If I’m still catching up on new tunes, then you get to as well. Ignoring the onslaught of new drops coming at the end of this week, we’re going to take a few minutes today to revisit an absolute gem from April – Chicago trio Aziola Cry and their new album Dysphoria Ritual. Out through 7D Media, an operation run by former King Crimson member Trey Gunn, the fourth album from the dark instrumental prog crew is their most impressive yet. The waiting between albums has always been worth it (more on that below) and this is no exception. The skill these musicians showcase is clear, and the energy and emotion they evoke is even better. So, give Jason Blake’s response to our questions below to get a better sense of this project, this release, the Warr Guitar, and so much more.

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

My first metal band formed in high school. We rehearsed four days a week and wrote a lot of original music. This band was very important in building my abilities as a player and songwriter. I was playing bass at this time. The whole band grew as musicians together so our songs progressively became better and more complex.

My parents were very supportive and even allowed us to rehearse in the basement for the first six months or so. It eventually became too much for them with all of the noise so we moved into a storage garage where we remained for years. While I wouldn’t say that my family loved the music we were playing, they were always very supportive of me playing music. I have a lot of fond memories of those days.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

I would describe Aziola Cry as instrumental progressive rock featuring Warr Guitar, guitar, and drums. There is a an emphasis on odd time signatures and heavy, dark riffs. I think that the title track from our last album, Dysphoria Ritual, best exemplifies the band. This song has everything that I just described while showing how I use the Warr Guitar to shape our songs and differentiate them from other bands.

Is there anything about your latest album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

Aziola Cry albums tend to take a long time. For me, it is a different type of writing that I do for this band versus my solo stuff. This compositional process takes time and focus. The same thing occurs when I hand over demos to the guys. They like to sit with the material for a while before committing to anything. The other thing about us is that we are all spread out around the Chicagoland area so getting together isn’t always easy. Sometimes planning things as simple as a band photo shoot can become a logistical nightmare.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

Honestly, nothing comes to mind. I am a perfectionist and over-thinker. Every aspect of the band is so planned out well in advance which tends to not leave room for any potential Spinal Tap moments.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

I have always loved how the metal community supports one another and how it is somewhat of a close knit group. For the most part, bands are also very supportive of their peers. From a musician standpoint, I love how people are really pushing the possibilities of their instruments. There are so many great players out there that I am in awe of on both a local and international level. It seems like almost everyday that I encounter someone new doing something amazing and inspiring.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

For this band, I typically explore darker themes in life. Usually, our albums begin with a thought or question that I have about a segment of society. This leads to researching the topic and gaining an understanding or answer to the question. This ultimately leads to the overall concept and titles for our albums. I like exploring these sorts of vague ideas far more than being specific about issues or causes.

Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and visiting breweries along the way. In the Chicagoland area and Midwest for that matter, we have a bunch. I like to take little excursions visiting new breweries and sightseeing as well.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

I appreciate any outlet that puts a spotlight on musicians. There are so many talented people out there that deserve to be heard by a wider audience. Helping these artists get discovered by more people would be great.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

On a personal note, I want to continue to grow on the Warr Guitar. Since I play a unique instrument, I want to help push the boundaries of what it can do. Once I began playing solo Warr Guitar shows, I became obsessed with this idea. I spend a lot of time playing and exploring new approaches.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

I really don’t listen to music as much as I would like. I feel like the only time I have to listen these days is right before bed and I typically only get a song or two into an album before falling asleep.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

The band are currently in discussions for what is next. We have had a few setbacks in terms of playing shows, but we are looking towards the future to see were we go from here.

Summarize your band in one word.

Does darkinstrumentalprog count as one word?

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Many thanks to Jason and Aziola Cry for the time!

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Dysphoria Ritual is out now through 7D Media. For more information on Aziola Cry, head over to their website.