It's not easy being Asia, when you've the millstone of those early albums potentially sinking anything new. Whatever the band do these days will almost inevitably pale by comparison to those first three great records from the 1980s.

So, what do the quartet do? They ignore the past, pretend they're new to all of this and go their own way. The result is surprisingly impressive, a smoothly melodic ride that feels like a birth, or a rebirth. While 2008's Phoenix was something of a disappointment, mainly because the reunited original line-up didn't quite seem ready to record, this time they've got it totally right.

As soon as Steve Howe's muscular riffing kicks Finger On The Trigger into action, Omega grabs the attention and keeps up a mature, classy momentum. This no longer feels like four major talents trying to justify their existence, as was often the case on Phoenix. Now, they've a purpose and direction. One that grabs their great songwriting of old, and takes it in a direction inspired by the Moody Blues, ELO and Supertramp.

The arrangements are lush and bright, and John Wetton's emotive vocals are allowed to breathe, as Howe and keyboard player Geoff Downes complement each other. And let's not forget Wetton's bass playing, nor Carl Palmer's flexibility on drums, making this a rhythm section that doesn't so much drive as stretch out. Throughout, what's on offer are creative performances which are there to ensure the songs are given as much of the spotlight as possible. The band seem to delight in their new compositions, and with good reason. The likes of I Believe, Through My Veins, There Was A Time and Light The Way have lustrous choruses, accentuated by multiple harmonics. This is what Asia fans want, and are given in vast quantities.

Of course, like so many albums, there are too many songs here. Cutting three would make Omega even more striking. As it is, Listen Children and I Don't Wanna Lose You Now do stray too far into sentimentality.

Some may find the covert religious symbolism here a little too suffocating, and the lyrics can be occasionally trite and naive. But the overall impression is of a band who've finally got reasons to stay together. And there are enough strong, mature songs to suggest Asia are about to become a lot more than another nostalgia act, living off a reputation built so long ago.