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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