Instrumental Prog Trio Aziola Cry premieres fourth album Dysphoria Ritual

Chicago progressive trio Aziola Cry presents their 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 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.

Mastermind Jason Blake shared the following thoughts about writing, recording and producing “Dysphoria Ritual”:

“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.”

Enjoy our exclusive advance album stream of “Dysphoria Ritual” right here and now:

“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.

Azioly Cry (Picture by Mike Louis)