Crimson Moon: How did the band get started?
Greg: I started looking for members in 2012 when it became apparent my last band was calling it quits. I searched for members that were talented on their instruments as well as looking for people that got along well. First added was original drummer Adam Hartley who left later for personal reasons. After many auditions, Geno Alberico was added on bass and by recommendation Denny Anthony was added for vocals. The idea to ask Mark Zonder to record drums was by Denny. He had worked with Mark on a previous project.
Crimson Moon: What kind of music do you play?
Greg: Hard rock/heavy metal with a classic sound and some progressive elements.
Crimson Moon: How has the fan response been?
Greg: The fan response has been great. We have heard from people all over the world. They all love what they’ve heard so far and want more. It’s amazing to hear what the music means to them. We’ve been getting reviews, interviews and airplay everywhere. As a result, we have fans all over. The ones that have reached out to us love the band and want to know more about us.
Crimson Moon: Where did the band name come from?
Greg: I was doing the typical search for a band name and when I came across Veritas, I liked the way it sounded and its meaning, truth.
Crimson Moon: Introduce the band members.
Denny Anthony: Vocals
Greg Wenk: Guitar
Geno Alberico: Bass
Mark Zonder: Studio drums
Crimson Moon: How many albums/CD’s have you released?
Greg: So far, 1 EP and 1 full CD. We are currently working on the next CD.
Crimson Moon: Tell me about some of the songs on the latest CD?
Greg: There are straight ahead, driving rockers like Starlight, Frail, and Eyes of the Blind. Love and Burn has a good groove and a catchy chorus. There a more progressive type songs like Fates Warning and Sludge. Morbid Stale, and Masquerade.
Crimson Moon: Who writes the music? Lyrics?
Greg: So far, it’s based off guitar parts that I’ve written but it’s a group effort. Everyone writes their own parts. The lyrics so far have been written by Denny.
Crimson Moon: And where do the lyric ideas come from?
Greg: Denny has an unusual way of writing lyrics. He has an idea when he writes them what the subject of the song is but the lyrics are written so every listener can interpret them in their own way.
Crimson Moon: Has the Covid Pandemic impacted the band at all?
Greg: No one has gotten ill as of yet but it has limited what we are able to do to promote the CD and the band. Most of the venues are still closed or very limit and most shows were canceled.
Crimson Moon: Do you have any side projects?
Greg: No but never say never.
Crimson Moon: What is the music scene like where you guys are from?
Greg: Before covid the music scene in Kansas City was pretty good. There are a lot of good venues and most of the major tours stop here. There’s also a huge music festival every year hosted by 98.9 the rock.
Crimson Moon: Who are some of your musical influences?
Greg: There are many. Yngwie Malmsteen, George Lynch, Ace Frehley, Criss Oliva, Queensryche, Fates Warning, Racer X, Metal Church, Crimson Glory, Armored Saint, Metallica, Megadeth.
Crimson Moon: What is the band like when you play live?
Greg: I guess we’ll find out when it happens. I expect a lot of energy and crowd interaction.
Crimson Moon: Have you guys ever played in another country?
Greg: We have not except for Mark Zonder of course. We would love to play some of the legendary festivals that take place every summer!
Crimson Moon: What made you want to be in this band?
Greg: I wanted to be in a band with talented musicians that I also consider friends. Because ultimately if the members don’t get along and have clashing personalities, the band will fall apart.
Crimson Moon: If you weren’t in this band would you still be involved in the music industry? Greg: If I wasn’t in this band, I would definitely still be writing music and looking for members to start a new band.
Crimson Moon: As a musician what advice can you give to fellow musician just starting out? Greg: Practice your instrument, learn everything you can, don’t be afraid of failing. Just learn a lesson and keep moving forward. If you’re easily discouraged by being rejected or told no, the music industry definitely isn’t for you. Do it for the love of music.
Crimson Moon: What does the future hold for the band?
Greg: Currently, we are working on our next CD, looking for a drummer for live shows and waiting for the venues to reopen so we can get out and play.
Contact them at:
http://www.facebook.com/veritasmusickc
https://veritasrocks.bandcamp.com/album/veritas-ep
