Aziola Cry: Dysphoria Ritual

Chicago based trio Aziola Cry play hard hitting riff based instrumental progressive metal. Their latest album Dysphoria Ritual has a 90’s King Crimson influence in their music, and an atmosphere reminiscent of Riverside in spots. The band features Warr Guitarist Jason Blake, guitarist Mike Milaniak, and drummer Tommy Murray. The album is the story of one person’s gradual retreat into isolation, which the tone of the music conveys. The music is surprisingly devoid of soloing; the focus is on taking that riff and morphing it into different variations. “The Delusion Complex� features some melodic guitar soloing, one might expect shredding guitar, but it works.

With the bands style and approach, it’s hard to avoid the sameness that permeates Dysphoria Ritual. Yet, there are interesting variations, “Withdrawn and Alone� really captured my ear, that chimey guitar combined with the bass line underneath is much different than the tracks before it, and offered a needed change. The music is well executed but needs more variety for the songs to stand out. Adding additional atmospheres and soloing could take this music to the next level for the band.

Track Listing
1. Denial Patterns
2. Pervasive Sameness
3. Ephemeral Joy
4. The Delusion Complex
5. Withdrawn and Alone
6. Dysphoria Ritual

Added: April 11th 2026
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Aziola Cry @ bandcamp
Hits: 35
Language: english

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