A-Z was formed in 2020 by Mark Zonder, widely known for his work with Fates Warning and Warlord, with a concept rooted in accessibility and strong musical chemistry. The name—A-Z, shorthand for Alder through Zonder—symbolizes the creative core between Zonder and vocalist Ray Alder, another prominent Fates Warning alum. With the addition of Philip Bynoe on bass (known for his time with Steve Vai, Warlord, Ring Of Fire), Jimmy Waldo on keyboards (Alcatrazz, New England), Nick Van Dyk on guitars (Redemption), and Italian guitarist/producer Simone Mularoni (DGM), the band brings together decades of experience across hard rock, progressive metal, and AOR.
Their debut
self-titled release introduced a sound focused on melody, tight arrangements,
and musicianship with an ear toward accessibility. The group’s second release, "A2Z²,"
continues that mission, refining their approach while incorporating new
dimensions to their songwriting and production.
"A2Z²"
presents ten tracks shaped by detailed studio work and strong collaborative
dynamics. The music leans into a balance of hard rock edge and progressive
arrangement, with guitar-driven sections anchored by rhythmic clarity and
spacious keyboards. While grounded in a familiar structure, the album isn’t
bound to convention, often opening up into layered instrumental parts that
extend the songs’ scope.
Ray Alder adapts his approach throughout the album, trading his usual precision for more grit and force in several places. This gives certain songs a different tonal weight than expected, broadening the band’s vocal profile. Backing harmonies from Robbie Wyckoff and Linda Chase support that range and add depth to several tracks without overpowering them.
Nick Van Dyk provides the foundational guitar structure across the album, while Simone Mularoni takes charge of solos and textural details. His lead playing leans more atmospheric than virtuosic, often building layers with effects and subtle melodic phrasing. Bynoe expands his role beyond support, especially on “This Chaotic Symphony” and “Now I Walk Away,” where he plays fretless bass and cello. These moments don’t shift the album’s tone but do offer contrast within the flow of the tracklist.
Mark Zonder remains a consistent force behind the kit, providing a controlled but dynamic presence. His drumming remains precise without becoming showy, serving the momentum of each track rather than diverting it. Jimmy Waldo blends into the arrangements seamlessly. His keyboards create tone, atmosphere, and direction through transitions and choruses.
The album
opens with energy and maintains a steady pace without significant disruption.
Even the more introspective moments retain a forward movement. There’s no point
where the songs abandon structure in favor of indulgence, yet they leave room
for instrumental variation and subtle shifts in style. The production—handled
by Mularoni—is full and balanced, giving each instrument its space
without falling into compression or excess reverb.
The
writing, while often rooted in melodic hooks, does not fall into repetition.
The song structures remain tight, with just enough complexity to keep interest
across repeated listens. Guitar tones are rich but never overly distorted, and
the vocals are clear and steady throughout. Even the more forceful moments do
not overextend themselves.
There’s
cohesion to "A2Z²" that reflects the band’s experience. Each track
flows into the next with intent, keeping the overall runtime even and
well-paced. The band doesn’t aim for theatricality or grand climaxes but
focuses on movement, rhythm, and texture. The result is an album that offers
clarity, strength, and a wide range of sounds without forcing transitions or
relying on excess.
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