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.
Dysphoria Ritual will be released on CD and digital platforms through 7D Media on April 17th. Find preorders HERE.
Additional videos and previews of the album will be posted shortly.
Dysphoria Ritual Track Listing:
- Denial Patterns
- Pervasive Sameness
- Ephemeral Joy
- The Delusion Complex
- Withdrawn And Alone
- Dysphoria Ritual
AZIOLA CRY:
Jason Blake – Warr guitar
Mike Milaniak – guitar
Tommy Murray – drums
For interviews and all coverage of AZIOLA CRY, please contact dave@earsplitcompound.com.
