Artist: Aziola Cry Album: Ellipsis (2006) Label: Translation Music Website: Reviewer: Bill Knispel

Track List: 1. Ellipsis I 2. The Trembling Edge 3. In Your Dissolving Arms 4. Ellipsis II 5. Shadow Lies 6. When Soft Voices Die 7. Then Wake To Weep 8. Ellipsis III Aziola Cry is an instrumental trio from Chicago consisting of Chapman Stick, guitar, and drums. Their music is dark, unrelenting and complex, drawing as strongly from first generation progressive artists (such as King Crimson) as from today’s practitioners (Tool). Formed in 2004, over a year of writing and wood shedding resulted in Ellipsis, a thematic eight-song album telling a story of loss and inner turmoil. Jason Blake shows masterful skill on the Grand Stick, utilising the instrument’s full range of timbre to add richness to the band’s 3-piece sound. Mike Milianiak seems heavily influenced by players such as Robert Fripp and Steve Hackett; while he is first and foremost a metal player here, he shows a penchant for nimble single note playing and an ear for tone that are very similar to those guitarists. That influence moves him above more traditional metal guitarists. Finally, Jim Boyle’s drumming is never staid or boring. He plays with extreme precision, doesn’t waste space or play fills where they aren’t necessary, yet also has a raw energy and controlled abandon that keeps the music driving forward into the darkness that it seems to seek out naturally. “When Soft Voices Die” is an unrelenting piece, reminding the listener strongly of Larks’ Tongues-era King Crimson. It’s unfiltered darkness, heavy without falling into parody. There’s plenty of intricate musical interplay here as well; these musicians are serious players, and they ply their trade here with equal parts finesse and shred. “Then Wake to Weep” is a wonderful example of the finesse side, a maudlin mood piece that serves as a lull before the final musical onslaught. The shred side is shown off on tracks like “Ellipsis III,” the album’s closing piece. It opens with a minimalist repeated Stick line, building to an almost industrial metal crescendo with militaristic trap drumming. The piece offers a great deal of angularity, with the guitar and bass interlocking in ways similar to the near-telepathy seen by Robert Fripp and Trey Gunn during their time working together. Additionally, the album’s artwork is fitting and evocative. Created by graphic artist Micka Klauk (additional examples of her art are available on the official Aziola Cry website), the moody chiaroscuro art helps to create a feeling of despair and mood well suited for the music held within. I can’t rave enough about this album. It’s not going to be for everyone; I think Ellipsis is the kind of album that will have fans of melodic progressive music scratching their heads wondering what the point was. Fans of the aforementioned influences (Tool, King Crimson, etc.), as well as fans of groups like Gordian Knot, will find this to be an addictive, enjoyable album. Jason Blake: Chapman Grand Stick, Stick Bass, programming Mike Milaniak: acoustic and electric guitar Jim Boyle: drums