Press Kit
BIOGRAPHY
AZIOLA CRY is a Chicago-based instrumental progressive rock trio featuring Jason Blake (Warr Guitar), Mike Milaniak (guitar), and Tommy Murray (drums). Known for blending technical precision with dynamic, composition-driven writing, the band has carved out a distinctive voice within the modern progressive music landscape.
Their previous release, The Ironic Divide, earned widespread critical praise, including Sonic Perspectives naming it Top Instrumental Progressive Metal Album of the Year. In support of the album, Aziola Cry performed alongside The Aristocrats and appeared at prominent festivals such as ProgDay and ProgStock.
The band now returns with Dysphoria Ritual, a release that bandleader Jason Blake describes as their most ambitious and mature work to date. Recorded by Steven Gillis and mastered by Grammy Award–winning engineer Ted Jensen, the album is complemented by artwork from renowned visual artist Travis Smith, further solidifying Aziola Cry’s commitment to depth, detail, and artistic cohesion.
AUDIO
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 17, 2026 ON 7D MEDIA
Recorded and mixed at Transient Sound by Steven Gillis | Mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound | Artwork by Travis Smith
Recorded at Transient Sound by Jim Siwek | Mixed at Transient Sound by Steven Gillis | Mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound | Artwork by Micka Klauck
VIDEO
PHOTOS
PRESS
“Their performance proves to be one of the highlights of the weekend.” - Prog Magazine
“The level of musicianship is off the charts, yet at the heart of it all are well constructed compositions.” - The Progressive Aspect
“I can confidently say that this is one of the best instrumental albums I have ever listened to in my life. Honestly, I cannot get enough of the music presented on this release. The sheer technicality, complexity and heaviness of it all blows my mind. Do not sleep on this album, you will regret it.” - CAVE DWELLER MUSIC
“Aziola Cry marks its revival with an expansive collection of heavy, rhythmically intricate compositions for the contemplative ear, darker and more mysterious than the usual prog-metal lying in your CD collection...” - SONIC PERSPECTIVES
“Powerful, bass-heavy riffs collide with jarring rhythms, weaving in and out of odd time signatures for an effect that’s as discomforting as it is soothing.” - METAL SUCKS
“One thing is for sure, you can’t fail to be impressed by the superb musicianship of this trio.” -THE PROGSPACE