Dark Secret were founded by the friends guitarist Mark Shea and bassist Al Wojtonek in 2017. Little by little, they found other musicians for their band. However, it was another three years before the band was able to perform live for the first time, in a club in their hometown of Cleveland (Ohio). Their energetic live performances enabled them to build up a steadily growing fan base. At a contest in their hometown in 2021, they were named ‘Ohio’s Most Metal Band’. The self-titled EP was released in the same year. And in September of this year, the debut album ‘Mind Pollution’ was released. Guitarist Mark Shea answered my curious questions.
MHF: Hi, I’m Rainer and I write for Metalheads Forever magazine. Thank you for letting me do this interview with you. How are you doing?
Mark: I am well Rainer, it’s nice to meet and talk with you.
MHF: You are well known in your home region. But not so much outside the USA, especially in Ohio. Please introduce yourself briefly!
Mark: My name is Mark Shea and I play guitar in Dark Secret.
MHF: The press release said that Mark and Al became friends in a local club. How did you get to know each other there?
Mark: We were both going to see my uncle’s band at the time. My uncle knew I was looking to put together a project, needed a bass player, and introduced me to Al. He was in a band with Al in the military and thought we’d be a good fit. Man was he right!
MHF: How did you come up with the idea of founding the band Dark Secret? Was it difficult to find other comrades-in-arms?
Mark: Dark Secret created itself through our writings. We are huge fans of metal and heavy music and wanted to present our own spin. Finding the right people was a bit of a challenge. We went through several auditions on guitar and drums looking that player we could connect with on a personal level and would eventually become family. Brian, Al, and Lou were in a band in the 90’s called Keeper. I had met Jeff at an audition for a previous band and really liked his voice. Family complete!
MHF: You played your first live show in February 2020. That was three years after you met. Why did it take so long?
Mark: We spent most of the time writing, arranging, and rehearsing. The rest was spent building up our merchandise, banners, etc. We were several songs in by the time our first show happened.
MHF: What were the first reactions of the audience to your music?
Mark: We had a very warm welcome from the crowd. Air guitaring, head banging, and sold us out of our first run of shirts.
MHF: One year later, you took part in a band contest in your hometown. What does the award for ‘Ohio’s Most Metal Band’ mean to you?
Mark: It was a really cool thing! I think it gave us a bit of acceptance on some levels. Don Jameson had judged the competition while doing stand up between bands. All the bands were great that night. Such a good time!
MHF: Your first EP was released in October of the same year. And recently the debut album ‘Mind Pollution’. How were the reactions from fans and the press?
Mark: The EP was received very well. It helped to grow our fan base. The same with ‘Mind Pollution’. There is quite a bit more press with ‘Mind Pollution’. People seem to like it.
MHF: Are you happy with your album debut?
Mark: Absolutely!
MHF: Are there any musical differences between the EP and the debut album?
Mark: ‘Mind Pollution’ is a bit more sound refined vs the EP. Both in our opinion are strong releases that capture the sound of the band.
MHF: Are there already plans for a successor?
Mark: For sure! We already have several songs we are working on or have written for the next album.
MHF: Who is in charge of the songwriting at Dark Secret?
Mark: We all bring stuff to the table. We write songs we like. Everyone has an open mind and input. We try every idea that is suggested when writing. Lyrically the material has been between Jeff, Al, and myself. Riffs come from everyone and Capt’n Lou is a monster drummer that comes up with really cool stuff.
MHF: Thank you once again for this interview. Is there anything else you would like to say to the fans at the end?
Mark: Thank you for the chance to talk. A special thank you to our fans for your support! We love you and we will see you at our performances! If you haven’t heard Dark Secret, check us out!
Dark Secret are:
Mark Shea – Guitar
Al Wojtonek – Bass
Lou Barkley – Drums
Brian Steele – Guitar
Jeff Emilio – Vocals
Discography:
Dark Secret – EP 2021
Patriarchs Of Science – Single 2024
Mind Pollution – Album 2024
Social Media:
Bandcamp – https://darksecret.bandcamp.com/album/dark-secret
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DarkSecret216
Homepage – https://www.darksecretband.com/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCquWzZcIDzZqteatz0iHZ4A
