Interviews: Unveil The Strength

We have had the opportunity to interview the Metal band Unveil The Strength from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

UTS: The name is just a recurring theme of my life. Everyone gets dealt a different hand of cards in this world and you have to make the best with what you have. There are no victims here. I don’t surround myself with that because it's just too easy to have a pity party. For me personally having this unwavering resilience no matter how bad it gets has been the number one factor for me. It’s a mindset. It’s making yourself bulletproof without shutting off empathy and your feelings. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

MW: Honestly, the Adrenaline of being on stage is the closest thing I can find to combat. I haven't tried skydiving yet so who knows.

RG: I enjoy the drive and the aggression of the genre. I enjoy cranking the amp loud and playing with distortion. Being on stage with your friends lets you share the awesome experience. 

SM: This is the only genre I’ve played that gives me the reciprocal energy that I crave. There’s no other kind of music that can move a crowd like metal can. -SM

MS: In this business the Genre chooses you... Just like in Mother Russia 

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

MW: Matt Snell and I were friends for a while. We circled around a couple times about doing something. I showed him some demos and he liked it. Sean Mallet and I have also met before so it was awesome to add him to the lineup.

RG: I was a fan of the band. I did the sad thing where I added Mark on Facebook and then hit him up saying how I love the music. Some time went by and Mark put up a post on Facebook. I “liked” it, and then I received a message from Mark asking if I know of any guitar players. So, naturally I put myself forward. I then got asked to do an audition. We had a few phone calls back and forth and eventually Matt and Mark seemed happy to have me on board. I’m still buzzing now from it! 

SM: I’ve known Mark for a while now. He helped another project I was part of by recording our vocals, and he and I worked on another project a few years back as well. Besides music we’ve been friends over the years also. 

MS: Yes, Mark and I have known each other for a few years. We have been trying to collaborate and it finally lined up!!!

4. Each band member's favourite band?

MW: Pantera, Soilwork, In Flames, As I Lay Dying, A7X, Iron Maiden.

RG: At the moment it has to be As I Lay Dying. Over the course of the pandemic and this year I just seem to be listening to them constantly. Which is quite strange as I don’t really get stuck to one band. But the latest album just ticked all my boxes and I can’t stop listening to it.

SM: Opeth,Slayer,Tool, Soilwork,Testament, Machine Head, The Haunted,At The Gates, Bloodbath, Dimmu Borgir. 

MS: This Question in brutal.. If I have to choose then, Opeth,.. that or Testament, Exodus,Slayer,Bob Marley,Dirty Heads, 3 Dog Night,The Doobie Brothers Lamb of God,Hatebreed or James Taylor

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

MW: Things that piss me off or emotional situations I've been through 

RG: This is tricky.. at times I get inspired by other songs by other bands. Sometimes I could be watching a movie and pick up a vibe that I like. Other times I may just hum a melody and hear some chords behind it. So many things actually. 

SM: A great concert, mood, or a melody/rhythm I have stuck in my head.  

MS: Mark telling me he needs more music to write melodies to or me simply trying to get rid of that noise in my head that won’t leave till it is captured and emailed

6. Where was your last gig?

UTS: We haven't played but we are looking at possible dates in Texas in Dec.

MS: My Last Gig was at Dingbats in Clifton New Jersey... word to the wise... Stay outta the Den.. that place will get ya!!! 

7. Where would you like to act?

MW: We will play anywhere...

RG: There are some really cool venues in London that I’d love to play at. For example, Brixton Academy and Hammersmith Apollo. Also the classic venues in LA like The Whiskey etc. 

SM: Wacken Open Air Festival.I’d be happy to play with these guys anywhere. 

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

MW: I am just ready to go out. As long as they are cool. -MW

RG: Haha. As you may have guessed.. my answer is As I Lay Dying. Although playing with In Flames and I Prevail would be awesome as well.

SM: Anyone who we’d fit well with. 

MS: Well, we can run with the best of them!...so Anything unique and original

9. Whom not?

MW: For me, it just has to be a good fit for us. Unfortunately there are lots of egos out there so I prefer to stay away from those as much as I can. 

RG: Hmmm, I think with bands that would clash genres with us, like Justin Bieber or Electric Light Orchestra etc. 

MS: Never say never!

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

RG: No. I feel the rush but I like it. Tips, don't eat spicy food before you play -MW I don’t think I’ve had stage fright before. Yes, I have felt nervous, but who doesn’t right? It’s normal to feel those butterflies in your tummy. As for tips... make yourself a checklist of things you need for a gig. I’ve had a gig where my bass player forgot to bring his bass guitar with him.. and also I wouldn’t eat a big meal beforehand. Give yourself at least an hour before you rock out on stage. 

SM: Not me personally, I’ve been doing shows my whole life, I really enjoy it. As far as advice on how to overcome stage fright, the lights are usually pretty bright and it’s easy to look at them to not see the people. Imagine how your favorite artist would play and how that makes you feel, give the crowd a good show. They paid to see you lay waste of that venue. 

MS: Stagefright is for the unprepared

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

MW: Old School Pantera, Maiden, Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, those bands just broke the mold. New School, Beartooth, Architechs, so many good bands. I also really enjoy watching bands like SAUL. They have a great work ethic. Also, our friends in Lions at The Gate are making some great music.

SM: Mostly Scandinavian bands for me. In Flames, Soilwork, Dark Tranquility, and Sabaton. But also bands like AILD, Disturbed, and Iron Maiden. RG Death, Testament, Pantera, Slayer, Enslaved, Dimmu Borgir, Metallica, Soilwork, Opeth, & Porcupine Tree. All beyond talented bands and each one of them has taught me to look at music in a different light. 

MS: What Mark Said

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

MW: Nothing to crazy yet.

RG: Do you really want to know? I don’t think I should say to be honest... I’m just joking, everything has been normal actually. 

SM: I was asked to watch a fan's phone before we were about to play so he could go in the pit and not lose it. He was in a wheelchair.... That’s dedication. 

MS: Weid is ever-evolving.. what was once weird is now normal so who knows.. what ya got??

13. What do you think of your fans?

MW: I love them. I’ll do just about anything within reason for a fan. Rockstars are dead.

RG: I love our fan base. I’m incredibly grateful for them and their support. Without them we wouldn’t be heard. It’s also nice to connect with many of them on social media. The ones who’ve been in touch with me are all really nice and supportive people. 

MS: Fans are family. We gather to celebrate not separate.

14. What do you think of our site? 

MW: It’s Great

RG: It’s a nicely layered out site. It’s good how you have linked the bands Spotify to the bands that are featured. It’s an easy way to access other bands music. RG Cool site!

SM: Good write ups. 

MS: Enjoy if for sure!!

15. Something you'd like to add?

MW: Everyday is an opportunity and I am grateful for it. Thank you for the interview. If you get a chance check out our coffee here: https://unveil-the-strength.myshopify.com/

RG: Thank you for dedicating your time to interview us. It was fun!