Veritas: 'The albums we listen to still move us.'

The band, following the arrival of their album titled ‘Thread of Fatality’, reveal themselves to us exclusively at Fuzzy Hound, through their guitarist Greg Wenk!

Welcome Greg! "Threads of Fatality" was an excellent debut cd for Veritas. We know you're currently working on your next album. What's the latest news on this upcoming album? Can you reveal any titles or dates?

'Thanks. The album is still in the early stages of the recording process, but we've finished 3 songs, and 2 more are nearing completion. The titles so far are Limit, Buried and Unchained. There are no release dates yet.'

What will the new Veritas material be like? "Threads of Fatality" was a very strong heavy metal debut with a great variety of rock and prog elements. Do you plan to change the band's musical approach for the new album, and in what direction?

'We hope the new songs show an evolution from Threads of Fatality, but they still revolve around the same sound. We're still using the same approach to songwriting and recording, and there will continue to be a variety of styles.'

Is Mark Zonder back on drums for Veritas on the new album? What's your relationship like with this legendary drummer who's played with cornerstone metal bands like Warlord and Fates Warning?

'Yes, we're happy to announce that Mark is recording drums for the new cd. He's a great guy and a great musician.'

Do you have any upcoming live shows or tours planned?

'Unfortunately, there are no shows planned at the moment. Most Covid restrictions have been lifted in our area and venues are starting to open back up. We definitely want to get out and play, but we're focused on finishing the new cd.'

What are your favorite bands - and the ones most influential on Veritas?

'The obvious ones are Fates Warning and Queensryche. Others who've influenced me are Savatage, Crimson Glory, Metal Church, Yngwie (Malmsteen), and KISS.'

What will the lyrical content of the new album be? Will there be a concept?

'We're not against making a concept album at some point, but I don't think this will be the one. It's too early to say what the lyrical content will be. We'll see.'

Do you book expensive studios for Veritas recordings, or do you prefer the convenience of recording at home?

'Since we've released everything so far as independent artists, it's more economical to record at a home studio and then go to a professional studio to make any fixes and do the mixing and mastering with a professional. Also, there's no pressure or clock ticking when we do it this way, which makes it possible to create the best songs we can.'

Which guitar models work best for you and Veritas? Do you have any favorite amps or guitar pedals?

'My main guitar is an Ibanez RG550 with a DiMarzio x2n pickup. I use it for composing and recording. I also use other Ibanez and Jackson models for live shows. I use an Engl preamp for recording, but a Marshall with a tube overdrive pedal for live shows. I don't use too many effects.'

Are you a perfectionist? Would you change anything on "Threads of Fatality" cd now that you're listening to it again?

'I wouldn't say I'm a perfectionist, because then I'd never be happy enough with the songs or I'd never finish anything. We make sure to release the best performances we can manage. There are a few glitches we notice on the album, but overall, we're very pleased with how it turned out.'

What does a music album need to stand the test of time?

'That's a good question. The albums I still listen to have songs that gave me a specific feeling the first time I heard them, and they still do that to this day. Catchy melodies and choruses, or just something that gives you chills and makes the hair on your arm stand up.'

How far do you want to go with Veritas? What's your biggest goal for the band? Thanks for the interview.

'We want to keep making music for as long as we can, and we'd really love to be able to tour. With each new album we try to move forward. With Threads of Fatality, we managed to land a distribution deal and make our music available worldwide. With the new cd we want to keep pushing forward. Maybe that means adding the support of a record label or finding a strong marketing company. Thanks for the interview!'