THE IRONIC DIVIDE

AZIOLA CRY are a trio out of Chicago and this is their third release "The Ironic Divide" from 2021. I was so excited when this band was added to this site back in 2010 I think it was because I already owned their debut "Ellipsis" from 2005 and eventually got their 2007 EP called "Ghost Conversations". They mention TOOL and KING CRIMSON as influences and that still holds true as their sound hasn't changed much at all. Maybe it's the subject matter but this album does seem weightier and darker. It's all instrumental but it's a concept about a bad man's final descent. I honestly thought it was about the covid/vaccines because in the past here in Canada when things get tough it brings us closer together. It's that ironic divide that's going on all over the world that is surprising but understandable.

Notice all three of their album covers are dark. Each release has had a different drummer on it but the guitarist Mike Milaniak and warr guitar player and composer Jason Blake are the two constants. By the way on the first two records Jason played grand stick and stick bass but on this record it's a 12 string warr guitar, and there are bass strings on it as well so that's pretty cool. These guys have played in concerts with FAR CORNER, DON CABALLERO, TILES and others of course. This is heavy music man. Four songs worth almost 50 minutes and you will take a beating listening to this guaranteed. I spun the other two on the weekend for comparisons sake and yup same sounding band but I do feel this is a little heavier, more metallic and a little darker.

So many amazing moments as these guys can play and we get plenty of complexity on display. Hard to pick a favourite as the album comes across as being one long piece in it's attitude and sound. The title track at over 21 minutes would be my default choice for the drum work, changes in tempo and mood. So much depth but the drumming for me really stands out on this one. Awesome track! I'm not going to describe the music other than that, I would be repeating myself a lot.

This is my music though and it's been an absolute pleasure to spend some time with this cd. Fourteen years since their last release and they haven't missed a beat. A very solid 4 stars for this daunting album.