INTERVIEW: VERITAS

 

Genre: Progressive Heavy/Power Metal

Country: U.S.A.

Questions by: Nick Parastatidis

Answers by: Greg Wenk (Guitars)

Site: Homepage

1. VERITAS is a Latin word that means 'truth' or 'reality.' How did you come up with this band name, what meaning do you give to this word, and how does it reflect in your sound? 

I found it while looking for a name for the band. It sounded cool and I liked the meaning. We stay true to writing music we like instead of chasing trends. I also added the Celtic symbol Awen, which means creativity< behind it as our logo.

2. Can you share how VERITAS came together and how the current line-up has evolved since 2017? 

I started looking for members in 2012 and spent many years writing songs and holding auditions. I was looking for people with the same ideas and also no egos. It’s very important that everyone gets along or the band will fall apart. The first member was our original drummer Adam Hartley who ended up leaving later for personal reasons. The second was our bassist, Geno Alberico. He was the one who suggested Denny Anthony, the singer. After looking for a drummer and not finding the right fit, Denny suggested contacting Mark Zonder. Mark has recorded drums for all our releases so far. We are currently auditioning for a live drummer

3. What unique qualities does each member bring to the band, and how does that shape your sound? 

Everyone writes their own parts, so they are a product of their influences. We have a lot of similar influences but the different ones are what makes the chemistry.

4.Although the band has been together since 2012, you only released your first work, an EP titled after the band, in 2019. What delayed the band? 

Honestly, it took that long to find all the band members. I started looking for people and writing music in 2012 but finding musicians willing to work and write/play original material was hard to find. Veritas is kind of a hybrid between a project and traditional band. We all live in different states but work together on the music. As soon as we find a live drummer we hope to be out playing shows.

5. What are the common elements between your debut album "Threads of Fatality" and your latest release "Silent Script," and what new elements does "Silent Script" introduce to your sound? 

We are still writing songs the same way and the same musicians. We believe the songwriting has gotten stronger for Silent Script as we become more accustomed to each others writing style.

6. Who is the main writer of the "Silent Script" album, and what are the lyrical themes it explores? Where does the writer draw inspiration from? 

We all contribute equally to the songwriting. I write the main melody then Mark adds drums. Geno adds the bass and we send it to Denny for vocals. As far as the lyrics, Denny writes so the individual can interpret them to be more personal. Basically, they are about what you think they are about.

7. Could you explain the choice to release your new album "Silent Script" first as a digital release and then on CD? Additionally, when will it hit the stores? 

That was a decision by the label. The cd is slated for release in March. The actual date and preorder link should be coming soon.

 

 

8. Which artists or bands have influenced your music the most? 

Some of my biggest influences are Queensryche, Fates Warning, KISS, Savatage, George Lynch, Yngwie, Crimson Glory

9. Can you walk us through how a typical VERITAS song is composed—from idea to final recording? 

I work on the songs until I’m happy with the sound and arrangement. Some come together quickly and some evolve over months or years. I send the track to Mark for drums. When I get them back I re-record several tracks. Next it goes to Geno for bass and then to Denny for vocals. We send the completed tracks to Daryl Bolichek at Wild Horse studio to put it all together.

10. What can fans expect from VERITAS in the near future?

We are currently working on our third release. There’s talk of shooting a music video for one of the songs from Silent Script. As soon as we find a live drummer, we hope to be out playing shows/festivals

11. Are there any dream collaborations you’d love to explore? 

I don’t have any in mind other than playing shows with some of our favorite bands

12. Can you rank the songs on “Silent Script” from your favorite to least favorite and explain why? 

That’s a hard one to do. I like all the songs equally. A couple I’m really proud of are Creation Groans and Betraying Sight

13. What do you hope listeners take away from your music?

We hope they love the songs and come check us out when we start playing live.

14. Thanks for your time. Please close the interview in any way you like. 

We’d like to thank our fans for all the love and support since the beginning! Hope to see you on the road soon