By: Mark Cubbedge | Published: Thursday, April 17, 2025
A-Z. Pic copyright-- Courtesy of Metal Blade Records
A-Z MEMBERS Vocals: Ray Alder Guitars: Nick van Dyk Guitars: Simone Mularoni Bass: Philip Bynoe Keys: Jimmy Waldo Drums: Mark Zonder
Nothing is Over.
Those three words serve not only as the de facto statement announcing A-Z's forthcoming sophomore album, but they're also the title of the record's first single.
"Nothing is Over", coincidentally, was the first song drummer Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord) and guitarist Nick van Dyk (Redemption) wrote when they began working together on A-Z's follow-up album A2Z2.
"It was important to come out strong and really showcase the evolution of the band and second album," Zonder said. "Heavier, deeper, a bit more prog playing, but still keeping the big chorus hook and plush vocals that were a trademark of the debut album."
The album art underscores Zonder's words --clearly this record has more teeth-- yet the music remains very approachable while showcasing the musicianship each member brings to the band.
"My favorite riff on the record," van Dyk said of "Nothing Is Over". "The interplay between the guitar rhythm and the drums in the verse is a great example of why Mark is my favorite drummer."
Added keyboardist Jimmy Waldo (Alcatrazz), "'Nothing is Over' has all the elements of a classic hit song--a great groove, tight arrangement, and undeniable hooks."
The lyrical inspiration for the song, vocalist Ray Alder (Fates Warning) said, came from H.P. Lovecraft's short story 'The Outsider', which was first published nearly 100 years ago. The story revolves around the narrator, who has seemingly lived his entire life in isolation but is now seeking the outside world.
"Nothing is Over" strayed a bit from the original plot, but the idea, to me, is somewhat still there," Alder said. "Mark did an amazing job on this one. Some of the best drumming I think I've ever heard him play."
Bassist Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai) said he was impressed with how big the tracks sound and how great the guitar tones are.
That sentiment was shared by lead guitarist Simone Mularoni (DGM), who once again was tasked with mixing the record.
"Mixing an album is always a challenge, no matter the style and the type of music," Mularoni said. "But when the songwriting is stellar, the arrangements are perfectly crafted and the performances are top notch, my life is definitely easier. It is hard for me to express how excited I've been mixing and producing the tracks, not to mention having the opportunity to play all the lead guitars. The guys pushed me to play a lot and out of my comfort zone, and the result is amazing!"
A2Z2 is available for pre-order on Metal Blade Records beginning April 16, 2025 and can be pre-ordered here: Metalblade.com/a-z
