VERITAS – interview for KICK ASS FOREVER via Angels PR Music Promotion #veritas
Interview conducted and submitted by Marian Nicolaou via Angels PR Music Promotion – Thanks Marian!!
Band members –
Current line-up is
Denny Anthony-Vocals
Greg Wenk-Guitars
Geno Alberico-Bass
Mark Zonder-Guest drums
Band Links –
www.facebook.com/veritasmusickc
https://veritasrocks.bandcamp.com/album/veritas-ep
1. It’s our great pleasure to have a little chat with Mr. Greg Wenk of VERITAS. We greatly enjoyed VERITAS latest release “Threads of Fatality” full length CD. Greg, please let us know how did it all begin with the band?
In 2012, I decided I wanted to be in a band again after taking some time off and writing a bunch of music. While looking for members, I started trying to think of a name and came across Veritas, which means truth in Latin. I also found the awen symbol which means creativity and merged the two together for a logo. First member was original drummer Adam Hartley. Then we found Geno Alberico on bass through an ad online. Geno suggested Denny Anthony for vocals. Shortly after adding Denny, Adam decided to leave for personal reasons. Denny suggested Mark Zonder for drums since he had worked with him on a previous recording.
2. After the same titled “VERITAS EP” (2019), the band worked hard on what would make your first full length album “Threads of Fatality”. What was the recording process like and where was the album mixed and mastered?
Basically, I record a scratch guitar track. Send it to Mark Zonder. He comes up with a drum tracks and sends it back. As long as everyone agrees we move forward. I multitrack the guitars and send to Geno for bass, He then sends to Denny for vocals. The cd was mixed by Daryl Bolicek at Wild Horse recording in Minnesota. The audio tracks we sent to Thomas Juth in Sweden for mastering.
3. By reading your bio, we understand that you guys live in different States. How easy is it for you to gather up and rehearse for VERITAS?
We haven’t had a full rehearsal yet. Mostly we just send tracks back and forth online. I met up with Denny initially to go through the song ideas and decide what we were going to use for the cd. Geno and I live the closest so we get together weekly and work on music.
4. Who is the main songwriter of the band and which are your basic influences?
So far, I have been the one that has been writing the music. Everyone in the band writes their part for the music so overall it’s still a group effort. Some of my main influences are Yngwie Malmsteen, George Lynch, Criss Oliva, Crimson Glory, Queensryche, Ace Frehley
5. What are the main topics your lyrics deal with? And how do your lyrics connect with your logo and the “Threads of Fatality” cover artwork?
Denny writes the lyrics so everyone can decide what they are about for themselves. It’s up to the listener to interpret them. The logo is basically truth and creativity. We try to write music that is challenging for musicians but also enjoyable to the casual music lover. The artwork was created by Dark Days Design. We happened to see it after deciding on a title and it just seemed appropriate.
6. “Threads of Fatality” was released during the last days of August, 2020. What is the response you have gotten so far?
The response so far has been great. We’ve gotten mostly great reviews and have a lot of people that really love the music and have helped us by sharing with others.
7. Was the quarantine/pandemic period a creative period for VERITAS? How do you feel about this issue that has had a real global effect?
It has been a challenge. We had to decide when to release the cd not being sure how the music fans would feel. We weren’t sure if anyone was going to be looking for new bands or able to help support by buying a cd or download. We are starting the process of recording for the next cd and patiently waiting for the industry to open up so we can get out and play.
8. On the drums you have the marvellous Mark Zonder (Graham Bonnet Band, ex-Warlord, ex-Fates Warning etc.)! How did this cooperation occur? And is Mark Zonder a permanent VERITAS member?
Denny had worked with Mark Zonder on a track with a previous band. He suggested talking to Mark about recording drums and we got lucky. Unfortunately Mark is not a permanent member but he will be recording the drums for our next cd.
9. Do you have plans to go out on live shows/touring after quarantine’s end? Will Mark Zonder play live with the band? Any plans to play live outside the States (maybe in Europe)?
We would love to do some live shows once everything reopens. I wish, but Mark will not be playing with us live. We are not opposed to playing overseas if there is a demand, maybe some festivals?
10. How would you define VERITAS music style? I can hear Heavy Metal, Power Metal, Hard Rock, Classic Rock and Progressive Rock elements all very carefully blended to an own style. What would be your definition?
We have a lot of different influences. When I’m writing, I work on the parts until it’s something I’m happy with but never worry about keys or time signatures. We just write music that we enjoy and would love to listen to even if we weren’t in the band.
11. How do you see today’s Rock/Metal scene in the USA and particularly in Kansas where you reside?
The music scene in my area is very different than it was 10 years ago. There are less venues to see live music and a great majority of the bands seem to want to only play covers. When putting the band together I can’t count how many times people kept telling me it was a waste of time to write/play originals.
12. Maybe it’s a bit of early to ask, but is there any new VERITAS material on the works?
Always. We are starting to record the songs for our next cd and I’m always writing so there’s enough for a 3rd cd as well.
13. Thank you for the interview, Greg! We wish you the best for VERITAS, a very honest band we liked very much! Keep on rocking and please close with your contact /merch info.
Thanks for the interview!
Links to keep updated with the band are
www.facebook.com/veritasmusickc
Our Veritas-Threads of Fatality is available anywhere music is sold including FYE, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart and your local store. More links and merch available at www.veritas.rocks/shop
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