A-Z

A-Z busted out onto the scene in 2022 with the release of their self-titled debut.  Mark Zonder teamed up with fellow FATES WARNING alumni Ray Alder to create a band that has the occasional hint towards their former group but focuses more on shorter, more accessible metal songs.  Going all the way back to 1984, Mark has been a staple in the metal or prog metal scene, lending his skills to a number of bands starting with WARLORD.  His drum style has all the power of a John Bonham with all the technical prowess of a Neil Peart.  Ever since he stepped away from FATES WARNING, I was hoping he would re-emerge with a new band and A-Z is well worth the wait.  With the new release upon us, I got a chance to ask Mark a few questions that touched upon the new album but also the happenings of WARLORD so let’s take it away.

WORMWOOD CHRONICLES:  Congrats on the awesome new release.  There are some similarities to the first album but some new sounds as well.  Were any of the tracks left over from the debut?

MARK ZONDER:  Thanks.  No ,never a fan of leftover material.  If it was that good it would have made the record.  I don't write and record 15 songs to pick the 10 best.  You should know one minute into writing a song if it will make the album or not.  It is either happening or not.  Can't make a diamond out of a cow.

WC:  One of the big changes between the first album and this one is the line-up.  How did the change come about?

MZ:  Couple of the guys made it very clear they were not into the band.  So instead of having my career held hostage, I decided to just move on and find better players that I could work with.

WC:  What is the writing process?  Do you all get in a room and jam out ideas?

MZ:  On this album, Nick would come up with basic ideas and then he and I would spend a lot of time arranging the music as well as adding or changing parts around.  Then we send to Ray and if he wants to change some of the music, usually making something longer or shorter, we take care of that.

WC:  There is a lot going on in many of the song showing the prog side of the band.  How do you determine when a song is completed?

MZ:  When you deal with top level pros you never really have to think about that as everyone is just being very creative and really know what to do.

WC:  I’m sure it’s hard to pick a favorite off the new disk but which song are you most proud of or you feel represents the band best?

MZ:  I would go with “Now I Walk Away” as I think with the proper video and promo it can break the band to a large massive rock audience.  Yes, we will have a video for this in the next month.

WC: This is jumping the gun but do you have any leftover ideas for the next record?

MZ:  Never have left overs.

WC:  I love the artwork on both records.  Hugh Syme is does a great job of utilizing the use of “A” and “Z”.  How did you go about choosing Hugh to do the artwork for your new band?

MZ:  Met Hugh years ago with FATES.  Kept in touch.  Great guy and I always loved his stuff.  I decided that I was going to find the best people I could find for this band and who better than Hugh!!

WC:  Now that you have two records under your belt, do you think you might tour?

MZ:  Been working this for months.  Very difficult to find gigs these days.  Also we have all the guys living in different parts of the world.

WC:  Switching gears a bit, WARLORD has been active again with touring.  I was sorry to hear that you had to cancel Hell’s Heroes in Houston as I was there and was REALLY looking forward to your set.  Do you have any plans for any additional shows/tours in the United States?

MZ:  That was the booking agents fault.  We were set and been talking with them for months about the visas.  They put us in a situation that we could have not had passports to go to Japan.  We were very upset about this as it would have been the first US show.

WC:   I loved the “Free Spirit Soar” record and it captured that 80s sound perfectly.  Are there any plans to create a follow-up?

MZ:  We are talking about it.  Working on some material.

WC:  Is there anyone or a band that you would like to work with to check off on the bucket list?

MZ:  Ritchie Blackmore and Steve Walsh

WC:  What was the last album that you purchased?

MZ:  Can't remember.  Probably 40 years ago.

WC:  What was the last concert you attended as a fan?

MZ:  KANSAS.

WC:  Do you have any Spinal Tap moments from your career?

MZ:  Too many to list.

WC:  Any last word for your fans?

MZ:  I really appreciate all of the support the fans have shown me over the years in my various bands and musical projects.

A-Z