dedicace' brings a solid dynamics that fuses the heritages of Pulsar, Focus and Pink Floyd in a sort of way that only teh guys from Asia Minor can. 'Boundless' is a beautiful ballad, a not too long passage of melancholy. That same melancholy resurfaces in a more eerie context during the almost 8 minutes of 'Lost in a Dream Yell': the intensity incarnated in the extended flute solo is like an evocative dream made of musical matter. You have hear it to believe it... It is long but never tiring, it bears a free-flight attitude yet it never gets meandering; the eerie keyboard layers sustain the overall mood quite effectively, with the guitar arpeggios and moderately energetic drumming filling the source of tightness. Finally, 'Dreadful Memories' is nothing but a jam construed from a simple chord progression on guitar, with the bass and drums following, and an increasing number of keyboard layers subtly being summoned in: its abrupt ending makes it the perfect coda for a perfect album. I just wish it wasn't so short, or at least, that the album as a whole would last a bit longer thatn it actually does. It wouldn't take long before the bloody blade of 'musical differences' beheaded Asia Minor's career, while they were preparing material for a following album that was never to be.

A Truly Masterpiece!!! An Essential album in your Progressive Rock collection.

They fall right between Camel and Edhels. This Turkish/French Band, created a Symphonic Masterpiece on "Between Flesh and Devine". Not very complex, but took me several spins to GRAB ME and has not let go in quite awhile. The Instrumental passages are beautiful, and Setrak Bakirel's voice is just great!

With flute, and guitar solos that will rip your heart out. I have to congratulate MUSEA for the re-released of these albums, you have done it again!

A winner, and probably one of the best 10 best in the 80's!!

This is absolutely a surprising album from the earlier 80´s, in general a bad time for prog music, though excellent time for trash like disco, punk and new wave... Wonderful music, good and soft vocals, long instrumental passages with excellent performances of all musicians. I loved particularly the atmospheric and ethereal flute, sometimes but only few times remembering Jethro Tull (for example, the first 1:20m of track #4). The band is original enough incorporating some eastern spice in their music. My favourite tracks are "Nightwind", "Northern lights" and particularly "Lost in a dream yell", but all songs are very good. Unfortunately the album is very short and the band disbanded after this album. Recommended to all prog fans.

Very,very good album close toCamel.There is great instrumental playing nice vocal melodies and complex tunes.Flute,great electric guitar,keys,and a fantastic drummer are the elements for a this album.

A fine album. Starts with an in-your-face intricate motive expressed on keys and guitar and doesn't let up until the very end. Contrasting are more somber passages with acoustic guitar and flute. The band are very canny, alternating the intense and soft passages in just the right balance.

It's not a 100% perfect album. The English vocals are rather ill-advised-I've heard much worse lyrics, but the singer's English diction is pretty poor. It's a minor complaint, though, as the vocals are far from bad, though they're rather incidental in the grand scheme of things. On the whole, an excellent album. Buy without hesitation.

This beautifully balanced French progressive album is a study in subtle dynamics. With all instrumentation blending together evocatively and creating lush atmosphere, either a mourning flute or rich and fluid guitar will improvise over top of a bed of busy percussion and lush mellotron, leaving room for the bass and either a second guitar or keyboard to explore some added melodic flavor and create subtle counterpoint to the compositions. The composition build their intensity with less change-ups and sensuality than say the great Italian bands, approaching the more subtle and natural way of evoling their dynamics similar to Camel. The vocals are sparse but enhance the overall melodic flavor to the song. The compositions themselves are full of intelligence and are well composed, giving the musicians an evoctive and sentimental basis to reach their ideas. This overall a great classic progressive album throughout.

If you're looking for an early 80's symphonic album that DOESN"T sound like it's from the 80's, here it is! Fantastic band that sounds like Camel in Italy with Ian Anderson playing the flute. What freaks me out is the band is from France with Turkish players and a lead singer that has a German accent! The singing may not be the strongest, but the playing is top-notch; with the flute out front, excellent guitar-work and subtle keys. Although flute-player Tekeli has been influenced somewhat by Ian Anderson his playing sounds more Italian, (PFM, etc.). All songs are outstanding with the exception of "Boundless" a lyric-heavy ballad. Otherwise, a definite 4 star album from the symph- dead 80's era. Neo it's not!

What a masterpiece!!

A brilliant Turkish/French band form the early 80's but isn't NeoProg!! Inffluenced by Camel and Jethro -amongst others- the sound of every song of this album is totally symphonic, starting with the jazzy intro of "Nightwind" and ending with the heavy guitar of the last notes of "Dreadful Memories".

Asia Minor gives a solid performance based on a superb work on keyboards, guitar and flute, and overall on drums. Complex composition and arrangements for the two first songs -"Nightwind" and "Northern Lights"- with powerful instrumental passages between symph and fusion; a beautiful and melacholic ballad -"Boundless"- as a necessary pause before "Dedicace", another powerful prog song and then, another great melancholic ballad that progress into an athmospheric and almost epic piece -"Lost in a Dream Yell". At the end "Dreadful Memories" almost a jam based on a progression on guitar and bass that turns very heavy second by second.

This album is a nice surpirse for all those who belive that the 80's was just a bunch of NeoProg bands. A masterpice, without a doubt!!

One of the many proofs to detractors that the 80's did provide excelent music is this amazing second album by French/Turkish act Asia Minor. Throughout it's 35 minutes it will catch your attention like few albums do, with its intricate guitar, flute, and keyboard harmonies, shifting between slower gentle melodies and heavier, faster-paced section led by some fantastic guitar and drums.

A comparrison to Camel is inevitable, but you also get influences from French Symphonic and, of course, slight hints of eastern european/oriental music, especially when the flute takes the lead role.

Vocals are often kept short, and that might be a good think, because it's one of the week points of this band. The second weak point of the album is actually a compliment: it is just too short. Immense sadness filled me when it reached its end so fast.

Another sadenig thing was the conditions on which the band called it a day. I read in the liner notes of the album that lack of recognition, both criticaly and commercialy, was the main cause of the band's demise. Not to tarnish other great acts of french musical scene, but I believe we would have been better served had Asia Minor got the attention they deserved back then. A solid 4-star.

Essential overlooked band from France (rooted in Turkey), ASIA MINOR played CAMELish Prog with native Turkish undertones and dark and melancholic atmosphere (reminding me of early MARILLION to some extent). Both albums were rather short but utterly brilliant - this one actually is flawless. For admirers of above-mentioned bands and bands like CARAVAN or ATLAS it's a Must. Other Prog-lovers must do themselves a favour and definetely check this one out. I got it by 5$ by a Russian license and it's a worthy one! Extremely recommended!!!

This is one of my favourite albums, and, even though it is too short and the last cut, "Dreadful Memories", is a waste, it gets 5 stars, because the rest is so exceptional, both for sheer quality and also for the fact that it appeared in 1981, and we all know what most of the prog "greats" were doing in 1981. Wondrous swirling prog a la King Crimson (both ITCOCK and Red) meets Camel, with a bit of authentic Turkish ethnicity thrown in, resulting in a style which I call Asia Minor. Lots of angularity in harsh guitars but also intensely melodic as brought out by the lead guitars, abundant woodwinds, and occasional mellotrons and other keys. The vocalist sounds a bit like Andy Latimer but a bit stronger and with barely a trace of an accent. Although these guys were based in France, you get none of the histrionics characteristic of French prog. This is the result of a band playing together as a team.

"Nightwind" kicks things off strongly with an almost fusion-y beginning, the organs and bass providing a backdrop for the guitars before the flute makes its first appearance, carrying an airy but muscular tune. With so many changes in tempo, nothing feels forced. The middle vocal section is mellow and features unusual but compatible flute accompaniment. Note this flute is nothing like Tull whatsoever, much more classically inspired and more like what you got on the first few KC albums in "I Talk to the Wind" and "Cadence and Cascade". When the band takes over it is led by more flutes and percussion and this is where you get the whirling dervish feel. One last quiet segment and then the mellotron choir kicks off the closing theme. Perfection in six and a half minutes.

"Northern Lights" is just as good, with the structure of the opener turned on its ear. Here we start gently with electric piano to which gentle guitar and flutes are joined. Silence, then more dark sinister guitars, before the wonderful vocal segment begins, supported by ethereal lead guitar and mellotron, which ultimately end the work.

Then a gentle short song, "Boundless", with quite a hook for the chorus. This could have racked up some airplay even on AM radio a few years before.

The next two songs return more or less to the style of the two opening tracks. "Dedicace" contains yet another lengthy opening dominated by flute, bass, drums, and KC styled rhythm guitar themes, before the vocals join in. It contains more vocals and is the only song where the vocals are actually fast paced for part of the piece, although again a slow dreamy section in the middle. The organ playing here is particularly noteworthy. "Lost in a Dream Yell" again shifts components around and is mostly vocal for the first few minutes before ceding to one of the most extended and rewarding instrumental passages that ultimately closes the CD for all intents and purposes. The flutes and massed drums, along with fretless bass (I believe) never fail to move me, whatever else I may be thinking of while listening. Asia Minor is not background music, even if it can be intensely relaxing.

So the great stuff is only 31 minutes of so in length, but it is of such high quality that its scantness can be forgiven. While it would have been best not to include the final track, its presence at the end is far less of a disruption that had it appeared in the middle. This CD comes with my highest recommendation for those who love symphonic prog with many textures and shades.

3.5 Actually rounded up. I really like this album but I feel it's a bit too one-dimensional. Very Camel-like but not quite as good. I love the flute in the first song. In fact the first song is worth the price of the CD. The songs grow on you and are very atmospheric. It's just a BIT too derivitive and lacks punch. Still, I am being overly critical. A solid CD and worthy of anybody's prog collection.

The debut album ("Crossing The Line") of this Turkish / French band was rather promising and even if prog was not really a prominent genre at the time, "Between Flesh And Devine" was almost condemned to remain an obscure witness of these progless days.

Fully symphonic and very much reminiscent of the early seventies, this album will full your ears with wonderful melodies. Mostly instrumental, keys as well as flute are on the front line. The opener "Nightwind" is a very good example.

Noticeable influences range from the early Genesis '("Trespass"), Camel, Focus and to a certain extent the symphonic KC. "Northern Lights" holds those elements. It is the longest song of this short album. The structure goes from peaceful and subtle music to harder and almost aggressive riffs. Vocals remind me at times the band "Ramses" (Germany). Very soft.

"Boundless" is probably the only blunder in their (short) career. Mellow and naïve. Vocals here are pretty awful. Fortunately, it is the shortest song of the album. As long as "Dedicace" remains instrumental, there is nothing wrong with it but vocals are, again, weak. This song is very much in the Camel mood (vocals were not their stronger side either).

The Turkish roots from Setrak and Eril, are not to be found on this album. Which is a pity. It was part of the charm of their debut album. Some Oriental flavour would have been welcome.

"Lost In A Dream Yell" shows the contradiction I have already been referring to : brilliant instrumental passages (mainly flute) and flat vocals. The closing number will be a bit repetitive and little inspired.

Some very good stuff here, but some average as well. Three stars.

Another one of these fantastic French prog bands that fell into oblivion for reasons other than pure musical qualities. Asia Minor's second album "Between Flesh and Divine" (not "Devine" as the page title says) is recognized as their best opus, and there's a reason for that. I'm not too fond of categorizing music, but this is in the same league as Jethro Tull and Grovjobb in terms of flute work, and beyond them when it comes to melodies. (And don't misunderstand me--I do love these two bands as well!)

The descriptions given above are pretty complete so I won't bother posting a longer review, just make sure you listen to this gem at least once in your life! :)

This is a near perfect Symphonic Prog album in my view. Very under-rated, it is sad that this masterpiece is not more widely recognized. The band creates very melancholic dreamlike atmospheres and features sad airy flute and chilling synthesizers as their dominant instruments... all held together by a rock solid rhythm section.

Nightwind is one highlight. Ethereal melancholic flute swirls through the atmosphere like a cloud while notes from sorrowful piano arpeggios hit like droplets of rain against a window on a grey day. This is very emotional and melancholic music. There are more complex uptempo parts featuring a very good rhythm section... but even when they are rocking there is an everpresent air of sad fragile beauty.

Northern Lights continues in the same rainy style with beautiful flute passages accented by excellent but gloomy and cold synth work and understated yet effective guitar playing. The closing two minute section of this song features one of the most awe inspiring and captivating themes i've heard in the entire Symphonic Prog genre. This is totally on par with anything Genesis ever composed in their heyday. I can get lost in this music all day.

Boundless is a shorter song but features the best lyrics on the entire album... so sad but somehow uplifting at the same time. This is the most vocal-centric and straightforward song on the album and they pull it off very well. I'd like to take this time to talk about the vocals: they are heavily accented and may not be everyone's cup of tea... they could be the biggest stumbling block for people trying to get into the band at first. I urge you to give them a chance though... they fit the music perfectly and likely WILL grow on you after a while.

Dedicace features my favorite single musical passage on the album; the opening flute theme is so beautiful and trance-inducing it can bring tears to your eyes! After the mesmerizing dreamy intro, the song gets much harder and sounds close to late-70's Rush for a brief moment. I also hear bits of early 70's Yes in the mix, as well as maybe some Focus and definitely a healthy does of Camel influence. The bass playing on this track is excellent, as are the drums.

Lost In A Dream Yell may be my very favorite song here! Rain storm sounds introduce the track and perfectly compliment the band's delicate playing and dream-like bittersweet vocals. Gorgeous piano droplets again... followed by some lovely Moog-like synth parts. An excellent flute solo dominates the second half of the song... such a magical, enchanted sound.

The last track is a departure which sound a bit like a spy movie theme. It's a weird way to end such an album, but it somehow works and I like it. Still, my least favorite song.

I plan to be stingy in my reviewing career with my 5-star ratings... but this album is a masterpiece if i've ever heard one! 5 stars!

Very similar to classic Camel, and to a lesser degree, early Steve Hackett, Asia Minor should please fans of either, especially those who liked their sound but craved denser compositions. While consisting mostly of music, there are lyrics for each piece (with one brief exception), and though I generally prefer songs to instrumentals, here I cannot say the same. The vocalist has a very lazy-sounding voice, as though he were half-asleep when the recording occurred, and his accent is extremely prominent, making each performance unfortunately somewhat cabaret. At times it is so conspicuous ("Lost in a Dream Yell"), that I honestly had to research the lyrics to determine if what I was hearing was in fact English. My biggest criticism of the album is that it's quite repetitive.

"Nightwind" Opening up with some spunky bass work in 3/8, "Nightwind" is a good representative of what this album is. Layers of electric guitars and synthesizers build until only a piano and flute remain, which serve as a brief introduction to the lyrical section. Setrak Bakirel's lifeless vocals contrast with the more vibrant second instrumental section, which features a heavier rhythm section and Jethro Tull-like flute work. The final instrumental section is fairly repetitive, but well-written and certainly not unpleasant.

"Northern Lights" Dreary synthesizer and a melancholic melody played on the flute introduce a more sinister and energetic passage, which is reminiscent of some of the darker pieces from Hackett's third studio album. Soon the heavier moment passes, leaving a more subtle section in 7/8, over which the vocals finally enter.

"Boundless" This song is as short as it is simple. Here, Bakirel's accent stands out the most. Over a simple chord progression, the instrumental section in the end relies on repetitive synthesizers harmonizing with one another.

"Dedicace" The bass guitar stands out as it had on "Nightwind," but the flute is still very much in the spotlight. The music also relies on heavy synthesizer work. The sudden introduction of heavily-strummed acoustic guitar makes me think of the similar section of ELO's "Fire on High."

"Lost in a Dream Yell" An atmospheric opening takes over, very similar to the beginning of Yes's "South Side of the Sky." The music is more minimalistic than on other tracks, relying on a clean electric guitar and synthesizer. Gentle flute takes over halfway through, and a marching snare drum rises up eventually, building to a fuller sound.

"Dreadful Memories" The only completely instrumental track on the album, the final one is the heaviest bit of music here, based around a gritty electric guitar and bass sharing the same riff. Organ jumps in thereafter, only serving to thicken the sound. The trouble with this piece, terse though it may be, is that it is utterly repetitive. The main riff is played throughout, and even the keyboard work fails to bring much variety.

4.5 stars. Well I very much enjoyed their debut but this is even better. This is darker and more melancholic and they've added mellotron to the mix, although string-synths are more plentiful. To quote the liner notes: "Despite the rather moderate reception given to it's first album the group remained convinced of the originality and quality of it's music and decided to record a new album without making so much as a single concession to commercial interests.The idea was that a second album would help the group assert itself and increase it's credibility with concert organizers once it had two albums to it's name". If anything this second record is even less commercial sounding than the first. I so admire their convictions especially since this was back in 1981 when this second album was released.

"Nightwind" opens with bass and percussion as drums and a full sound follows. Flute after a minute. A calm before 2 minutes as vocals arrive, lots of flute too. It kicks back in at 4 minutes then settles again. Uplifting before 5 1/2 minutes with mellotron and some nice guitar. "Northern Lights" might be my favourite track on here. A mellow and melancholic intro is replaced by an uptempo section led by the guitar after 2 minutes. Keyboards take over for the guitar. It settles before 4 1/2 minutes and vocals join in. Great sound here, so uplifting.The emotional guitar soars 7 minutes in as mellotron washes in over and over. "Boundless" is a laid back track with vocals. Lots of synths here.This singer has an accent but his voice is amazing.Tasteful guitar after 2 minutes.

"Dedicace" is led by flute and drums early. Bass then strummed guitar after 2 minutes. Organ follows then vocals. Fantastic sound 5 1/2 minutes in. "Lost In A Dream Yell" is in the running for my favourite song with "Northern Lights". It opens with thunder and rain. Keys and vocals join in. A calm after 2 1/2 minutes as rain continues to fall with gentle guitar. Brilliant ! This is so sad and emotinal. Flute comes in as the rain stops and marching drums join in.This simply goes on and on, but it works. I can't explain how moving this is. "Dreadful Memories" opens with dominant drums, bass and guitar before organ then mellotron joins in. The mellotron is at it's best right here.

This is more mature than the debut and a minor classic in my opinion.

One of my very favorite albums. Very emotive, melodic, progressive, atmospheric, melancholic and dynamic. Very solid album. Others have complained about the vocals but I personally greatly enjoy them. Similar to Camel, Anyone's Daughter, King Crimson, Agitation Free, Genesis, Jethro Tull and some french progressive bands of the mid-late 70's. I love each song on here, with the exception of the somewhat bland closer "Dreadful Memories". Excellent drumming and percussion!!! Very complex but completely not overstated; it goes right along with the music and you can tell the drummer is both extremely skilled and has a great ear. Guitars and synthesizers are very atmospheric and beautiful. Excellent musicianship all around. A significant step up from their uneven gem of a first album, 'Crossing the Line'. The structure of the songs is mostly tangential, with many sections that flow together very well.

Exotic, very fresh, emotive, dark, explorative, mysterious fine polished. I love the vocals, I find they oddly accentuate the music and give a beautiful and somewhat ethereal quality to the music. There is lots of GREAT drumming and percussion (this guy uses more varieties of percussion than the 70's Peart, and has the perfect touch, like the great jazz rock drummers but clearly playing in the style, in fact giving a very nice structural base to the music) and frequent variations of structure and time signature. Their sound often approaches Camel but is much darker, and more refined, smooth and profound.

7/10

"Between The Flesh And Divine" is a beautiful little gem.

Asia Minor is one of those obscure and unfairly underrated from Europe, that have incredible potential and talent, technically speaking, and even with enormous songwriting talent. Released in 1981, the same year of the release of the enormous "Moving Pictures", so of course this was left in the shadow of the gigantic Rush masterpiece.

The style is typical symphonic prog, with highlighted keyboards and guitars. The beautiful use of the flute is another characteristic of the band. The atmospheres sound always desperate, haunting, and emotional like rarely a prog band is able to do, and everything is accompanied by Satrak Bakirel, one of the most underrated vocalists abroad.

The first two tracks are amazing, enigmatic, with desperate atmospheres and beautiful melodies. The highest peak of the album, no doubt. After, everything seems to go down a tune, all the tracks are pretty good and sometimes great, but none of them can top the first two tracks, not even close. "Dedicace" is great, but sometimes it gets pretty forgettable, as well as the third track "Boundless", the weakest song off this album. "Lost in A Dream Yell" reaches a pretty high level, and it's the only one that can come a little close to "Nightwind" and "Northern Lights", because of it's beautiful keyboards and great vocals. "Dreadful memories", is the conclusive track, in my opinion a little boring and forgettable as well.

A great album, no doubt, with some unbelievable moments and amazing melodies. Too bad for those couple of songs, that definitely brings down the album's average. But "Between The Flesh And Divine" is a beautiful little gem that is unfairly obscure.

Asia Minor´s second CD is a great leap forward in terms of quality when compared to their first one, Crossing The Line, released in 1979. What was promising then was now a real excellent symphonic prog work. Although the record is a bit too short (only 35 minutes of running time) it contains probably the best prog stuff ever released by any band in the early 80´s. The music here is simply gorgeous and has nothing of the the group´s sometimes hesitant tunes on their debut. The songs are stronger, the playing is more confident and even Eril Tekeli´s flute playing is more fluid and personal than before.

It is ok that the eastern elements (brought in by the duo of turkish songwriters), so much evident on Crossing the Line, are all but subdue here, but still the result is beautiful and quite their own. Great analog keyboards lines, very good guitar parts and a creative drummer. Vocals are only average, but sounds good to me. There are no fillers and the production is very good for the time. Asia Minor certainly deserved a better luck, but I guess the timing was not right for a group like this. The prog world lost a very good band when they broke up. I wonder if this France based outfit would return one day and bring us another fine piece of art like Between Flesh And Divine.

A must have for any prog lover, especially if you´re into melodic symphonic progressive music of the 70´s.

I heard the band name long time ago but never got a chance to enjoy their music until I got this album couple of months ago from a friend of mine. I was quite surprised knowing the music was quite captivating. I thought it was a kind of fusion but I kind find a sense of Camel music; so I think the description under symphonic prog is quite OK to me.

The opening track was what made me curious to spin the album in its entirety. It's through the opening track that I thought the music would flow in fusion style. The obvious bass-guitar playing in the opening track that brings the music in fusion style. Having listened to the album in its entirety for more than five times, this is my view based on five components of music composition:

First, is the melody ? i.e. the degree to which the main melody of the song is constructed from a combination of notes. I think this album has a range between moderate to excellent in terms of melody even though some of them are not quite catchy. But it's OK, not all prog compositions require catchy melody (example: Gentle Giant especially the "In A Glass House" album). Second is the harmonies ie. how each instrument contributes in creating sounds and notes. I think this album is excellent in terms of harmonies. I like the flute-work in this album. Third is the complexity of the arrangement i.e. the degree in which the instrument (including vocal) being played by the musicians and how they generate a piece of music stream or segment of the music. This is not quite complex album and I think most people who like music would like this album as well. Fourth is change of style i.e. how the style changes in a song which includes tempo changes and/ or heavy or soft musical sounds. This album is quite balanced in combining different styles. The last one (fifth) is the structural integrity i.e. the degree to which all musical segments, including changes of style, form a cohesiveness of the music as a whole from start to end. This album is quite cohesive in its entirety. The sound production is not quite good but it does not bother a lot as I still can enjoy the subtleties.

It's an excellent addition to any prog music collection. Keep on proggin' ...!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Featuring members from Turkey, France and the UK, yet based in Paris, Asia Minor were one of those fascinating progressive rock groups who created highly-original music yet, unfortunately, existed at exactly the wrong time to make any lasting impact or commercial in- roads into the notoriously fussy 1980s music industry. The group's second full-length studio effort after 1979's interesting-yet-flawed 'Crossing The Line', 'Between Flesh And Divine' was produced and released independently, without record label support, and initially issued only in France, Italy and Belgium, with a few copies somehow finding their way to both Turkey and the USA. Of course, by the time of 'Between Flesh And Divine's 1981 release, punk-rock had been and gone, and new wave groups such as The Cure, New Order, Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran were starting to dominate both the critics favour and the lucrative charts alike, leaving little room for expansive and experimental groups such as Asia Minor, who preferred lush instrumental verve over crude trend-setting. Infuenced by, amongst others, British art-prog exponents King Crimson, symphonic high-kings Yes and many of the wonderfully-talented mid-decade Italian groups - such as PFM, Maxophone and Le Orme - Asia Minor were, sadly, very much a group borne into the wrong decade. Ten years earlier, and who knows what would have happened, as 'Between Flesh And Divine', despite it's low-budget, independent status, has, for it's type, proved both a critical success and a steady seller. Prog fans have long known about this album's intelligently-structured melodies, beautifully-wrought tracks and complex instrumentation, and tracks such as the crisply-conceived 'Nightwing', with it's deep-toned, cyclical bass-lines, stabbing keyboards and uplifting closing guitar section, and the stirring album-closer 'Lost In A Dream Yell', have since been heralded as true classics from progressive rocks wilderness years and precursors to the neo-prog boom that closely followed. The group themselves was four- strong for the recording of 'Between Flesh & Divine', featuring Setrak Bakirel(vocals, guitar), Lionel Beltrami(drums), Robert Kemplar(keyboards, bass) and Eril Tekeli(guitars, flute). All four members were highly-capable multi-instrumentalists, often doubling up on instruments to fill out the group's sound. This of course made playing live a real difficulty, and the band's independent status meant that what gigs they did play were usually sparsely-attended. However, despite the lack of interest shown in the band(who failed to get a proper record deal throughout their existence), the quality of Asia Minor's music has shone through the ages and has, thankfully, been preserved by the French label Musea, who re-released the album during the early-1990s. Since then, of course, progressive rock has seen a steady rise in popularity, and 'Between Flesh And Divine' has rightfully been re- assessed as a genuine near-masterpiece. Those who enjoy the non-English-and American side of the genre, from the great Italian groups to the likes of Bahrain's Osiris and Canada's Harmonium, should find a wonderfully-diverse album filled with expertly-woven symphonic sounds that make Asia Minor's sadly-truncated career all the more surprising. If only the group had existed ten years earlier then who knows what wonders they could, and would, have produced. 'Between Flesh And Divine' is indeed a remarkable slice of European progressive rock that should prove an excellent addition to any collection. STEFAN TURNER, LONDON, 2011

Showing significant development over their previous album, Asia Minor's Between Flesh and Divine takes a lot of inspiration from classic Camel (from the period between Mirage and Moonmadness) and updates the sound and tightens up the song structure to deliver the prog majesty in accessible, bite-sized chunks. In other words, it's Asia Minor trying the same trick Camel did with Rain Dances of making their music more accessible - except Asia Minor accomplish the job with a great deal more panache than Camel did, retaining enough complex symphonic prog features to appeal to fans of the golden age of prog.

The end result sounds remarkably like the then-current neo-prog groups in the UK, making the album an interesting missing link between the symphonic bands of the golden age and the upcoming neo-prog wave, but the shortcomings of the production hamper the sound a little and the album ultimately doesn't quite hit the heights either of the older acts that inspired Asia Minor or the coming acts who would follow in their footsteps.

Other reviewers have remarked on the sound and feel of this album being like a combination of early 70s GENESIS and CAMEL and I couldn't agree more. This is beautiful and often sophisticated music very close in feel and mastery to the models it seems to wish to emulate or perpetuate. The drumming is often worthy of superlatives while the keyboard player shows excellent instincts in playing mostly in a support role (but a very important support role, à la TONY BANKS).

"Nightwind" (8/10) opens instrumentally feeling much like an early 80s pop song (PAYOLAS "Eyes of a Stranger") before turning into a fairly sophisticated 'lost Genesis' song. Great drumming in an odd time signature with excellent support synths, moving bass, and flute lead. New section begins at 1:48--a vocal section that is quite reminiscent of 70s CAMEL. Beautiful and versatile flute playing. 5:20 Keyboard entrance end section is very reminiscent of TONY BANKS/GENESIS

"Northern Lights" (8/10). The first 2:06 are quite calm and pastoral. Then all GENESIS/CAMEL breaks loose with a very up-tempo section. At 3:45 all sound drops out to be replaced by a new section of delicate electric guitar picking and electric keyboard. At 4:38 a foreign-accented male voice enters to sing in English as the tempo picks up a bit (drums and bass join in). Fuzz guitar solo. Return of vocal. Voice is like ELOY's FRANK BORNEMANN's singing with BRYAN FERRY's phrasing--the way he down-slides the endnotes of a phrase or word.

"Boundless" (7/10) is a three-minute gentle ballad--singing from the start, ending with a drawn out, easy, repetitive electric guitar solo.

"Dedicace" (8/10) begins with the bass sound more familiar from RENAISSANCE over which a breathy flute is dancing. At 1:20 there is a very CAMEL-esque shift to a mid-tempo 'controlled jazz' section. 2:15 acoustic guitar stums beneath fuzzy electric guitar, keyboard organ while bass and drums join in at a fairly quick pace as singer comes in singing in higher register than previous songs. Very "Lady Fantasy" feeling. 3:25 totally shifts to bucolic GENESIS section. Classic GENESIS transition stuff. Return to vocal with half the freneticism of the former section (sans acoustic guitar strumming). Another repeat of the slow instrumental transition to the fast strumming acoustic guitar section with singing to sudden end.

"Lost in a Dream Yell" (9/10) begins with rain sounds, a few single random notes from treated guitar with vocal being most prominent feature--the bareness of which really makes obvious the awkward foreign accent. So ELOY! Rain and piano with electric guitar arpeggios interplay irregularly behind vocal until 2:40 when guitar arpeggios are left alone for half a minute while rain fall sounds gradually fade and synth strings and mellow flute join in. Slowly from far in the background, military drumming patterns begin to emerge and move to foreground. All the while flute continues to lead with beautiful melody. Really awesome drumming to tune into--four minutes of it! Song ends with same pattern playing out.

"Dreadful Memories" (7/10) begins with an odd, almost spy-theme music led on a DICK DALE-like bass line over which haunting synth chords are washing in and out. Song ends with a weird cut out and echoed synth fade.

A very nice listen that would definitely be an excellent addition to any prog lover's music collection. Solid four stars.

Am I listening to Camel? Well, there's certainly enough here to deceive you that it is. Many a reviewer point that out and I agree. On the other hand I would like to express my view that besides the Camel- infused music there's enough originality to make this album a truly exciting, beautiful, enjoyable listen, or indeed listens. Asia Minor delivers in 1981 a collection of songs by all standards dated when released. It's certainly not in the time, it's by no means neo-prog. I'd classify it as late seventies symphonic in the vein of (guess who?) Camel circa "Nude". But sometimes dated means nothing when concerning the quality. Asia Minors "Between flesh..." is a fantastic journey through beuatiful symphonic prog of the best kind. Sweeping, dreamy and full of nice changes in tempo and mood. The last song is a short but excellent, abrupt ending to this masterful release. It's true that the singer has a voice of special qualities. I can't decide what I think about it. Is he good or simply not that good? Actually, I think his voice is a part of the whole picture. Still... Anyway, it's a great album and I truly recommend it!

Top notch second album named Between flesh and divine from this Turkish-France band Asia Minor issued in 1981, and what an album this is for that period, really this kick ass all the way from start to finish. Imagine you listen to Camel in their most inventive period with some turkish influences, overtones that in the end fits perfectly in the symphonic prog atmosphere. This is a solid album that sets the standards from generations to come, specially as one of the reviewers said tht Asia Minor is the missing link between the symphonic bands of the golden age and the upcoming neo-prog wave. Very well played instrumental passages, there are more then with voice so only a joy for me and for my ears. Truly great album with melancholical voice. Strong pieces, all, no weak moments here. A gem of an album that needs attention from all serious prog listners. 4 stars easy, a fine cover art that at close look seams like the map of european side of Turkey of course in drawing format. Very nice music like the visual content. recommended

Well I'll be damned!

Wow, just before the coming of 2013 I step upon this album, which to me from the exterior, seemed obscure but ultimately unattractive. Once again my poor judgement tricked me again, I discovered another treasure...that many discovered before me it seems!

Asia Minor is serving us a delicate album, with contrasts of nightly atmospheres to bright light to more tormented segments. I always thought 'darker' progressive rock is the best, with King Crimson in lead. Well, this band is giving us a good serve of 'dark' music but sprinkled with tasteful flute, energetic and clever drums, Robert Smith guitars and silky smooth keyboards...yummers!

The inevitable Camel comparison is audible, but the band is clearly showing it's true colors most of the time with their moody and eerie sound, a perfect album for a snowstorm. I frankly thought of Solaris with their Martian Chronicles as the first influence, but...wait! This record was made 3 years before Solaris! If you appreciate this band, check out for Singularity as their nowadays counterparts...oh and why not Eloy at the same time!

Oh little album, you maybe have an ugly exterior, but your heart is gold.

Contenders for best lost gems of all-time.

A group of Turkey with a turkish accent singer singing in English in 1980, does not seem very attractive. If we add that initially sounds like a good copy of Camel, better let go.

Big mistake! No one should lose these 34 glorious minutes in the history of our beloved progressive path. Between Flesh and Divine is a treasure that deserves to be unearthed.

Some bands have edited hours and hours of music, and do not reach the magnificence of this work impeccable, just over half an hour. I enjoy this cd for 15 years thanks to the reissue of Musea Records, unmissable.

Highlights? Everything, every song, every instrument. Voices not detract from this work, and flutes are outstanding.

Some years ago, I managed to get this album and it was an excellent buy. Asia Minor, a band from Turkey produced a magnificent album entitled Between Flesh and Divine, which style is pretty similar to the sound of Camel, even the voice of Setrak Bakirel resembles to Andrew Latimer. The album itself is a delight to hear, every song possesses a wonderful symphonic combination. I like the use of the flute in the songs, an instrument which remarks the beauty of the music. My favorite tracks in this album are Northern Lights, Dedicace and Lost in a Dream Yell, each one containing excellent musical arrangements. A must for every prof fan!

Lovely one from this unassuming Turkish foursome, rich in flavor and of complex ingredients, sincere to a fault, and pious in their intention to do credible symphonic rock as that of Renaissance or Genesis. The group is also branded as a Camel clone-- in sound maybe, but not content. There is more going on here, the material has a greater concentration, as if the band knew they'd only have a couple records to say what they wanted to. It is, in a sense, Romantic Prog.

The main influences here are guys like Ravel, Vivaldi, Copland, as evident in lilting 'Nightwind' and pastoral eight-minute 'Northern Lights' layered with flutes & keys, the piece moving into harder territory and significant progression, expansion and development. Somewhat flat 'Boundless' is not helped by the tortured vocal, but decent arena-rocker 'Dedicace' reflects a dying era of rock/fusion in 1980, weird 'Lost in a Dream Yell' is unsettled and directionless but in a very Syd Barrett kind of way and probably too long at over seven minutes, and fun Surf/Psych 'Dreadful Memories' provides some needed relief.

A brilliant try at one of the most difficult modi operandi to compete in, and a fine record of lush symphonic rock executed with care.

Asia Minor is a unique band. It is a small one, not widely known, and this one feels so? I would have said mine, but it is not right. And yet, there is something in their music that is closer to me that many other bands. Perhaps it is the middle-eastern sound, or perhaps it's the way I found them, going through long lists in dark hours, when I had the time, when I was younger than today. But this band, and especially this album, is one of those that shaped me, that made me what and who I am.

If I had to describe their music, it will be a combination of Genesis, Camel and early King Crimson, with the addition of some middle-eastern influences and a great rhythm section. The music is complex, but not too much, feeling a little bit like the connection, the missing link, between Mirage and Moonmadness to Marillion's Jester.

Nightwind opens with a great bass-drums line, accompanied a little bit later by a very nice guitar and keyboards duet. 44 seconds and it starts to change, adding some great solos by the guitars, keyboards and an amazing flute. 1:48 and we're changing again, and around the 2 minutes mark words enter. The song becomes much slower, much calmer. The bridges between the verses are made by some amazing flute lines. 3:40 and we're changing again, getting into shape, moving rhythmically forward. Very Camelish transitions. 4:46 and we're changing again, getting back to a slower pace, moving towards the ending section. It feels grandiose, but so right. The guitars take the lead in this section, and it is just amazing.

Northern Lights opens with some ethereal keyboards, a little bit pastoral, a little bit spacey. Flute enters at 39 seconds. A soft fingerstyle guitar accompanies it all. 2:08 and all is changing, a new musical world enters. Electric Guitars take us through a new journey. And yet, I always feel during those moments the real star is the drummer, who is just mind-blowingly amazing. 3:43 and we're changing to a lot softer section, with vocals entering around the 4:35 mark. 5:14 a guitar-based bridge, and then the vocals return 20 seconds later. A nice guitar solo takes us to the end, playing over a little fingerstyle riff.

Boundless then starts, a short ballad. A little bit simple, yet so very beautiful. Unlike the rest of the songs in here, this one is very classic-rock in terms of structure, with a verse-chorus thing, and a long middle 8 as an outro.

Dedicace, on the other hand, reminds me a little bit of Ashes are Burning in terms of the bass line, but just a little. The flute, though, is unique and amazing. It goes all rock-y at around 1:15, with the drums yet again amazing. 1:54 and we're changing again, transitioning towards a different rock-ish sound. And at 2:48 vocals enter, and they're sung like their on fire. It reminds a little bit of Lady Fantasy. 3:22 and we're changing again, going to a more gentle sound, before picking a different pace at around 3:52. The guitar riff beneath the vocals is no less than brilliant. 5:03 and we're picking the pace again, back to the rock-ish sound, back to the Lady Fantasy like sound. Then it almost too abruptly ends, at around 5:58, leaving us with a lone Hammond note.

Lost in a Dream Yell is so ethereal, starting with some stormy SFX and then going slowly towards strong (but not heavy) notes by the bass accompanied by a great electric guitar lead and a nice keyboards arpeggio. The drums are just precise, making the sounds just when needed, with no beat to waste. 2:20 gives us a new spacey line, before going almost silence for a few seconds. The stage is cleared for the SFX and fingerstyle guitar, only to serve as a background to an amazing flute solo. The drums are soft, and a little bit march-ial. Different instruments share the stage with the flute, each time a different one taking the stage for a few phrases.

Dreadful Memories opens a little bit like the soundtrack for a James Bond movie (or at least, that's what it reminds to me), picking a nice pace before keyboards join around the 49 seconds mark. It's a little bit repetitive, a little bit "not-going-to- anywhere", but after all those great composing achievements, it's nice to get something simple for a change. It is not a great track by itself, but it is the perfect fit for this album.

And so the album ends- perfectly, but way too short. So, is this album an essential addition? I don't think so, but one can't wrong go wrong with this album though. So? 4 stars and a half, rounded down for being non-essential.

"Between Flesh And Divine" is the 2nd full-length studio album by Turkish/French progressive rock act Asia Minor. The album was released through W.A.M. (the band's own label) in 1980, but it has since seen a couple of reissues, among others through Musea Records. Asia Minor was a relatively short lived act who only released two full- length studio albums before calling it quits (this album and "Crossing The Line" from 1979).

Stylistically the music on "Between Flesh And Divine" is predominantly instrumental progressive rock with the occasional vocal part. They often sound very similar to early- to mid 70s Camel. Sedated dreamy vocals, light fusion oriented drumming, flute, guitars, bass, and keyboards. Asia Minor are generally very well playing, and it's one of their greatest strengths when their music occasionally enters a territory tread by others before them. In other words they are not the most original sounding act out there, but they compensate well by delivering their music with great skill and passion. The material is well composed too, and Asia Minor are clearly very skilled musicians and composers.

"Between Flesh And Divine" features a very well sounding production, which reeks organic warmth. Asia Minor definitely still lived in the 70s on this release without a thought or a care of the digital sounds of the 80s.

Upon conclusion "Between Flesh And Divine" is on most parameters a high quality progressive rock release featuring high level musicianship, a great organic sounding production, and well composed material. Asia Minor's downfall was most likely releasing progressive rock albums in the late 70s/early 80s, and the fact that they don't sound particularly original. The latter affects my rating slightly, but especially fans of Camel's early- to mid 70s releases are recommended to give "Between Flesh And Divine" a listen. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

Second album from Asia Minor, released in 1980, more known than 1979's Crossing The Line, and more advanced. Released in such a time that prog was in descent, it's quite brave and quickly gets high titles. Unfortunately, few people know this, even fewer in Turkey. Fortunately, it was reissued in 2016.

"Nightwind" opens with bass and as expected; guitar, synth and flute joins with a relatively fast rhythm. Good opening, then song relaxes with synchronized guitar and piano. Soon, flute and some guitar takes you away towards ending.

"Northern Lights" is only song that has different note scale than others. Opening with keyboard, then suddenly entering guitars, then again relaxing. Good usage of synth and flute.

"Boundless" is just 3 minutes, guitars dominate this with emotional lyrics.

"Dedicace" upstands with breathtaking flute, and helper guitars. Later on, keyboard starts to dominate.

"Lost in a Dream Yell" starts with rain effect. Strange, effect continues for 2-3 minutes with playing music. Then song closes with a flute solo.

"Dreadful Memories" is the end of album, fast, and a show of bass and keyboards. A fade-out effect is present at the ending.

Conclusion: Excellent melodies everywhere, with carefully processed (sometimes two instruments together) solos and good lyrics (no Turkish here). Organ-effect keyboard is another bonus for me. Highly recommended masterpiece even for non prog listeners. 8.7/10

Like a better Neo-prog: 8/10

Emotive, atmospheric, melancholic, delicate, but also technical and well performed, ASIA MINOR's 1980 release plays a mellow homage to the 70s prog rock with their lush symphonic style. The band is heavily influenced by CAMEL, as observable by the long instrumental passages heavily reliant on the flutes and powerful Moog drone-esque moments; and even by YES' CLOSE TO THE EDGE, as Northern Lights' intro, or better, post-intro, feels like an 80s re-read of A Solid Time of Change. Lionel Beltrami's drumming is akin to Bill Bruford's and Robert Kempler profound and melodic keyboards manage to border Pete Bardens' magic; two things which depict ASIA MINOR's competence. BETWEEN FLESH AND DIVINE don't sound like a 70s symphonic prog proper neither as 80s Neo-prog; it's an intermediary with elements from both (although the first is more prominent). Perhaps one of the last roars of the prog rock mammoth before it entered its slumber.

Three turkish men went to France to make very british music, diversity before it was mainstream I suppose. In reality Setrak Bakirel and Eril Tekeli were international students back in the seventies and settled in Paris where they formed a band aptly titeled Asia Minor together with fellow turk Lionel Beltrami. Recording at a time when progressive rock was long out of fashion, they initially released two albums in 1979 and 1980 respectively.

For this, their second album, they were assisted by keyboardist and bass player Robert Kempler who makes his appearance very obvious with a dominant bass part on the opening 'Nightwind' before Beltrami's busy drumming join in, all in wonderful seven time. The rather rocking beginning then segues into a softer acoustic part, dominated by Tekeli's very asian sounding flute which he playes throughout the album. Bakirel does all the vocals with surprising little accent in a subdued manner not dissimilar to Andy Latimer. In fact if you want to make a comparison, Camel's very melodic style is an obvious influence although Asia Minor is more arabic and quite a bit more heavy in parts. 'Nightwinds' ends with a wonderful guitar part supplemented by Kemper's mellotron (you can hear in in the video).

'Northern Lights' is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. It starts with slow melodic keys and electric guitar underlined by atmospheric synths and a fragile flute all in 15/8. Then Beltrami takes lead again with some extraordinaire drumming that leads the mellow song into a dynamic interlude, further highlighted by a great guitar sound. The song then returns to its beginning before Bakirel starts to sing over a very majestic melody that carries the song to a beautiful end. The best song the band ever recorded, if you ask me. This highlights a very small problem I have with the album as I find it to be rather frontloaded with its two best songs right at the start overshadowing the still excellent second side a bit.

~ first published at 'audio.philip' on Instagram ~

ASIA MINOR was an unusual symphonic prog band that emerged in the 1970s Paris scene that was formed by two Turks and several French musicians and underwent numerous lineup changes before finally tackling the arduous task of releasing its own albums. Having found no support by management, record companies or even financial, the band was determined to make their passion for prog appear in the form of the vinyl record just to feel the sense of accomplishment if for no other reason. The band released its debut "Crossing The LIne" in 1979 and to the the member's amazement found a small audience in France as well as capturing the attention of enthusiastic prog stalwarts in Turkey. While the debut suffered a shoddy production and zero marketing, word of mouth allowed the band to continue for one more album.

The next album in line was BETWEEN FLESH AND DIVINE which offered a clever continued theme in the title that when taken together offered an uplifting message about spiritual ascension. Following from the playbook set on the debut, ASIA MINOR continued the Camel and Genesis inspired symphonic prog only took everything to the next level including adding keyboardist Robert Kempler to the lineup which also included Setrak Bakirel (lead vocals, guitar, bass), Eril Tekeli (flute, guitars, bass) and drummer Lionel Beltrami. Having gained a marginal cult following with the debut, BETWEEN FLESH AND DIVINE found a much more enthusiastic reception as it was the perfect album to appear between the waning symphonic prog 70s and the upcoming 80s neo-prog revival that would soon take England by storm.

This time around the Camel and Genesis aspects are completely in tact but also on board are more angular guitar workouts in the vein of King Crimson, flute performances reminiscent of Jethro Tull all topped off with some Keith Emerson inspired keyboard workouts. There are also many musical outbursts that are straight of the Yes playbook. ASIA MINOR developed a much more accomplished sound with this sophomore release and seemed to completely ignore any current trends that were sweeping the world's music scene including punk rock, new wave and electronic music. ASIA MINOR was clearly smitten with the early 70s and delivered two albums that easily could've found themselves side by side with French classic acts such as Ange. The biggest leap in quality was clearly generated by the musicians themselves. While the debut was a little lackadaisical and unsure of itself, on album #2, ASIA MINOR was ready for prime time and played their music with gusto. The addition of Kempler and his virtuosic keyboard skilled obviously upped the other member's game plan manyfold.

The album only featured six tracks but clocked in at 34 minutes. No sprawling prog behemoths to be found but rather succinct uncrushed tracks that ranged from 3 to nearly 8 minutes in length. A placid and dreamy affair, BETWEEN FLESH AND DIVINE also displayed moments of guitar heft and the true rock spirit as well as hairpin turns in musical motifs as well as sprinklings of angularity. For the most part the atmospheric lushness dominates but the diverse elements that punctuate the album's run offer the much needed spice that the debut sorely missed. The band also added flavors from the Turkish homeland which gave the album a bit more exotic flair as compared to purely British bands. The compositions themselves are the strongest trump cards on the album through with sophisticated developments that are deftly delivered with excellent instrumental interplay and sudden changes in dynamics. The diverse roster of varying cadences added even more continuity to the greater complexities unleashed.

While many consider BETWEEN FLESH AND DIVINE to be the band's masterpiece and it clearly is ASIA MINOR's most accomplished effort, the one nagging problem i find with this album and ASIA MINOR in general is Setrak Bakirel's lackluster vocal style as he just didn't deliver a dynamic enough vocal performance to match the music's high value octane. While he certainly gets the job done and i don't find him unpleasant in any particular way, it really boils down to his inability to adapt his vocal style to the music and add that extra contrapuntal element that a gifted vocalist should instill into the musical flow. I always find myself wishing that an Italian prog singer such as Le Orme's Aldo Tagliapietra would've taken on the vocal duties to add more emotional delivery whether it be in English, Italian, Turkish or gibberish. Overall i can't fault the album for vocals that don't quite get my juices flowing but it certainly keeps me from enjoying it on a level where i want to return more often. I really only pull this one out after many years of forgetting about it. For me not the masterpiece everyone makes it out to be but there is no doubt it's an excellent addition to any lovers of classic symphonic prog.

It's a pity that this record hasn't gained the status of monumental albums released by prog monsters like Genesis, King Crimson, Camel, Jethro Tull, you name it. There are no solos neither on the guitar nor keyboards. The singer delivers the lyrics in an almost speak-like manner and he could hardly claim a place among the best singers. But the thing is that the vocals fit SO well with the atmosphere of the music which according to my listens is quite close to Camel (probably due to the flute lines that recall Andy Latimer). Clearly the band aimed for songwriting, melodies and atmosphere. Some tracks are pure gems in the progressive rock music, like Nightwind and Northen Lights, whereas Boundless and Dedicace fall a bit behind, but only just. Every time I spin this vinyl I am truly overwhelmed by its atmosphere. Fans of Camel-and not only- should check this out.