A-Z - A2Z² (2025) Hi-Res

A-Z's sophomore album, A2Z², released on June 6, 2025, via Metal Blade Records, showcases the band's evolution in the progressive hard rock scene. The lineup features seasoned musicians: drummer Mark Zonder, vocalist Ray Alder, guitarist Nick Van Dyk, bassist Philip Bynoe, keyboardist Jimmy Waldo, and guitarist Simone Mularoni, who also handled mixing and mastering. The album delivers a blend of sophisticated musicianship and melodic accessibility.

The album opens with "Fire Away," a hard-hitting track featuring tight harmonies and dynamic drum work. "Running in Place" follows with driving percussion and soaring vocals. "Nothing Is Over," the album's first single, leans into a classic rock style, broadening the album's sonic range. "A Wordless Prison" begins with a gentle intro before building into a traditional prog rocker, highlighting Alder's versatility. "Reaching Out" and "The Remedy" bring heavier, groove-driven moments, with Zonder's drumming standing out in both.

Later tracks continue to explore A-Z’s range. "I Am Numb," the second single, offers a preview of the album’s progressive direction. "This Chaotic Symphony" lives up to its name with thundering drums, rich instrumentation, and even a cello, earning its place as the album’s centerpiece. "Learning to Fly" swings back to a catchy, classic rock vibe. The closing track, "Now I Walk Away," wraps the album with a blend of AOR flair and subtle jazz elements.

Critics have praised A2Z² for its balance between complexity and accessibility. Sonic Perspectives notes that the album is "direct and infectious enough to border on pop, relies on riffs enough for it to be decidedly metal, and exhaustively avoids prog metal excess while still allowing these monster musicians to shine.