I will be performing a solo set at Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, MI on Wednesday, July 8th at 6pm. See you there!
Jul 1, 2026
Introduction
Jason Blake is a Chicago-based Warr guitarist who blends progressive rock, jazz fusion, and cinematic composition into richly layered instrumental music. Hailed as "one of the most distinguished technicians on the Warr" (Betreutes Proggen) and "a master of his craft" (Rock Times), Blake performs on the twelve-string Warr guitar, an instrument that combines the range of guitar and bass, allowing him to create the depth and complexity of a full ensemble from a single instrument. He is a member of the progressive rock trio Aziola Cry, whose 2026 album Dysphoria Ritual (7D Media) was praised as "another masterclass in instrumental storytelling" (Sonic Perspectives) and "absolutely killer" by Anil Prasad. Blake also performs as a solo artist and with drummer Brandon White, appearing regularly throughout the Midwest. He has performed at ProgStock and ProgDay and has opened for The Aristocrats, Alex Skolnick Trio, and Travis Larson. His latest release, A Confusion Sequence, was described by Lots of Muzik as "a collection that further cements his reputation as one of modern progressive music's most innovative voices."
Latest News
Jun 10, 2026
Prog Dog Review
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Dean Wolfe as part of his Prog Dog Podcast (now available). Dean also runs a Prog Dog blog where he has reviewed the new Aziola Cry album.
“The Album Dysphoria Ritual…
Jun 6, 2026
Anil Prasad (Innerviews) Review
“Aziola Cry’s new album Dysphoria Ritual is absolutely killer. It’s a band that thrives on tension, momentum, and surprise. The Chicago progressive instrumental trio packs an impressive amount of detail into its compositions, all while the album unfolds with a…
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Jun 1, 2026
Profil Review
“Technically brilliant, the album is perhaps most remarkable for its expressive power and its ability to make the listener feel uncomfortable and constantly on edge.” Read the full review at profil Aziola Cry Dysphoria Ritual
May 28, 2026
Nine Circles Profile
Check out the new Nine Circles profile where I was asked about Aziola Cry and music in general. Read the full article at https://ninecircles.co/2026/05/27/profile-progressive-rock-trio-aziola-cry/
May 20, 2026
Prog Dog Interview
Watch the new interview!
May 18, 2026
The Progspace Review
“Dysphoria Ritual” showcases subtle complexity and accomplished songwriting innovation within a warm, clear production. An instrumental highlight without a doubt!
Read the full review at https://theprogspace.com/album_releases/week-17-2026/
May 13, 2026
New and Notable
Dysphoria Ritual is featured as “New and Notable” on the homepage of Bandcamp.
May 4, 2026
Music in Widescreen Interview
Last night, I appeared along with Tommy on the Music in Widescreen program. Listen to the archived show at https://musicinwidescreen.com/2026/05/04/episode-1140-aziola-dysphoria-ritual/
Apr 27, 2026
Sonic Perspectives Review
Dysphoria Ritual is another masterclass in instrumental storytelling from Aziola Cry, one that communicates unease and complexity without uttering a single word. This one is strictly for the deep-end dwellers, but those willing to take the plunge will find…
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Apr 23, 2026
…And Justice For Art
Read my interview with …And Justice For Art to learn about how the artwork came together and more.
www.andjusticeforart.com/2026/04/album-cover-story-aziola-crys-dysphoria.html?m=1
Apr 21, 2026
Echoes and Dust Review
“These compositions within the six tracks that is on here, blend in their maturity and distinctive voices throughout their arrangements.”
Read the full review at: https://echoesanddust.com/2026/04/aziola-cry-dysphoria-ritual/
Apr 17, 2026
Dysphoria Ritual Out Today
Apr 16, 2026
Love Sugar Show Interview
I have a new interview up with Alex from Love Sugar Show where we talk about the new Aziola Cry album and the process of making it.
Apr 15, 2026
The ProgSpace Premiere
NEW ALBUM PREMIERE. Visit The Progspace for an exclusive premiere of the new Aziola Cry album out this Friday on 7d Media.
“When it came time to begin writing music for what became Dysphoria Ritual, I intentionally wanted more compact…
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Apr 14, 2026
The Chill Dude On A Couch Interview
Check out my latest interview. This time I return to speak with Hector at The Chill Dude On A Couch and speak about the new Aziola Cry album and more. Watch it now at
Apr 8, 2026
Progwereld Review
“Their blend of technical precision and dynamic structure establishes a distinct identity for the band…” Read the full review at https://www.progwereld.org/recensie/aziola-cry-dysphoria-ritual/
Apr 6, 2026
Prog Magazine Mention
Chicago prog trio Aziola Cry have announced that they will release their latest album, Dysphoria Ritual, on April 17 through 7d Media, the label founded by former King Crimson member Trey Gunn.
The band feature Warr guitarist Jason Blake, guitarist…
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Mar 26, 2026
“Denial Patterns” Premiere
AZIOLA CRY: Metal Injection Premieres “Denial Patterns” Video From Chicago Instrumental Progressive Trio; Fourth Album, Dysphoria Ritual, Nears April 17th Release On 7D Media
photo by Mike Louis
Metal Injection is hosting the exclusive video premiere for “Denial Patterns,” the…
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Mar 19, 2026
Iowa City
I will be returning to Iowa City along with my friends in Lateralus. I hope to see you at Wildwood for what will be a fun night!
Mar 15, 2026
New Website
Welcome to the new and improved jasonblakemusic.com website. I know that many people do not even visit the website of artists as much as their social media these days, but I still enjoy updating and maintaining this site. I hope…
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Feb 23, 2026
Pervassive Sameness Video
Aziola Cry has a new video out for "Pervasive Sameness”. Watch it now below:
Feb 19, 2026
Dysphoria Ritual
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…
Read moreShows
Latest Album
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, Read more
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.
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.