Check out the Metal Injection premiere of my music video from the “Imaginary Cages” album. The video was filmed in an old boiler room by Chuck Deters.
Sonic Perspectives Premieres "Obscured Clarity"
Check out the premiere of “episode 2: Obscured Clarity” from my new album “Imaginary Cages”. Thank you Sonic Perspectives!
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/features/jason-blake-obscured-clarity/
Instrumental Progressive Metal Album of the Year
I am super excited about this one. Aziola Cry was chosen as the top instrumental progressive metal album of the year by Sonic Perspectives.
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/features/the-2021-favorite-progressive-metal-albums/
#28 on the GPRN Top 100 of 2021
Aziola Cry made #28 on the GPRN Top Prograsive Roxk albums of 2021!
Metal Sucks Premieres “Abstractions of Thought”
I am excited for everyone to see the premiere of episode 1: Abstractions of Thought from my new album “Imaginary Cages”. Thank you MetalSucks.net!
Press Release: https://www.earsplitcompound.com/jason-blake-metalsucks-premieres-first-video-episode-from-imaginary-cages-instrumental-solo-album-by-aziola-cry-warr-guitarist-nears-release-via-wayfarer-records-preorders-posted/
Galactic Travels Program
My song, “The Criterion of Guilt” from “Fictional Mirrors” was played on the January 20th NPR “Galactic Travels” show (WDIY 88.1): http://galactictravels.info/playlists/2022/220120.html
Episode Archive: https://m.mixcloud.com/galactictravels/gt2022-01-20nr1290/
Imaginary Cages
Coming...
Press release coming tomorrow. In the meantime, check out:
Warr Guitar Playthrough for "Premonitions"
In conjunction with the premiere of Aziola Cry’s playthrough video for “Premonitions,” I am releasing this Warr guitar only video. Filmed by Chuck Deters, the video was filmed using my Warr Raptor model.
Durf's Top 15 Albums of 2021 List
Aziola Cry made Durf’s (Brutalitopia) Top 15 Albums of 2021 List. Check it out! http://www.brutalitopia.com/2021/12/durfs-top-15-albums-of-2021.html?m=1
Invisible Oranges Interview
Check out my recent artist vs artist interview with Keven Berk on Invisible Oranges. I talk about Aziola Cry, the Warr guitar, and more. Also included is the premier of Aziola Cry’s playthrough video for “Premonitions” from “The Ironic Divide”.
Invisible Oranges Interview: https://www.invisibleoranges.com/aziola-cry-vs-apogetic/
“The Perfect Fallacy” on CD
I just received copies of my latest CD today. Originally planned as a digital only release, I decided to print them up in jackets and included new design by Hajo Müller. Go to the store link on the site to purchase. Thanks!
Warr Guitar vs Chapman Stick
I am often asked how the Warr Guitar differs from the Chapman Stick. There are similarities in that the tuning can be the same (BEADGC C#F#BEAD is what I use) and they are both played using the touch style method. I still own my original Stick (seen below with one of my Warr Guitars) so in looking at the two instruments, it becomes clear that there are similarities in the overall idea.
The differences lie in the body construction and electronics. The Warr has two jacks for the melody and bass sides while the Stick uses a stereo cable that may be used in stereo or mono output positions. The Warr guitar uses a guitar strap and can be moved to sit in the vertical position or a more horizontal position. The Stick clips onto your belt and uses the arm strap to stay secured in the vertical position. The Stick uses an assortment of pickups (I have an active Block pickup) designed by Stick Enterprises. The Warr guitars used to use Bartolini pickups (pictured on mine below), but now use custom pickups designed by Pete Hanewinckel, the builder.
Personally, I like the feel of having the guitar body there. I also feel like the Warr Guitar adds sustain that I do not get with the Stick. Having said that, the Stick is convenient as it fits in a nice thin bag and can be transported easily.
Reach out if you are considering purchasing one and I would be more that willing to offer more insight. Thanks.
Best of 2021 lists
Aziola Cry has been chosen as part of two best of 2021 lists. The first is the Rockstar Superhero Tastemaker Album List:
https://www.rockstarsuperhero.com/the-albums-that-changed-us-in-2021/
The second is the Sea of Tranquility: In the Progseat Best albums of 2021:
Video Recording
I spent the majority of today filming footage for a large scale video project that I have planned for my next release. News on this upcoming release coming soon…
Playlists
I have created a series of Spotify playlists featuring some of my favorite artists. The first two are entitled, “Ambient Guitar Collection” and “Ambient Darkness Collection.” Check them out on my Spotify page: https://open.spotify.com/user/9s0rp4buqrj04asp7e3nlwh75?si=g5JECs44QVOsVEcIbhYJVg
2021 Tastemaker Album List
I contributed to the Rockstar Superhero “2021 Tastemaker Album List” featuring the best albums of the year as picked by artists. Rockstar Superhero, IIVII, Weston Super Maim, Twelve Tone Studio, SINOPTIK, I Built The Sky and more.
https://www.rockstarsuperhero.com/the-albums-that-changed-us-in-2021/
Aziola Cry on "In the Prog Seat"
Aziola Cry was mentioned as part of the latest episode of “In the Prog Seat” on Sea of Tranquility. Thanks Luis!
Logo
Hajo Müller created the artwork for my next release (coming in February of 2022). As part of the cover art, he included a cool logo of sorts. We explored this idea further until it developed into what you see here. More on this as information about the next album becomes public.
“The Perfect Fallacy” CD
I originally wanted to try something new and release my latest album only in the digital format. Based on a number of requests for a physical copy of the music, I have decided to press a small number of CDs. Artwork was completed by Hajo Müller and should be arriving soon. Purchase information coming soon..