2026

With 2025 behind us, I’m excited for the year ahead and what it will bring. Last year my main focus was playing as much as possible. I performed over thirty shows across seven states and met so many great people along the way. In between, I released several singles that had been recorded the year prior, including “Almost Entirely Forgotten” with Marco Minnemann, a few cover songs, and a short EP titled Infinite Fade. Releasing this music felt important—it marked the closing of a chapter and helped clear space for what’s coming next.

Over the past year, my focus has begun to narrow, and that direction is starting to take shape.

First, I’ve been spending time revisiting and relearning Aziola Cry material. While it’s always lived somewhere in my subconscious, this music demands a deeper, more deliberate return to fully reconnect with all the nuances and odd moments I tend to write into it. This is in preparation for a new Aziola Cry album set for release early this year, along with plans for upcoming shows.

Second, alongside this, I’m beginning work on my next solo album. Still in the planning phase, this record represents a renewed focus and a significant creative effort. Basic demos are already recorded, with plans to spend the first half of 2026 assembling the intended contributions. I’m extremely excited about where this music is heading. Additionally, for the first time, I’m ahead of the curve with new Aziola Cry material, and I plan to begin recording it later this year.

Finally, I have new solo performances in the works and may release an ambient collaborative album that’s been quietly developing on and off over the last few years.

Wishing everyone a great year—hope to see you out there.

Infinite Fade Out Today

My new EP is out today! Purchase it now at Infinite Fade | Jason Blake

I had the idea to create a story about the decline of a futuristic civilization. As I began composing the music for this album, I decided to have it follow in the format of a Greek tragedy. While the majority of the songs are technically solo pieces, I did use a Wazinator DropKick stompbox pedal to add a percussive element. For tracks six and seven, I included drums by my Aziola Cry bandmate, Tommy Murray. I wanted the entire album to build up to the conclusion of the story and so I decided to include drums on the final two songs. Of my solo releases, I would say that this closest resembles my writing for Aziola Cry.

Beyond the conceptual idea, the music was written with live performance in mind as each of the songs have been performed as part of my solo Warr Guitar shows. While I haven’t played the album in its entirety on stage yet, I do have plans of making this happen.

https://www.earsplitcompound.com/jason-blake-infinite-fade-ep-from-chicago-progressive-warr-guitarist-out-today-and-streaming-everywhere/

Pre-order Infinite Fade

I had the idea to create a story about the decline of a futuristic civilization. As I began composing the music for this album, I decided to have it follow in the format of a Greek tragedy. While the majority of the songs are technically solo pieces, I did use a Wazinator DropKick stompbox pedal to add a percussive element. For tracks six and seven, I included drums by my Aziola Cry bandmate, Tommy Murray. I wanted the entire album to build up to the conclusion of the story and so I decided to include drums on the final two songs. Of my solo releases, I would say that this closest resembles my writing for Aziola Cry.

Preorder the album here.

Into Decay

I have released a new single today featuring my Aziola Cry bandmate, Tommy Murray, on drums. This song comes from a new EP entitled Infinite Fade out October 17th. The single may be streamed now everywhere and the album is available for pre-order here. Read the press release here.

COV3RS

In between writing music for a new album, I decided to learn a few covers that have been inspirational to me on my journey to being a Warr Guitarist. Last month, I released my version of “Forty Six & 2” by Tool and today saw the release of a new single for “Tom Sawyer” by Rush. Out today exclusively on my Bandcamp page completes this fun project. COV3RS includes the two previously mentioned tracks along with King Crimson’s “Red”. I hope that you enjoy my takes on these classics.