*The following is a translation using translation software. I hope you can understand.*

 

Since their debut in 1988, Asturias has been pursuing new paths in progressive rock, adding different forms such as the chamber music arrangement "Acoustic Asturias" and the rock band arrangement "Electric Asturias". Yoh Ohyama, who continues to work in a variety of fields as a composer and multi-instrumentalist, has positioned this multi-track suite as his life's work and is extremely particular about it. Following the release of "Kakushi" and "Aurora" in two consecutive years from 2015, the final work of the trilogy is finally complete!

Asturias is celebrating its 30th anniversary since their debut this year. The work that holds the greatest significance in their career is "Jurei" from 2008. Although it is a well-constructed work, it is packed with unexpected ideas, and even now I feel a fresh emotion every time I listen to it. In an attempt to surpass "Jurei", they have worked on "Kakushi" (2015), "Aurora" (2016), and now "Tensho".
Comparing "Tree Spirit" with this trilogy, I feel that the albums are more focused on unity and have a more refined content. The main motif is used repeatedly, and all the parts have layered meanings as they build up to a climax. Asturias started out under the influence of Mike, but I think that with these three albums, I was able to establish my own methodology. This time, too, the composing process was quite difficult, but I think that the hard work was worth it and I was able to finish it as a magnificent suite that is worthy of completing the trilogy.
The theme of this work is "mountains." I have been bad at sports since I was young and have no confidence in my physical strength, but for some reason I have liked mountain climbing, steadily aiming for the summit. Although I could never climb them, I have a secret admiration for the extremely high mountains around the world (such as the Himalayas). The Himalayan mountains stand tall and inaccessible. This work incorporates the religious image of Tibet and the sacred mountain where gods gather as a total image, and is an attempt to express the "loneliness in extreme situations" that is also present in the previous two works through music.
The title "Across the Ridge to Heaven" was largely inspired by Mike's "Hergest Ridge".
Stepping on the endless "ridge", aiming for the summit, and finally "flying to the sky". There is an analogy of mountain climbing to life, but I would be happy if each listener would journey to the end of the suite in their own way and immerse themselves in the worldview.
Although this suite can be discussed as a single work, the CD is divided into 10 indexes. Below is an explanation of each part.

i Mountains Mountain of the Gods
In a silent space, after the sound of religious bells, Oki's chorus pours down from the sky. The image is of walking step by step along a ridge, aiming for the peak of a mountain towering in the distance. The violin plays a melody with an odd time signature, and the song develops in layers. A melancholy melody played by the flute concludes the song.
ii. Ritual
The piano and guitar riff plays a fine series of notes. The beat changes from one to the next as the song develops, and in the second half, percussion is added, creating a climax with the feel of an indigenous ritual. This is the first time that a flute player has been used in Asturias. Takahashi Kana's performance leaves a strong impression.
iii. Sky burial
In a complete change of pace, Hori-san's oboe plays the theme of "sky burial." This is a ritual in Tibetan Buddhism in which the body is sent to heaven, entrusting it to the birds flying in the sky. The sound expresses the soul that ends its life and returns to the mountain. Ueno sings solemnly at the end, and the song moves on to the next part. ⅳ　peak　stern ridge
The theme of the "Mountain of the Gods" is reproduced in a band arrangement, expressing the fierce and harsh nature. Human power is powerless in front of the steep walls. At the end, Kawagoe Yoshihiro's solo livens up the song and it comes to a close.
ⅴ　fly with the wind　flight
The violin plays the first theme in a quiet introduction, followed by a series of triplet-based themes. The highlight of the first half is the contrast between stillness and movement, with each instrument intertwining in a complex way and striving for greater heights step by step. At the end, the guitar melody flies into the sky, and the first part closes solemnly.
＜Part 2＞
ⅵ　empty sky　void
A land of complete silence. The moon floats in the sky just before dawn. A series of cool, clear sounds express a sense of loneliness. The sound of the cello resonates across the earth.
vii Dawn wind
The melancholy oboe melody gradually grows more intense with the dawn wind. In the second half, Tsutsui's recorder trio appears as usual. With the band backing him up, Hirata Satoshi's guitar solo soars into the sky, and the song comes to a close.
viii Watershed
An interlude with a clarinet theme. The fork in the road of water = a turning point in life. A gentle piano theme appears, and the suite moves towards its climax.
ix Ridge to heaven
The main theme appears, following a mysterious flute and chorus theme. This is the part where the woodwind instruments, which can be said to be a major feature of this work, play a major role. The flute, clarinet, and oboe intertwine with the violins, guitars, and band, and the song unfolds in a dizzying way. Oki's singing voice soars into the sky, concluding the suite's climax. ⅹ Holy Land After the melancholy theme of "Mountain of the Gods," the piano theme of "Watershed" is repeated. A guitar solo pours down from the heavens, signifying the arrival of the "Holy Land" after hardships. This finale was created with the hope of ending the trilogy with a sense of salvation.

After three and a half years, the trilogy is finally complete. It's a miracle considering it took five years to complete one album, "Tree Spirit." I'm over 50 years old and I set myself the goal of "I want to accomplish something," and I'm overwhelmed with emotion.

After this, Multias will take a break and aim to complete the new Eleas album next spring, but I think I'll take on the challenge again after that. I hope you'll be patient and wait for my next work.

July 8, 2018 Yoh Ohyama