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/
News
Prog Dog Interview
Watch the new interview!
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/
New and Notable
Dysphoria Ritual is featured as “New and Notable” on the homepage of Bandcamp.
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/
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 one of the most intellectually rewarding progressive metal records in recent memory.
Read the full review: https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/aziola-cry-dysphoria-ritual/
…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
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/
Dysphoria Ritual Out Today
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.
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 songs by Aziola Cry standards. Our last album contained four long songs including a twenty-two minute epic, so my first goal was to try and say as much as possible, but within a constricted length. Next, I set out to push myself on the Warr Guitar and create music that was challenging not only for me but also for Mike and Tommy. The end result is music that I am excited for people to hear.”
https://theprogspace.com/aziola-cry-dysphoria-ritual-album-premiere
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
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/
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 Mike Milaniak, and drummer Tommy Murray, and are known for blending technical precision with dynamic, composition-driven writing.They released their debut album, Ellipsis, in 2005, followed by Ghost Conversations in 2007. They then returned nearly fourteen years later with The Ironic Divide in 2021.
Warr Guitarist Blake describes Dysphoria Ritual 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 behaviour slowly descends into confinement, blurring the line between happiness and misery."
Watch a video for Pervasive Sameness here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v8HeK6J4MY
Pre-order Dysphoria Ritual: https://7dmedia.com/aziola-cry-dr
📸 Mike Louis
“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 new single from Chicago progressive trio AZIOLA CRY. The song marks the latest preview of the band’s fourth album, Dysphoria Ritual, nearing release on 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.
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.
The new video infuses footage of the band’s captivating performance at ProgStock.
Jason Blake reveals, “’Denial Patterns’ was the first song that I wrote for the new album. I chose it as the lead track because I felt it connected most closely to our previous work. Thematically, it establishes the idea that something is wrong, but being ignored.”
AZIOLA CRY’s “Denial Patterns” video is now playing at Metal Injection RIGHT HERE.
Dysphoria Ritual will be released on CD and digital platforms through 7D Media on April 17th. Find preorders HERE, and watch the previously issued “Pervasive Sameness” video HERE.
photo by Gregory Rawrysz
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