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Although Unveil the Strength is officially based out of Austin, TX, the band is truly international with members in London, Nevada, Colorado, and Texas. Vocalist Mark Wolfe spoke to us about the origins of the band, what you can expect when you check out Unveil The Strength, as well as the issue that is closest to his heart. Read Mark’s thoughts below, and don’t forget to follow the band on their all-important socials…
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
MW: The band was started in late 2017. I was working on some songs and showed Matt and things just progressed from there. We then got Tim Hassemer on drums and after a few guitar players got Ryszard Gabriel on guitar who actually lives in London.
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
MW: Funny enough, we haven’t. We were looking forward to the opportunity to play two festivals this year, but 2020 has had diabolical plans for everyone. So there’s that….
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe yourself?
MW: We really wanted to convey a big sound. Heavy, energetic, technical enough yet relatable, catchy vocals, guitar solos, driving drums, audience participation parts, and an electronic element.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
MW: I honestly think it’s a combination of work ethic, attention to detail, from the music to the branding, and hard work. You can wish, hope, and dream your entire life just to be less successful than the person that works harder than you.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
MW: We just released a cover of the KSE modern classic “The End of Heartache”. It was a collaboration with a guy named Sean Townsend. He has an awesome channel called Chillswitch Engage, so go check that out, it’s awesome. We released the song because 2020 has been an emotional wrecking ball on so many levels that we hoped it would give some resolve. It’s a different version that has never been done and I feel that it also gives fans a different dynamic of the band.
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
MW: Iron Maiden, A7X, Hellyeah, All That Remains, Trivium, In Flames, Soilwork, Disturbed, In this Moment, Bullet 4MV, KSE, Sevendust. I think we are versatile enough to be heavier or lighter. F&ck, honestly after COVID we might all be the local Chuck E Cheese anyway. So let’s just get on with it lol.
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
MW: Saul. Those guys work their asses off and they deserve it.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
MW: I grew up in a musical household. My first gig was singing “Nobody’s Fool” at a Go-Kart track at the age of nine. I never really had the “I want to do that” what I had was the “This is who I am and I can’t fight myself” Music has saved my life, I couldn’t ignore it if I tried.
We have recently had the tragic passing of Eddie Van Halen, do you have a particular favorite Van Halen track?
MW: So many. You listen to “Panama” you want to have fun, you listen to “Right Now” and it makes you look inward. Either way, he invoked an emotion and that is the goal of every artist. I like Roth and Hagar. A good song is a good song. EVH is responsible for creating probably 75% of modern guitar tones on metal records. World, please make more EVH’s and less __________. The end of that last sentence could be filled with just about anything…….. right now.
AC/DC – Brian or Bon? Or both?!
MW: Both.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
MW: It’s been so long I forgot, please bring back live music before its dead.
What current issue are you particularly passionate about?
MW: Mental health. As a Veteran and a musician, I’ve seen suicide in both areas of my life. It’s tragic and a constant battle. I found this amazing place called Heart Support. Its mental health for metal music fans. You can go to their site, sign up and someone will listen. They bring in a lot of metal bands we all love and they talk stories about their battles. The takeaway is you are not alone. We all have our battles, sometimes we have to remember to not make a permanent decision for a temporary problem.
There is great debate at the minute about whether or not musicians should use their platform to talk about political issues, some for and some against. Music has always been a form of protest, surely an artist has just as much right as the next person to offer an opinion? Or should they “just stick to the music”?
MW: I don’t want to tell anyone to do anything. If it works for your band, do it. You have the right as an American to speak about whatever you want, protest, and have a healthy lovers quarrel with the government. This band isn’t about politics, in fact, if you show up to our show, we want to have that moment with you and make you not think about anything else. I want to give you an hour of just us in the pit, letting it out, helping each other up, and not talking about our differences. And on top of all of that, it doesn’t matter until Corey Taylor gives his opinion and writes 100 more cover songs anyway. I’m just kidding, I like Corey, but we all know it’s true lol.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
MW: Peter Gabriel and Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack Vol.1
Who would you class as an underrated songwriter?
MW: Faith No More
What are your plans for the remainder of 2020?
MW: Build our fanbase, push all of our releases, and wait for the factory reset button on 2020 to be re-set and start over in 2021. I am also encouraging friends to buy a fuc&ing helmet if it gets any worse. Seriously, buy a helmet.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
MW: Every day.
