*The following is a translation using translation software. I hope you can understand.*
Starting as "Asturias" in 1987, and continuing with "Acoustic Asturias" in 2003 and "Electric Asturias" in 2009, they have explored new paths in progressive rock through three different forms. Now, "Electric Asturias (Eleas)," in its rock band configuration, is releasing its 5th album after a three-year hiatus. Maintaining their melodic and dramatic progressive rock world imbued with a sense of tragedy, the album's title, "Pentaquark," reflects their commitment to the number "5" and expresses their determination to challenge uncharted territory. The highlight, the suite "Five Elements," which exceeds 15 minutes, is a passionate work themed on the five elements, aiming for the ultimate immersive experience reminiscent of classic progressive rock masterpieces. A journey into another dimension unfolds on a grand scale. We hope you'll immerse yourself in the universal world of instrumental rock, brought to life by seven meticulously crafted songs and polished performances.
<Quantum Gravity>
This hard-hitting, thrilling rock instrumental was created as a signature track to represent the album. The technical and mechanical sound sequences may seem like a new frontier, but with its uplifting melody and dramatic development, I think it has become a song that is uniquely Eleas. We created "Quantum Gravity" with the image of a grand cosmic view from the micro to the macro, which is related to quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity, but what do you think? With energetic solos from each member and passionate performances, it has become a spectacular opening track that transcends dimensions.
<Cirm Sea>
Led by a guitar phrase reminiscent of Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," a violin refrain presents a serene worldview. As the calm surface of the sea begins to ripple and the restrained band performance joins in, it becomes a quiet, eleas-like world! The minimal interplay of piano and violin progresses steadily, then dynamically shifts from stillness to movement, and the middle section evokes images of ancient people setting sail on the open sea in search of the unknown (it reminds me of the view from the cabin at the "Cruise to the Edge" festival I participated in).
<Slow Damage Suite>
I've combined three tracks from the background music I created for the game "Slow Damage" several years ago into a suite and rearranged them for Eleas. Each track is a separate, independent piece, and this is a challenging attempt to see if I can create a new world by connecting them. It's divided into three parts: Manipulation, Impulse, and Determination, and I've respectfully incorporated some dark scenes from classic progressive rock masterpieces.
<Mana's Dance>
This piano-featured track was created as background music for the game "BAR Stella Abyss," and is characterized by its stylish atmosphere unlike anything we've done before. While using jazzy tones and chord progressions, we focused on the floating feeling unique to Asturias, and we hope you'll appreciate this new attempt. The jazzy guitar and piano solos are a must-listen.
<Beyond the Dawn>
This is a song we've been wanting to add to Eleas' repertoire for a long time, with its passionate and catchy melody driven by the violin. Featuring solos from each member, it has become a staple song for getting the crowd going at our recent live performances. The title was chosen unanimously by the members after we solicited song suggestions through a survey. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who suggested it <(_ _)>.
<Five Elements>
The previous work, "Fourth Dimension," a suite exceeding 20 minutes in length, was structured like a symphony, divided into four movements, each with its own meaning and development. However, it was essentially a suite consisting of four independent pieces connected together. This time, the goal was to create something that, even though it was long, had a greater sense of unity as "a single piece of music." After much trial and error, although various parts are combined, the structure—introduction, presentation of the theme, development, reprise of the introduction, lyrical middle section, development…—is not clearly divided into parts, resulting in a 15-minute piece that becomes a single work.
The title is "Five Elements," emphasizing the number "5." In the 2nd album, "Elementals," I created a suite themed on the four spirits and the four elements (fire, wind, water, and earth), but this time, I aimed to express the five elements by adding "sky." A grand musical tapestry (?!) unfolds, showing various expressions of the five elements that make up the natural world. I think you'll enjoy it more if you listen while imagining which of the five elements corresponds to which part.
Also, I'm using irregular time signatures in the "5" series as the basic rhythm. Even within the "5" series, I'm using various variations such as 10/4 time (4/4 time + 6/4 time), 10/8 time (5/8 time + 5/8 time), and 10/8 time (6/8 time + 4/8 time), so I hope you'll try counting each part (the lyrical middle and final parts are in 6/8 time).
This new suite evokes the vast universe expanding from microscopic elements to macroscopic levels, while still maintaining an easily understandable melody and dramatic development (finding that balance is difficult!). In today's Reiwa era, where people only listen to music through subscriptions and streaming services, and information is fast-forwarded and consumed, this piece resonates deeply. In this day and age, I want to pass on the wonderful culture of concentrating on music for 15 minutes to the next generation, and with the hope that this suite will leave a lasting impression on many people, I send it out into the world.
<Aerial City>
This song was created several years ago as a bright encore for live performances, but the previous album was unified by an extremely serious image, and we decided against including it because it felt a bit out of place. However, with this album, which has a cosmic expanse and a futuristic feel, we were finally able to include it as the closing track.
Aerial City—a city in the sky, a futuristic world where cars travel above the city—perhaps reminiscent of the world depicted by Shigeru Komatsuzaki, an artist I admired as a child. While it appears to be an orthodox song with an 8-beat chorus, we've incorporated various elements to make it a rare "bright Eleas song," such as the floating harmonies and the sense of speed soaring into the sky. We dedicate this song with a prayer for a brighter future for the world!
17 years since Eleas began! We will continue to pursue our music and move forward. Thank you for your continued support. September 19, 2026, Yoh Ohyama