Press Kit
“He once again confirms why he is one of the most distinguished technicians on the Warr.”
Biography
Jason Blake is a Warr guitarist from Chicago, Illinois. The Warr guitar is a twelve-string instrument incorporating the range of a guitar and bass. It is played by tapping the strings, a technique known as touchstyle guitar.
Blake plays with his band, Aziola Cry, a progressive metal trio consisting of Warr guitar, guitar, and drums. Their latest album, The Ironic Divide was released in 2021 on Sensory Records and was named “Instrumental Progressive Metal Album of the Year” by Sonic Perspectives.
As a solo artist, Blake releases music on Trey Gunn’s (King Crimson) 7d Media label. The instrumental progressive rock tour de force, Subsequent Ruins came out in 2023 to rave reviews. Accompanied by drummer Marco Minnemann, the album is a modern retelling of the Pied Piper with technology and specifically screens playing the lead role and features the Warr guitar as the sole melodic instrument. Their second release together, A Confusion Sequence took the idea of what these two musicians can do as a duo one step further. Released in November of 2024, the album has been called “a collection that further cements his reputation as one of modern progressive music’s most innovative voices.” This music works as the intended duo or in a solo setting with Blake employing distortion and other effects to fill out the electrified sound.
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Press
“A Confusion Sequence stands as a masterclass in progressive instrumental music, showcasing Jason Blake’s continued evolution as a composer and performer. His unique approach to the Warr Guitar, combined with Marco Minnemann’s extraordinary drumming, creates a sonic landscape that’s both technically impressive and emotionally engaging.”
“Jason Blake drives in his own lane and just keeps pumping out great and interesting music. ”
“Jason Blake is really a master of his craft.”
“Blake’s mastery of the Warr is evident, and his technical and compositional proficiency is matched only by his emotive playing.”
“Subsequent Ruins is a beautiful and powerful album. The grand mix of various styles are making Jason Blake emerge as an important figure in the creative metal prog world of 2023.”
“...engaging, unpredictable, instrumental exploration of an incredibly diverse sounding instrument delivered with impeccable precision.”
“Track by track, Subsequent Ruins is as top notch as its crystal ball, revealing the tragic consequences that Blake envisions. And where will he go next? We may never know.”
“...the finest melodic filigree, woven from heavy riffs, hypnotic grooves and crystalline lines.”
“Warr guitarist Jason Blake and drummer Marco Minnemann make a formidable duo on Subsequent Ruins. ”
“A true super duo of modern prog is at work here. Real listening pleasure for friends of such music.”
“...beautifully sculptured, wholly embodied, magnificently organic new album.”