AZIOLA CRY: “Hollow Reflections” From Chicago Instrumental Progressive Metal Trio Premiered At Sonic Perspectives; The Ironic Divide Nears March Release Via Sensory Records + Preorders Posted

February 18, 2021 Infrared Magazine Music News, News, Press Releases Comments Off

photo by Eric James Walsh

Chicago-based instrumental metal trio AZIOLA CRY is preparing to release their third album, The Ironic Divide, through progressive metal label Sensory Records in March. As the label issues preorders and more on the album, the first single has been issued through a premiere of “Hollow Reflections” which is now playing exclusively at Sonic Perspectives.

Formed by Mike Milaniak on guitar, Jason Blake on Warr guitar, and Tommy Murray on drums, AZIOLA CRY has performed with Behold… The Arctopus, Don Caballero, Tiles, Far Corner, and many others, while appearing at progressive rock festivals including M.A.R.S. Fest. The band released their debut album, Ellipsis, in 2005, followed by Ghost Conversations in 2007, after which they went wholly dormant, until now.

Closing a nearly fourteen-year gap between albums, AZIOLA CRY returns in 2021 with their third album, The Ironic Divide. Boasting the band’s heaviest and most intricate work yet, the forty-eight-minute album features four songs which tell the story of one person’s final descent. There are two types of people in this world. There are those who do good for others and make a positive contribution to society in some way. Then, there are those who do evil and hurt fellow humans. There is no rationale behind their behavior. They are cowards. This is their story.

Looking into a mirror, the protagonist begins to appear unrecognizable, as only a fragment of who they once were. The good that once existed is now fading and being replaced with hatred. This is the basis of The Ironic Divide’s “Hollow Reflections.” Jason Blake discloses, “Intended as a somewhat break in heaviness, this was the last song written for the album. I like to write dark and moody sections that allow Mike to solo over the top of them. The middle heavier part was intended to allow Tommy the freedom to experiment. I always felt that this song would make for a good first single and a nice introduction to the band due to its shorter length.” Reveals Mike Milaniak, “This song reminds me of a ghostly spirit outside a window, communicating to someone inside. The heavy part reminds me of a very militaristic march and the parading of weaponry.”

Listen to AZIOLA CRY’s “Hollow Reflections” early only at Sonic Perspectives at THIS LOCATION.

The Ironic Divide was recorded by Jim Siwek at Ultralownoise Studio and Transient Sound, mixed by Steven Gillis at Transient Sound, mastered by Ted Jansen at Sterling Sound (Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Gijora), and completed with artwork and design by Micka Klauck.

Laser’s Edge division Sensory Records will release The Ironic Divide on CD and digital platforms on March 26th. Find digital preorders at Bandcamp – the standard version HERE and the 24-bit hi-res version HERE – and physical preorders at the label webshop HERE.

Watch for new videos and more to be issued over the weeks ahead.