Review | A-Z – A2Z2

Metal Blade Records

I started my review of A-Z’s debut album with: ,,I am a true Ray Alder fan as I think that he is truly one of the best prog metal/rock singers on this planet” and I was blown away by that album for sure! Now, three years later A-Z release their killer sophomore album, and it is even better than its predecessor! The most significant change on this new album is the “new” band line-up as A-Z now consists of Ray Alder (vocals), Mark Zonder (drums), Philip Bynoe (bass guitar), Simone Mularoni (guitars), Jimmy Waldo (keys) and Nick Van Dyk (guitars). Especially Redemption mastermind Nick Van Dyk’s addition is crucial here, as his excellent compositional skills have elevated the music of A-Z to an exceedingly high musical level!

NEW ALBUM

The new album kicks off with ,,Fire Away”, a very energetic and dynamic track, setting the tone for the entire record for sure! Follow up ,,Running In Place” features a great melody and  offers a more Fates Warning-like musical approach, so impressive indeed! ,,A Wordless Prison” is the first milestone song here, my personal fav as well. Featuring a killer bass guitar hook and some heavy metal-like guitar riffage, a 100% killer chorus and an impressive solo passage! ,,I Am Numb” is a true in your face track, a straightforward “rocker,” featuring the most addictive chorus of the entire album, which I cannot get out of my head for days now….

GOOSEBUMPS ALL OVER

,,This Chaotic Symphony”, the third longest track of the album, is another fav of mine as mister Alder steals the show here for sure, vocally this is a standout song for 100%. Man, this guy can sing a mean song for sure! This truly astonishing album ends with ,,Now I Walk Away”, a beautiful, almost melancholic power ballad, where Alder bleeds his heart out on, giving me goosebumps all over!

A-Z – THE CONCLUSION

Overall, this new A-Z album is extremely good, a true musical highlight of 2025 and if you like heavy, melodic progressive music, then this album is a MUST for you, as A-Z are truly one of the most exciting bands on this planet right now! I truly hope of seeing the guys of A-Z perform these songs in the flesh, but I guess that is just wishful thinking……

Release date: 6 June 2025