The Unguided
Encyclopedia
The Unguided is a five-piece melodic death metal
band
from Sweden
, formed by Richard Sjunnesson, after his departure from Sonic Syndicate
. Later, he was joined by (also former Sonic Syndicate
singer) Roland Johansson, and current Sonic Syndicate
guitarist Roger Sjunnesson and drummer John Bengtsson and current Cipher System bassist Henric Carlsson.
(first known as Fallen Angels). Vocalist Roland Johansson left in 2009 due to issues with extensive touring. In October 2010, it was announced that vocalist Richard Sjunneson would not take part of the rest of the We Rule the Night tour to spend more time with his family, but a couple of days after he announced the break was permanent, that he left Sonic Syndicate due to creative differences. Richard went on to form the new band, The Unguided, together with Roland Johansson and Roger Sjunnesson who still plays in Sonic Syndicate.
. On the same day, it was also announced that the release date of Nightmareland would be delayed until February due to the band re-recording it in a professional studio and not in Richard's home studio On January 18, 2011, the band announced the title of the two new songs for the Nightmareland EP: "Green Eyed Demon" and "Pathfinder." On the same day, it was revealed that the recording took place in The Abyss studio (same studio Sonic Syndicate recorded Only Inhuman, Love and Other Disasters and Burn This City) in Pärlby, Sweden with producer Jonas Kjellgren (same producer Sonic Syndicate used for Only Inhuman, Love and Other Disasters and Burn This City).
On February 6, 2011, the band announced that their first concert would be as a part of the set-list for the 2011 Getaway Rock Festival. Richard also revealed that he had joined the Swedish metal band Faithful Darkness.
On February 16, 2011, the band released a video on their YouTube page including a preview of two tracks of the upcoming EP. On February 18, 2011, the band announced that the recording, mixing and mastering of Nightmareland was done. They also announced that the band had signed with the Swedish record label Despotz Records, on which Nightmareland would be released. March 7, 2011 the band announced that Nightmareland would be released on April 1, 2011 through Despotz Records. They also announced that the band would be re-recording songs they wrote when they still were in Fallen Angels. On the release day of Nightmareland, "Pathfinder" premiered on the Swedish radio station Bandit Rock.
Richard had already hinted that fans needed to keep their eyes out for June 16, 2011 without revealing anything more than that it would be a special day. On June 16, 2011 without any official announcement The Unguided released their debut single "Betrayer of the Code". "Betrayer of the Code" was originally written by Roger and Richard when they still played in Fallen Angels. The artwork for the single was made by Jose A. Aranguren, the same person who made the artwork for the Sonic Syndicate album Eden Fire
and the alternative version of Nightmareland. With the release of the first single, The Unguided had officially begun recording their debut album. Although the recording session had already been going on for a while, it wasn't announced until June 16. "Betrayer of the Code" entered the Swedish iTunes charts at 8th on the standard, and 1st on the Rock Chart.
On June 25, 2011, Richard announced that The Unguided would not be able to perform any their songs written in Sonic Syndicate due to after Roland's departure of the band he signed a contract giving away all the rights of anything related to Sonic Syndicate, even performing the songs live. In order for the band to play their songs live, every member of the band (except new singer Nathan James Biggs) needed to sign a contract wherein they allow The Unguided to play their songs. Richard and Roger's cousin and guitar player in Sonic Syndicate, Robin Sjunnesson was the only person in the band not willing to sign the contract, therefore removing any possibility for The Unguided to play any of their old songs.
Richard Sjunnesson included the following statement about the situation on his blog:
On October 3, the artwork and title of their debut album Hell Frost was revealed at 616. The artwork was done by Kuang Hong, the same person who made the artwork for Nightmareland. The layout and booklet design was made by Gustavo Sazes. On the same day Despotz Records announced that the recording, mixing and mastering of Hell Frost was completed and that it would be released on November 30, 2011.
Richard had already announced on his blog that the album would include a cover song; on October 8, it was revealed to be "Tankens Mirakel" by the Swedish EBM duo Spark. The song has been translated into English and will appear on the album with the title "The Miracle of Mind." It will be the JakeBox exclusive bonus track for Hell Frost. On October 11 the Swedish radio station Bandit Rock premiered the song "Inherit the Earth," a preview of the song had been played the day before as well.
On October 25, it was announced that "Inherit the Earth" would be the lead single off the album with a music video directed by Patric Ullaeus
accompanying it. "Phoenix Down" was origially intended as the lead single. The artwork for the single was made by Jose A. Aranguren. The single was eventually released on October 26, 2011.
Melodic death metal
Melodic death metal is a heavy metal music style that combines elements from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal with elements of death metal. The style was developed during the early and mid-1990s, primarily in England and Scandinavia...
band
Band (music)
In music, a musical ensemble or band is a group of musicians that works together to perform music. The following articles concern types of musical bands:* All-female band* Big band* Boy band* Christian band* Church band* Concert band* Cover band...
from Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
, formed by Richard Sjunnesson, after his departure from Sonic Syndicate
Sonic Syndicate
Sonic Syndicate is a melodic death metal band from Falkenberg, Sweden. They are influenced by Swedish melodic death metal bands such as In Flames, Soilwork and metalcore bands like Killswitch Engage.....
. Later, he was joined by (also former Sonic Syndicate
Sonic Syndicate
Sonic Syndicate is a melodic death metal band from Falkenberg, Sweden. They are influenced by Swedish melodic death metal bands such as In Flames, Soilwork and metalcore bands like Killswitch Engage.....
singer) Roland Johansson, and current Sonic Syndicate
Sonic Syndicate
Sonic Syndicate is a melodic death metal band from Falkenberg, Sweden. They are influenced by Swedish melodic death metal bands such as In Flames, Soilwork and metalcore bands like Killswitch Engage.....
guitarist Roger Sjunnesson and drummer John Bengtsson and current Cipher System bassist Henric Carlsson.
Formation
Before The Unguided was formed, all of the core members played in the Swedish metal band Sonic SyndicateSonic Syndicate
Sonic Syndicate is a melodic death metal band from Falkenberg, Sweden. They are influenced by Swedish melodic death metal bands such as In Flames, Soilwork and metalcore bands like Killswitch Engage.....
(first known as Fallen Angels). Vocalist Roland Johansson left in 2009 due to issues with extensive touring. In October 2010, it was announced that vocalist Richard Sjunneson would not take part of the rest of the We Rule the Night tour to spend more time with his family, but a couple of days after he announced the break was permanent, that he left Sonic Syndicate due to creative differences. Richard went on to form the new band, The Unguided, together with Roland Johansson and Roger Sjunnesson who still plays in Sonic Syndicate.
Nightmareland
On December 22, 2010, Richard revealed on his blog that the band would be releasing two brand-new songs in January. On January 9, 2011 the band revealed the artwork and title for their upcoming EP, Nightmareland. The artwork was done by Kuang Hong. The layout and booklet design was made by Gustavo Sazes, the same person who made the artwork for the Sonic Syndicate EP Burn This City. An alternative version of the artwork for later re-issues of the EP was made by Jose A. Aranguren, the same person who made the artwork for the Sonic Syndicate album Eden FireEden Fire
Eden Fire is the debut album by Swedish melodic death metal band Sonic Syndicate. It is their first and only album to be released through the American record label, Pivotal Rockordings. The album was recorded and mixed at Studiomega from February 2005 to June 2005 by Christian Silver and Manne...
. On the same day, it was also announced that the release date of Nightmareland would be delayed until February due to the band re-recording it in a professional studio and not in Richard's home studio On January 18, 2011, the band announced the title of the two new songs for the Nightmareland EP: "Green Eyed Demon" and "Pathfinder." On the same day, it was revealed that the recording took place in The Abyss studio (same studio Sonic Syndicate recorded Only Inhuman, Love and Other Disasters and Burn This City) in Pärlby, Sweden with producer Jonas Kjellgren (same producer Sonic Syndicate used for Only Inhuman, Love and Other Disasters and Burn This City).
On February 6, 2011, the band announced that their first concert would be as a part of the set-list for the 2011 Getaway Rock Festival. Richard also revealed that he had joined the Swedish metal band Faithful Darkness.
On February 16, 2011, the band released a video on their YouTube page including a preview of two tracks of the upcoming EP. On February 18, 2011, the band announced that the recording, mixing and mastering of Nightmareland was done. They also announced that the band had signed with the Swedish record label Despotz Records, on which Nightmareland would be released. March 7, 2011 the band announced that Nightmareland would be released on April 1, 2011 through Despotz Records. They also announced that the band would be re-recording songs they wrote when they still were in Fallen Angels. On the release day of Nightmareland, "Pathfinder" premiered on the Swedish radio station Bandit Rock.
Hell Frost
On April 28, 2011, the band announced that pre-production of their debut album had officially begun. They also revealed that Jonas Kjellgren also would be producing the album and that The Unguided had signed a deal with Despotz Records to release and distribute it. On June 6, 2011 it was revealed that the second The Unguided concert would be on July 26, 2011 at the annual Grand Rock event at their hometown Falkenberg, Sweden.Richard had already hinted that fans needed to keep their eyes out for June 16, 2011 without revealing anything more than that it would be a special day. On June 16, 2011 without any official announcement The Unguided released their debut single "Betrayer of the Code". "Betrayer of the Code" was originally written by Roger and Richard when they still played in Fallen Angels. The artwork for the single was made by Jose A. Aranguren, the same person who made the artwork for the Sonic Syndicate album Eden Fire
Eden Fire
Eden Fire is the debut album by Swedish melodic death metal band Sonic Syndicate. It is their first and only album to be released through the American record label, Pivotal Rockordings. The album was recorded and mixed at Studiomega from February 2005 to June 2005 by Christian Silver and Manne...
and the alternative version of Nightmareland. With the release of the first single, The Unguided had officially begun recording their debut album. Although the recording session had already been going on for a while, it wasn't announced until June 16. "Betrayer of the Code" entered the Swedish iTunes charts at 8th on the standard, and 1st on the Rock Chart.
On June 25, 2011, Richard announced that The Unguided would not be able to perform any their songs written in Sonic Syndicate due to after Roland's departure of the band he signed a contract giving away all the rights of anything related to Sonic Syndicate, even performing the songs live. In order for the band to play their songs live, every member of the band (except new singer Nathan James Biggs) needed to sign a contract wherein they allow The Unguided to play their songs. Richard and Roger's cousin and guitar player in Sonic Syndicate, Robin Sjunnesson was the only person in the band not willing to sign the contract, therefore removing any possibility for The Unguided to play any of their old songs.
Richard Sjunnesson included the following statement about the situation on his blog:
On October 3, the artwork and title of their debut album Hell Frost was revealed at 616. The artwork was done by Kuang Hong, the same person who made the artwork for Nightmareland. The layout and booklet design was made by Gustavo Sazes. On the same day Despotz Records announced that the recording, mixing and mastering of Hell Frost was completed and that it would be released on November 30, 2011.
Richard had already announced on his blog that the album would include a cover song; on October 8, it was revealed to be "Tankens Mirakel" by the Swedish EBM duo Spark. The song has been translated into English and will appear on the album with the title "The Miracle of Mind." It will be the JakeBox exclusive bonus track for Hell Frost. On October 11 the Swedish radio station Bandit Rock premiered the song "Inherit the Earth," a preview of the song had been played the day before as well.
On October 25, it was announced that "Inherit the Earth" would be the lead single off the album with a music video directed by Patric Ullaeus
Patric Ullaeus
Patric Ullaeus is an award winning director, photographer and artist. He is the founder of Revolver Film Company which is based in Sweden.-Videography:2011Patric Ullaeus is an award winning director, photographer and artist...
accompanying it. "Phoenix Down" was origially intended as the lead single. The artwork for the single was made by Jose A. Aranguren. The single was eventually released on October 26, 2011.
Band members
| (2011) Nightmareland |
|
|---|---|
| (2011) Hell Frost Hell Frost Following it's digital release on October 23, 2011, the album received generally positive reviews, with Simon Pettersen of Sputnikmusic.com stating "If this was a Sonic Syndicate album, it would’ve been their best, but fact is… It is not." Pettersen finished his review stating: "All in all, Hell... |
|
Current band members
| Name | Instrument | Membership | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Sjunnesson | harsh vocals | 2010–present | Lyricist Lyricist A lyricist is a songwriter who specializes in lyrics. A singer who writes the lyrics to songs is a singer-lyricist. This differentiates from a singer-composer, who composes the song's melody.-Collaboration:... Former singer of Tunes of Silence, Faithful Darkness & Sonic Syndicate Sonic Syndicate Sonic Syndicate is a melodic death metal band from Falkenberg, Sweden. They are influenced by Swedish melodic death metal bands such as In Flames, Soilwork and metalcore bands like Killswitch Engage..... |
| Roland Johansson | lead guitar Lead guitar Lead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure... clean vocals |
2010–present | Composer Former singer of Inhale, Dodge & Sonic Syndicate Sonic Syndicate Sonic Syndicate is a melodic death metal band from Falkenberg, Sweden. They are influenced by Swedish melodic death metal bands such as In Flames, Soilwork and metalcore bands like Killswitch Engage..... |
| Roger Sjunnesson | rhythm guitar Rhythm guitar Rhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together... keyboards |
2010–present | Composer Composer A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media... Recorded drums for Nightmareland Former guitarist of Tunes of Silence & current guitarist in Sonic Syndicate Sonic Syndicate Sonic Syndicate is a melodic death metal band from Falkenberg, Sweden. They are influenced by Swedish melodic death metal bands such as In Flames, Soilwork and metalcore bands like Killswitch Engage..... |
| Henric Carlsson | bass | 2011-present | Former bassist of Dead by April Dead by April Dead by April is a Swedish metal band from Gothenburg, formed in February 2007. The band consists of Jimmie Strimell, Zandro Santiago, Marcus Wesslén and Alex Svenningsson. They released their self-titled debut album in May 2009. In 2010 the two guitarists, Pontus Hjelm and Johan Olsson, left the... , Nightrage Nightrage Nightrage is a Greek/Swedish melodic death metal band formed by guitarist Marios Iliopoulos and his close friend Gus G. who later re-located to Gothenburg, Sweden.-Sweet Vengeance:... and current bassist of Cipher System |
| John Bengtsson | drums | 2011-present | Drum assistance on Nightmareland Former drummer of DØDZ and current drummer of Sonic Syndicate Sonic Syndicate Sonic Syndicate is a melodic death metal band from Falkenberg, Sweden. They are influenced by Swedish melodic death metal bands such as In Flames, Soilwork and metalcore bands like Killswitch Engage..... . |
Session members
| Name | Instrument | Membership | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonas Kjellgren | bass (studio) | 2011 | Recorded bass for The Unguided on Nightmareland and Hell Frost Hell Frost Following it's digital release on October 23, 2011, the album received generally positive reviews, with Simon Pettersen of Sputnikmusic.com stating "If this was a Sonic Syndicate album, it would’ve been their best, but fact is… It is not." Pettersen finished his review stating: "All in all, Hell... . Current lead/rhythm guitarist of Scar Symmetry Scar Symmetry Scar Symmetry is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Avesta in Dalarna County, formed in 2004. The band has released five albums, with six released singles... |
| Per Qvarnström | drums | 2011 | Played drums with The Unguided at Malmöfestivalen. |
| Pontus Hjelm | keyboards | 2011 | Recorded additional keyboards for The Unguided on Hell Frost Hell Frost Following it's digital release on October 23, 2011, the album received generally positive reviews, with Simon Pettersen of Sputnikmusic.com stating "If this was a Sonic Syndicate album, it would’ve been their best, but fact is… It is not." Pettersen finished his review stating: "All in all, Hell... . Session guitarist, keyboardist and composer in Dead by April Dead by April Dead by April is a Swedish metal band from Gothenburg, formed in February 2007. The band consists of Jimmie Strimell, Zandro Santiago, Marcus Wesslén and Alex Svenningsson. They released their self-titled debut album in May 2009. In 2010 the two guitarists, Pontus Hjelm and Johan Olsson, left the... . |
| Christoffer Andersson | guest vocals | 2011 | Performed guest harsh vocals with The Unguided at Malmöfestivalen. Former session vocalist in Sonic Syndicate Sonic Syndicate Sonic Syndicate is a melodic death metal band from Falkenberg, Sweden. They are influenced by Swedish melodic death metal bands such as In Flames, Soilwork and metalcore bands like Killswitch Engage..... and current vocalist in What Tomorrow Brings. |
| Peter Tägtgren | guest vocals | 2011 | Recorded guest harsh vocals with The Unguided on the song "Pathfinder". Current lead vocalist and lead guitaist in Hypocrisy Hypocrisy (band) Hypocrisy is a melodic death metal band from Sweden. It was formed in 1990 in Ludvika, Sweden by Peter Tägtgren.Musically, the band started off with a traditional death metal sound on their first albums, and soon drifted to become a melodic death metal band. The lyrics in their early stages -... and PAIN. |
Studio albums
| Title | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Hell Frost Hell Frost Following it's digital release on October 23, 2011, the album received generally positive reviews, with Simon Pettersen of Sputnikmusic.com stating "If this was a Sonic Syndicate album, it would’ve been their best, but fact is… It is not." Pettersen finished his review stating: "All in all, Hell... |
November 20, 2011 | Despotz Records |
Extended plays
| Title | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Nightmareland | April 1, 2011 | Despotz Records |
Singles
| Title | Release date | Album | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betrayer of the Code | June 16, 2011 | Hell Frost | Despotz Records |
| Inherit the Earth | October 26, 2011 | Hell Frost | Despotz Records |
Music videos
| Title | Release date | Album | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Down | November 30 | Hell Frost | Patric Ullaeus |