The sophomore album A2Z² from hard rock/prog-metal collective A-Z, released June 6, 2025, via Metal Blade Records, arrives with critical fanfare and deservedly so. Built around the core of Ray Alder (vocals) and Mark Zonder (drums), veterans of Fates Warning, it’s a record that showcases the band’s command of the genre and deep musical chemistry, flawless execution, and studio production that invites repeated listening. This is where powerful singing, virtuosic playing, and top-tier production intersect, and the result is a solid album of modern prog-metal sonics.
Ray Alder delivers a performance steeped in warmth, edge, and control. On “Nothing Is Over,” he unleashes a vocal tone that’s round and resonant, with sustained notes that cut just enough to give emotional urgency. His melodic accents keep the rhythmic phrasing alive, propelling the song’s dynamic flow. The backing harmonies are thick and well-voiced, especially in the chorus, giving the hook a classic arena-rock weight with a modern polish.
In contrast, “A Wordless Prison” reveals Alder’s interpretive depth. His voice nestles into the shifting textures, at first over subtle guitar and keyboard interplay, then soaring as the track builds into a heavier groove. The background vocals add dimension, weaving into the song’s emotional ascent.
Mark Zonder’s drumming is architectural and expressive. “Running in Place” opens with exciting double bass hits, setting a pulse that shifts naturally into half-time during the verses. His control over groove evolution is evident in the transitioning from drive to space and back again as the drums anchors the song’s three-part groove structure: active, open, and full. His interplay with bassist Philip Bynoe is particularly effective, with the bassline bubbling up in moments to share rhythmic leadership.
Guitarists Nick Van Dyk and Simone Mularoni shape each song with layered parts that alternate between support and spotlight. On “Fire Away,” guitar textures evolve across sections, from the ‘chug’ rhythms to the wah-wah-infused solo, which arcs elegantly across a half-time breakdown before the final cadential push. The duo’s interplay never feels indulgent, always serving the structure with clear melodic and rhythmic intent.
Jimmy Waldo’s keyboard work remains less front-facing but essential. His harmonic layers and synth pads, particularly in “A Wordless Prison” and “Running in Place,” fill the sonic space with ambient color and motion, enriching the harmonic dialogue without clouding the mix.
Across the album, A-Z demonstrates an impressive ability to shift between heavy and reflective moods without sacrificing cohesion. The players give each other space as instrumental breaks breathe, and verses simmer before choruses explode. Whether it’s the tempo shifts in “This Chaotic Symphony” or the sonic pacing in “Fire Away,” the band uses arrangement as a storytelling device, guiding the listener through peaks and valleys.
Produced, mixed, and mastered by Simone Mularoni, the album’s production is among its greatest strengths. The stereo field is well-managed, with no over-compression as the kick drums remain punchy, cymbals shimmer without masking guitars, and Alder’s vocals are always front-and-center without becoming overpowering.
On “Fire Away,” the clarity of each guitar layer, from distortion to wah-inflected leads, proves the depth of Mularoni’s mix. The low end, especially Bynoe’s bass, retains body and clarity, anchoring the ensemble while remaining rhythmically present.
Songs like “The Remedy” show off the band’s ability to make tricky meters and rhythmic modulations feel effortless. Instrumental breaks are virtuosic but tight. The guitar solos, while technically impressive, never overstay their welcome or distract from the song arc.
Mastering preserves dynamic range, allowing ballads like “A Wordless Prison” to evolve naturally while tracks like “Running in Place” maintain their punch on any sound system, from headphones to high-end studio monitors.
A2Z² isn’t just a follow-up—it’s a benchmark. Ray Alder’s vocals are emotionally detailed and structurally supportive. Zonder’s drums drive with purpose, and the entire band functions with cohesion and control. For progressive metal fans seeking inspiration in dynamic layering and performance clarity, A2Z² is a solid addition to the collection. That’s the short of it!
