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

 

Since their debut in 1988, Asturias has continued to pursue 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-player, has positioned this multi-track suite as his life's work and is thoroughly particular about it. Following 2008's "Jurei", which presented a new form of 21st century progressive rock with his own interpretation while following the worldview of early Mike Oldfield, and last year's "Kaku", the long-awaited new work is finally complete!

Asturias has been going for many years, and last year's "Kaku" was a new challenge for him, as he decided that the multi-track suite was the true path he should aim for in his activities as a professional musician. He continued working on this new work "Aurora" with the same momentum after the completion. I was surprised at how quickly Asturias, who usually spends several years preparing, was able to complete it without any problems after a year of concentrated work. Of course, composing two suites, 26 minutes and 24 minutes, is no easy task. I overcame the pain of birth and the fierce struggle with myself, and poured everything I could into them. I am proud to say that I have created a powerful work that is comparable to "Tree Spirit" and "Missing", without losing motivation for the production.

The theme this time is "The End of the World". For some reason, since I was young, I have had a strong desire to reach the "finest land" that humans cannot reach. However, I am not a wild adventurer, so I have only experienced a few short wanderings within Japan. This work is an attempt to embody the imaginary world of "the end of the world" that I have had since then in music. Geographically, the image is still north, around the North Pole. The northern end where there are no living things, let alone people, a silent and quiet land. I likened the feelings of awe at the sometimes raging nature, human powerlessness, loneliness, and trials to life, and constructed it as a work. I hope that each listener will be immersed in the worldview in their own way.

The Japanese title, "Aurora," was chosen from the suggestions submitted in response to a call for "prog-like titles with two kanji characters." I was worried about what Japanese title to give to the English title "At the Edge of the World," and I am grateful that you gave me a title that was perfect. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you.

This suite should be discussed as a single work, but on the CD it is divided into 10 indexes. Below is an explanation of each part.


i Atmosphere A world dominated by a tense atmosphere and an extreme sense of loneliness where nothing moves. The curtain opens quietly with the transparent sound of the clarinet, and various instruments blend together to create a sparkling development. The introduction, where stillness and movement intertwine to determine the image of the work.
ii Clouds A melodious part that evokes the image of drifting clouds, freed from tension. Healing music centered around acoustic instruments such as violins and oboes. It's a world with a vector of "coldness" rather than just "warmth".
ⅲ Wilderness
Travel and life have many aspects, both good and bad. The third song develops freely with band sounds, classical parts, and traditional parts with multiple recorders. The song ends with the melody of "Drifting Clouds," which wanders aimlessly through the endless wilderness.
ⅳ Abyss
The main theme of this work gradually builds up with repeated piano riffs and the addition of multiple choruses and percussion. The title expresses not only the eerie surface of the water in the silence and the feeling of awe towards nature, but also the various thoughts that invade the heart and the deep psychology of humans. The microphone guitar wails to the limit, and then it's on to the next song.
ⅴ Ordeal I likened life to a journey, and chose the title "Ordeal" to overcome the obstacles that come one after another. The final chapter of Part 1, played by a violin with hidden determination.

ⅵ Memories I was born in Tokyo, but soon moved to a housing complex in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, where I lived until I became an adult. A few years ago, I walked alone around my parents' house, which no longer exists. It was an ordinary-looking housing complex in the suburbs of Tokyo, but it brought back many memories and made my heart warm. This song was created based on the motif that came to mind at that time.
ⅶ brilliance Dawning Light A band sound with an odd time signature centered around piano riffs, close to the concept of Eleas. Satoshi Hirata's guitar solo adds a touch of elegance to the Spanish atmosphere. In the second half, the song changes again with a sense of salvation, as if the morning light is shining in, and moves on to the next part. viii Afterglow
A tranquil interlude mainly composed of strings. After a brief moment of silence, the sun sets and the earth enters night.
ix Edge of the World
A mysterious minimalist piano riff repeats, and night comes when Mother Nature bares her fangs. The image is of Akira Kurosawa's "Dersu Uzala."
Several themes that appeared in the album appear with different expressions, and organically combine and disperse as they move towards the climax.
x Intention
The song goes directly from the previous song to the final chapter. This song represents a certain point of arrival and height, likening the harsh journey to the end of the world to life. The variation of "Wilderness" is carried over to the final piano quartet, bringing the song to a grand finale.
To be honest, I often find myself wondering why he continues to create such anachronistic (?) progressive rock works. However, because this is a decision I have made of my own "will," I intend to continue creating as long as I have the mental and physical strength to do so. The concept for my next work has already been decided, and I have begun work on it. It is planned to be a trilogy following "Missing" and "Aurora." Please look forward to it! 

July 8, 2018 Yoh Ohyama