– April sixteenth, 2025 –
A2Z² out on June sixth, 2025 on Steel Blade Data
First single and video “Nothing Is Over” out now!
Onerous rock band A-Z returns with their sophomore album ‘A2Z²‘ out on June sixth, 2025 by way of Steel Blade Data. Spearheaded by legendary drummer Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord) and together with former Fates Warning bandmate Ray Alder on vocals, ‘A2Z²‘ builds on the groundwork laid on the acclaimed 2022 self-titled debut album.
Picture credit score: Stephanie Cabral
The title “Nothing is Over” – the primary single from A2Z² – serves as a de facto assertion saying the quintet’s 10-song sophomore effort and musical M.O. It’s the preliminary monitor Mark Zonder and guitarist Nick Van Dyk (Redemption) wrote once they started engaged on A2Z² with vocalist Ray Alder. Music traits could also be ever-changing, however basic rock ‘n’ roll is certainly by no means over, and A-Z stays dedicated to heavy music that’s subtle however hooky and accessible.
Serving to obtain these aural targets are bassist Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai/Ring of Fireplace/Warlord), Italian guitarist Simone Mularoni (A2Z² mixing/mastering, DGM) and keyboard participant James Waldo (Alcatrazz/New England). “Nothing is Over” is heavier and deeper than what the band explored on their debut LP, with a bit extra prog taking part in, however nonetheless that includes an enormous refrain hook and plush vocals. Alder’s lyrics have been impressed by H.P. Lovecraft‘s brief story The Outsider.
Watch the video for “Nothing Is Over” HERE
The band generally known as A-Z started when Zonder began engaged on materials in early 2020 with a transparent imaginative and prescient for the band he needed to place collectively: “I used to be considering beer commercials, automobile commercials and Cobra Kai. I needed a really accessible band that will enchantment to the lots,” he says. The band’s identify – standing for Alder through Zonder – was a simple alternative that will by no means pigeonhole the lineup’s sound. “What I favored is that it didn’t restrict what somebody would consider the band,” says Zonder. “If we named the band Scary Serpent it might give a sure path and didn’t need folks to prejudge us.”
The band members are legendarily prolific, which permits for an incredible dynamic the place, as Zonder explains, “while you discover the best guys, you simply allow them to do no matter they need. Everyone’s a seasoned professional and all of the totally different substances come collectively, make it what it’s. That dwell and recording expertise permits A-Z to instinctively know the way to not step on one another musically.“
“We’re all in regards to the songs, the band, not what every of us does in it. It’s easy,” all of them agree. “It’s in regards to the music as an entire,” says Zonder, “I assure you everyone’s into one thing utterly totally different musically, and that’s the place the magic to me comes from, taking totally different influences and everyone doing what they do to create A-Z. We’re not 20-year-old children. We’re on the level the place if you happen to’re gonna go, simply go large. And that’s what we’ve accomplished on A2Z².“
A2Z² Tracklist:
01. Fireplace Away (4:37)
02. Working in Place (4:58)
03. Nothing Is Over (4:18)
04. A Wordless Jail (6:04)
05. Reaching Out (4:16)
06. The Treatment (5:06)
07. I Am Numb (4:03)
08. This Chaotic Symphony (5:10)
09. Studying to Fly (4:38)
10. Now I Stroll Away (5:39)
Pre-order A2Z² now at: metalblade.com/a-z
A-Z lineup:
Ray Alder – Lead and Backing Vocals
Philip Bynoe – Bass Guitar
Nick Van Dyk – Guitars
Simone Mularoni – Lead Guitars
Jimmy Waldo – Keyboards
Mark Zonder – Drums
A-Z on-line:
http://www.a-zband.com
https://www.fb.com/AthruZBand
https://twitter.com/AthruZBand
https://www.instagram.com/athruzband