By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Translated to “truth,” Kansas City-based prog-metal outfit Veritas have been compared to the likes of Queensryche and early Dream Theater with their throwback sound.
Their last release – the 14-track first full-length album ‘Threads Of Fatality’ – was self-released last August and mixed by Daryl Bolicek at Wild Horse Recording in Minnesota and mastered by Thomas Juth at Svenska Grammofonstudio in Sweden.
Veritas are vocalist Denny Anthony, guitarist Greg Wenk, bassist Geno Alberico and drummer Mark Zonder.
The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with Wenk about what they’ve been up to lately and more.
Music Bugle – How were you affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Greg Wenk – It hasn’t really affected my life too much. I’m still doing everything I was before, except playing live and going to shows. The area I live in wasn’t hit hard by the virus. People are more spread out in the Midwest.
Music Bugle – How would you describe your newest music?
Greg Wenk – Hard rock/metal with a classic sound and a bit of prog. Many people have said it is for fans of Queensryche, Fates Warning and early Dream Theater.
Music Bugle – What was the moment that you knew you wanted to be a musician?
Greg Wenk – I started very early. There was always music being playing in my house when I was growing up. My first instrument was a trumpet and I started learning how to play in fourth grade. I eventually switched to guitar when I was about 15 because I had gotten into heavier music.
Music Bugle – What is today’s music industry missing?
Greg Wenk – Talent and innovation. Sadly, the industry seems to reward artists that follow the trends and do what they’re told will sell. It’s almost become a formula and has been going on for a long time. There are still bands that go on their own path, but there don’t seem to be any new bands coming out to replace the really huge bands that are retiring.
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?
Greg Wenk – I think it’s a great tool to help in promoting and marketing, so it helps in that perspective, but it can also hurt bands and musicians that start trying to push their opinions on others. Music is an escape for most and bringing in politics or just badmouthing others in general is never a good idea.
Music Bugle – Which of your songs were the hardest to write?
Greg Wenk – There were a couple that were in unfinished status for a long time. “Frail” and “If It’s Over” were written up to right before the chorus and then set aside until I could come up with the next parts. Some came together in a day, like “Starlight” and “Love And Burn.”
Music Bugle – What has been your biggest challenge lately?
Greg Wenk – Initially, it was trying to decide if we should delay the release of ‘Threads Of Fatality’ due to the virus and the uncertainty people were feeling. After talking it over with the distribution company, we decided to go ahead. As a new and unsigned band, the biggest challenge is to get people to listen to your music. There is so much music online and so many people and bands trying to get your attention, it’s very easy to get lost.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Greg Wenk – Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of early Savatage, Dio, Queensryche’s ‘Rage For Order’ and Lynch Mob.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need an escape?
Greg Wenk – I love to travel, so I just go on short road trips on my days off if I get burned out. Sometimes, I’ll have a destination. Other times, I just see where I end up.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Greg Wenk – “Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.”
