Dysphoria Ritual

February 19, 2026  /  Jason Blake

Chicago trio AZIOLA CRY unveils their incoming fourth album, Dysphoria Ritual, which is now confirmed for release this April through 7D Media, the label founded by former King Crimson member Trey Gunn.

AZIOLA CRY is an instrumental progressive rock trio featuring Warr guitarist Jason Blake, guitarist Mike Milaniak, and drummer Tommy Murray. 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 music has been praised as “extraordinary” and “something special,” showcasing a level of musicianship that is both cerebral and emotionally charged.

The band released their debut album, Ellipsis, in 2005, followed by Ghost Conversations in 2007. A nearly fourteen-year gap followed, but AZIOLA CRY returned in 2021 with their triumphant The Ironic Divide full-length, released on US progressive label The Laser’s Edge, earning 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.

AZIOLA CRY now returns with Dysphoria Ritual, a release that bandleader Jason Blake describes as their most ambitious and mature work to date. Dysphoria Ritual is the story of one person’s gradual retreat into isolation. What begins as instinctual behavior slowly descends into confinement, blurring the line between happiness and misery. Recorded and mixed by Steven Gillis at Transient Sound (Los Lobos, Naked Raygun) with additional recording by Amery Schmeisser at Gravel Road Recording, and mastered by Grammy Award–winning engineer Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound (The Eagles, Lamb Of God, Gojira), Dysphoria Ritual is complemented by artwork from renowned visual artist Travis Smith (King Diamond, Opeth, Riverside), further solidifying the band’s commitment to depth, detail, and artistic cohesion.

Dysphoria Ritual’s lead single, “Pervasive Sameness,” highlights the precision and diversity of the new record, and makes its debut through a video created by Fuman Studios. “This song was one of the first that I wrote for this album,” explains Blake. “It helped set the tone for how this album was going to sound. I wanted each song to have its own uniqueness while still sounding like us. This song also features one of my favorite solos by Mike.”

Watch AZIOLA CRY’s “Pervasive Sameness” video now at THIS LOCATION and stream the song HERE.

Fans of King Crimson, Tool, Liquid Tension Experiment, Haken, Derek Sherinian, Scale The Summit, Animals As Leaders, Intervals, and Stick Men should not miss AZIOLA CRY’s Dysphoria Ritual.

Dysphoria Ritual will be released on CD and digital platforms through 7D Media on April 17th. Find preorders HERE.

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tags / #warrguitar, #aziolacry, #progressiverock, #newalbum, #dysphoriaritual

2026

January 03, 2026  /  Jason Blake

From Jason:

With 2025 behind us, I’m excited for the year ahead and what it will bring. Last year my main focus was playing as much as possible. I performed over thirty shows across seven states and met so many great people along the way. In between, I released several singles that had been recorded the year prior, including “Almost Entirely Forgotten” with Marco Minnemann, a few cover songs, and a short EP titled Infinite Fade. Releasing this music felt important—it marked the closing of a chapter and helped clear space for what’s coming next.

Over the past year, my focus has begun to narrow, and that direction is starting to take shape.

First, I’ve been spending time revisiting and relearning Aziola Cry material. While it’s always lived somewhere in my subconscious, this music demands a deeper, more deliberate return to fully reconnect with all the nuances and odd moments I tend to write into it. This is in preparation for a new Aziola Cry album set for release early this year, along with plans for upcoming shows.

Second, alongside this, I’m beginning work on my next solo album. Still in the planning phase, this record represents a renewed focus and a significant creative effort. Basic demos are already recorded, with plans to spend the first half of 2026 assembling the intended contributions. I’m extremely excited about where this music is heading. Additionally, for the first time, I’m ahead of the curve with new Aziola Cry material, and I plan to begin recording it later this year.

Finally, I have new solo performances in the works and may release an ambient collaborative album that’s been quietly developing on and off over the last few years.

Wishing everyone a great year—hope to see you out there.

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RADIANT DUSK

November 17, 2023  /  Jason Blake

Jason has released a new solo Warr guitar album entitled, Radiant Dusk. The physical CD comes with the accompanying EP, Slightly Different Paths (a reworking of some of the songs to include drums). Both albums may be streamed everywhere. Buy the album or read the press release below:

https://jasonblake.bandcamp.com/music

https://thebandwagonusa.com/collections/jason-blake

https://www.earsplitcompound.com/jason-blake-radiant-dusk-and-slightly-different-paths-double-album-cd-from-chicago-based-instrumental-warr-guitarist-out-today/

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tags / #warrguitar, #solowarrguitar, #touchstyleguitar, #radiantdusk, #newalbum