– April sixteenth, 2025 –
A2Z² out on June sixth, 2025 on Steel Blade Data
First single and video “Nothing Is Over” out now!
Laborious 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 observe Mark Zonder and guitarist Nick Van Dyk (Redemption) wrote once they started engaged on A2Z² with vocalist Ray Alder. Music tendencies 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 Hearth/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 a giant refrain hook and plush vocals. Alder’s lyrics had been impressed by H.P. Lovecraft‘s brief story The Outsider.
Watch the video for “Nothing Is Over” HERE
The band often called A-Z started when Zonder began engaged on materials in early 2020 with a transparent imaginative and prescient for the band he wished to place collectively: “I used to be pondering beer commercials, automotive commercials and Cobra Kai. I wished a really accessible band that might attraction to the lots,” he says. The band’s identify – standing for Alder via Zonder – was a straightforward selection that might by no means pigeonhole the lineup’s sound. “What I preferred is that it didn’t restrict what somebody would consider the band,” says Zonder. “If we named the band Scary Serpent it could give a sure path and didn’t need individuals to prejudge us.”
The band members are legendarily prolific, which permits for a tremendous dynamic the place, as Zonder explains, “while you discover the suitable guys, you simply allow them to do no matter they need. Everyone’s a seasoned professional and all of the completely different components come collectively, make it what it’s. That dwell and recording expertise permits A-Z to instinctively understand how 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 completely different musically, and that’s the place the magic to me comes from, taking completely different influences and everyone doing what they do to create A-Z. We’re not 20-year-old youngsters. We’re on the level the place if you happen to’re gonna go, simply go huge. And that’s what we’ve accomplished on A2Z².“
A2Z² Tracklist:
01. Hearth Away (4:37)
02. Operating 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
