I enjoyed ‘Trial By Fire’, the debut by A-Z, proclaiming it as possibly my album of the year. Maybe I was a bit overenthusiastic at that point, but it’s a damn good release. So good that Mark Zonder declared that the mix by Simone Mularoni makes it the best sounding album I have ever done! Drummer Zonder is joined once more by vocalist Ray Adler. The album artwork, by the legend that is Hugh Syme, is again very dramatic; I am therefore very excited to be listening to this sophomore release and writing this review.
The complete line-up for this is: Ray Alder – Lead and Backing Vocals / Philip Bynoe – Bass Guitar / Nick Van Dyk – Guitars / Simone Mularoni – Lead Guitars, Jimmy Waldo – Keyboards / Mark Zonder – Drums. You can call it a supergroup if you like. In addition, you get vocalist Robbie Wyckoff and Linda Chase, a Boston-based multi-instrumentalist.
The music within ranges from Prog Rock to hints of AOR, which creates depth that will capture the attention of a wide variety of Rock music lovers. As you get deep into this album, you discover that there is so much happening at once, maybe because of this, it isn’t as immediate as its predecessor. You get guitars, keys, drums, vocals, all mixed with melodies, hooks and unforgettable choruses. It is an intense but captivating listen.
For me, this album is not about individual tracks, as the whole is greater than its parts. Just listen with open eyes and ears, and you will be impressed. Rampaging thunder! Is the only way to describe opener ‘Fire Away’ as the nuance of the song is heavy & Progressive Metal-like, notes are fired with tuneful ferocity. Fourth track ‘A Wordless Prison’ shows the diversity of this album, as it begins with some slow, moody, heavy bass which is wrapped around with a modern kaleidoscope of colour. The vocals are pristine and precise, the bass then erupts with rhythm before the drums drive it forward as the vocals pick up urgency. Guitars glitter without being the dominant force, that is, until near the end, as the solo is scorching hot!
Perpetual power accentuates ‘I Am Numb’, time changes twist and turn, making the song soar in trajectory. The album continues relentlessly, but needs a change of direction, which is something we get with Reaching Out’, Ray Alder even acknowledging the need to catch his breath, then gigantic guitars reach a crescendo as they get battered by bass and drums.
‘Now Walk Away’ is more restrained; it sweeps over you in spectacular waves of Melodic Rock. It is the perfect album closer, demonstrating that A-Z are not boys with their new toys; they are artisan craftsmen who are enjoying a creative peak. Looking at the sleeve, this could be called Crocodile Rock!
You can check it out for yourself via Metal Blade Records, when released: 6th June 2025.
Review: Paul Mace
| Fire Away | ||
| Running in Place | ||
| Nothing Is Over | ||
| A Wordless Prison | ||
| Reaching Out | ||
| The Remedy | ||
| I Am Numb | ||
| This Chaotic Symphony | ||
| Learning to Fly | ||
| Now I Walk Away |
Ray Alder – Lead and Backing Vocals
Philip Bynoe – Bass Guitar
Nick Van Dyk – Guitars
Simone Mularoni – Lead Guitars
Jimmy Waldo – Keyboards
Mark Zonder – Drums