Richard Sjunnesson

Herro!

As promised, this is the special blog from my brief tour with Amaranthe, as the stand-in harsh vocalist for Andy. This entry will include neither a Q&A section, nor anything related to what’s currently going on in camp The Unguided. So if that’s what you’re looking for… GTFO!


Amaranthe

The story begins, Part I:
Many months ago, I received a cryptic e-mail from Olof (chief commander and axe wielder of Amaranthe). He was curious if I could fill in for Andy during a short period in their current touring schedule. If I was interested at all, Andy was to mail me and we would go over further details.


Destroyof

At this point, I’d already been listening to their S/T album a lot. I also knew a lot of the members to be really good people from past encounters, or word of mouth. So it wasn’t really something I needed to waste a lot of time thinking about. Challenge accepted!

Andy and I got along really well in our opened and humorous, yet somewhat professional mail conversation. There’s always something special talking with a colleague like this—a screamer in crime so-to-speak! I mean, there’s something “mysterious” about the people probating this throaty handicraft. But fact is; you always know the other guy kind of views the world from the same angle as you in a sense, with the very same normal values. The pros and cons are also well understood in doing it, and what comes with being in a band utilizing the concept. I guess Andy is even more close to my own format, seeing we’re both in a band sharing the same front man duties. And I suppose this is partly the reason (together with my experiences on bigger stages possibly) why I’ve been chosen to step in for the task, in this messy ocean of harsh vocalists out there. This is, however, entirely based upon my own speculations since I wasn’t given any specific reason, hehe. I know for fact it’s not because of my big collection of Manowar shirts. I’ve asked.

Nonetheless, he’s a great vocalist and good dude. Needless to say, putting on his big shoes for the assignment ahead would be a big challenge for me. Funny anecdote with Andy is that we actually opened for his former(?) band Evildoer with Sonic Syndicate in Gothenburg, right after we released Eden Fire. They were all metal to the bone and terribly scary (some of them even had beards) and we were just naïve youngsters in fashionable clothes. We had really no idea of what we were doing at all, hehe. Good times! I do think they thought less of us back then. And it is funny how paths do cross again, eventually.


Evildoer

Anyways! We both came to a settlement and I talked over some of the practicality with their manager, who is by far the best and nicest band manager I’ve ever had the opportunity to exchange words with. Do hold a firm grip around him, dear Amarantheniens! Right after everything was sorted; I immediately started to practice their songs. I literally listened to their debut album 24/7. I listened to it while I was awake and while I slept. In the foreground and background alike, it was chronically present, provoking some frustration into my environment at times. This went on for a couple of months but enough about that; let’s fast forward to where the action takes place, shall we?

The adventure begins, part II:

The Hammerfall tour with Amaranthe, Death Destruction, and Vicious Rumors as support was the mission ahead. It was the second leg of the tour after a type of “recharge-iPhone-battery” break.  The tour schedule looked as neatly as this:

27.11.2011 - Piano - Trencin, Slovakia
28.11.2011 - Petöfi Hall - Budapest, Hungary
01.12.2011 - SKC - Belgrade, Serbia
02.12.2011 - Boogaloo - Zagreb, Croatia
03.12.2011 - Siska - Ljubljana, Slovenia
04.12.2011 - Dreiländerhalle - Passau, Germany
06.12.2011 - Salamandra 1 - Barcelona, Spain
07.12.2011 - Sala Heineken - Madrid, Spain
08.12.2011 - Fanatic - Sevilla, Spain
09.12.2011 - Hard Club - Porto, Portugal
10.12.2011 - Santana 27 Gold - Bilbao, Spain


Let's search for treasure!

On Friday the 25^th of November my sister drove me to the Falkenberg train station in the evening, and I was on my way. This, of course, happened after struggling for many hours trying to figure out what I should bring on the tour. It’s remarkable how fast you adapt to a normal life at home, even if it was roughly just a year since I was on the road last time. I honestly felt awfully green on packing my bags in a clever way. So I rolled with packing them in a not so clever way instead. I ended up bringing a lot of unnecessary shit I didn’t even get to use, thus gaining a lot of scores in favor to my feminine side.


Unnecessary shit

The train’s destination was set to Gothenburg. Their manager generously had booked a hotel for me there, so I didn’t have crawl up piss early and drive from Falkenberg. Ella came down from Stockholm to wave me off, as well. It was very appreciated due to the fact that we’re not going to see each other for 17 days. That actually would be the longest period of time we’ve been apart in our relationship so far, even though it’s (for now) a long distance one. I still had to get up at stupid o’ clock to get ready for the flight and meet up with the band. But at least I was in the right city.

The alarm went off, and I readied myself. Almost exactly when the elevator touched down on the lobby floor, Jake E called me to announce they we’re on their way to a taxi. So far only Johan and Jake E were inbound, but we were hurrying to Olof’s place to pick up him, Elize and Linda (the Amaranthe merchandiser) as well. Olof, was however, not in a hurry at all, and certainly reminded me a lot of my own time optimisms. As far as I could tell, most of them were a bit woozy, due to a night out the day before. Thus, once again, making this excellent company a heavy reminder of my own patterns. And I had to pinch myself to make sure I actually had left home at all.

At the airport, Landvetter, shooting through the check-in and security control, we settled in the airport’s bar to drink beer-breakfast. You never know in a new social company whether it’s going to be natural or just plain… awkward? But it didn’t take long to establish the feeling of being among friends. And the beers sure did their part as well. We talked away until a really worrying flight attendant showed up in the bar and annoyingly announced that they were about to unload our luggage, hence of us being late for the flight. Everyone immediately rushed to the gate! Well, almost everyone… Olof took his own, very unconcerned pace. Nonetheless we made the flight.


Last call for Berlin

On the Tegel airport in Berlin, we met up with Morten (the drummer) who traveled from Denmark and also the tour manager "Sheep". Olof had an episode again, this time with an escalator and its emergency stop device, to the airports security’s big dissatisfaction. And they we’re not very amused over the excuse: “In Soviet Sweden, red buttons are for pushing!” either. We also had to wait a silly amount of time for the connecting flight to Frankfurt. There are a lot of existing examples of how to kill time on an airport, and just when you think you knew them all, a few new ones occurred to me at Tegel.


This one I know well.


This was, however, a new one for me! The Olof-cyclops time killer.


Don't move towards the lights

Many hours later, the flight departed. In the good hands of the TM we luckily made a more timely arrival to the gate, compared to the initial flight. In Frankfurt the tour bus picked us up and this was also the rally point with Death Destruction and Vicious Rumors (who Amaranthe shared bus with.) A happy reunion celebration for almost everyone! Spending a lot of time together obviously brings people together, and this particular bunch of people had already worked their way through a lengthy first leg of a tour. For me, it was a practice of my most fearsome and solid introduction handshake kind of deal. I guess I had to earn my stripes. And my firm handshake would only take me so far, so I whipped my cock out… eh?

The bus left the airport almost immediately, no time to spill to get our asses to Slovakia. On the bus, I was led to my bunk, where I found myself in an exotic (?) surrounding. My bunk segment was namely located over Denmark (Morten), right next to the American (Brian) and down to the right I had my Swedish brethren (Jonas). We all wrote a contract of diplomacy and connected the US to Scandinavia, just to not risk bloodshed and war.


My new home!

Trenčín in Slovakia was about 850 km south of us and we were on our way. I was kindly given some welcome beers on the bus. But moments later I was too exhausted from the lack of sleep to withhold a socially acceptable standard. So I retired to my bunk and started to read a classic vampire book, meaning; not the Twilight saga.

Trenčín, part III:

I woke up the other day all disoriented and the bus was not moving any longer. I couldn’t tell whether it was in the middle of the night or if we arrived at the venue. I had no idea what time it was until I confirmed it with my phone’s clock. It was slightly past noon. I got dressed and set a goal to get myself some breakfast. Luckily, I bumped into the bassist from Vicious Rumors outside, who could point me in the right direction. There was no need to get entangled in a Spinal Tap kind of meaningless catering pursue with no end, when there’s a helpful gentlemen like this around! Even though it was down one of those wayward paths, I usually find myself treading. My stupid pride and a manly unwillingness to ask my way around are unfortunately blocking a lot of easy ways, and switching my life into heroic mode from time to time. However, after ascending a nasty stairway, I found food… sort of. Oh how I’ve missed the delicacy of cheese and ham sandwiches on tour! While I ate, I examined the road crew being all busy setting up the stage. I like to watch people work, and not doing much of an effort myself. I think it’s a gene configuration passed down to me from my great, great, great, great, grandfather Julius Caesar. As more people randomly appeared in the backstage / catering area, my restlessness started to ache and an urge to check out the city emerged.


Well now kids, this is a tour bus


Food… sort of


Global Standard Tour Breakfast & Bad Wi-Fi


Busy, busy

I fooled Morten and Johan from my temporary band into joining me into the city. There was little resistance displayed, and off we went.  Trenčín was cool. We found a castle, cloudy and cold weather, an abandoned stage on a ghost square, a mall with a reindeer, and most importantly; some exercise. On tours there’s always a lot of sitting around waiting, so the more time I can spend on my legs; the better!


Excited gentlemen


Castle Grayskull


Showtime!


The ghostly citizens wouldn't stick on photos

Everything was delayed on this day, and it was definitely leaning towards us not getting a proper sound check at all. So far I didn’t rehearse on one single occasion with the band, so I guess a sound check would be a good idea. But then again, it wasn’t that necessary since I knew the songs fairly well by now. My only concern would be monitors. I don’t really care if I hear myself that much because I know my voice. But in terms of timing, I sometimes tend to listen and cue myself after different and illogical elements of a studio album. Sometimes I simply let a random source guide me through the song, like the keyboards, lead guitar or vocal melody, or anything really. But when the expected element isn’t present our audible live, there’s a chance I run into problem and get out of time. God knows why I don’t just automatically align myself after the drums, which is actually playing after the click track at all times. But for some moronic reason, my mind is not always pleased with that, hehe. Heroic mode life, as said! Anyways, when we got back Hammerfall was about to sound check, and I made sure to get ready for the stage early.


The times are merely recommendations


HF soundcheck

First band out for the night was Death Destruction. DD is possibly the band that is the furthest away musically from HF, seeing that they play death metal based solely on screaming vocals. But nonetheless their energetic and “in-your-face” live show does come across a like a solid knuckle sandwich right into your solar plexus. And I believe even the most narrow-minded power metal fanatic could feel the hurt of that one. They even proved it a step further that night by blowing the sub-bass of the PA to hell and beyond, with their first couple of songs. The whole venue reeked of burnt electronic. This also felt like home! Nonetheless a good start of the first night! Can I get a FUCK YEAH? Hehe.


Death and destruction to low freq

Coming up next was our show! I was ready in my stage clothes for hours by now. And at this moment, I was only finding myself walking around, listening to the Amaranthe album in my iPhone to give it one final practice in my head before full on live havoc. The rest of the people were getting ready as well. Jake E and I even found some time to go through some practicality details for the set as well.


Getting ready


More food


This is how a stage ready drummer looks like! Examine him closely. 

Our show went well! Better than I had expected going up blind like that, with no rehearsal together in our back.  I kind of fucked up “Call Out My Name,” and I kept doing that for the rest of the tour, so that got to be my constant nemesis, hehe. But other than that, there wasn’t really much other trainee related collateral damage. I had no idea where to position myself on stage, and how much space they actually wanted me to take. So I improvised and went with my guts, and it turned out quite all right. I enjoyed the show! Their fans and the crowd were really cool.


Amaranthe - 1.000.000 Lightyears (Video)

After the show, save from being sweaty, we tended to autograph and photograph duties and some “job-well-done” drinking. A big Slovakian fan was very determined to give us small white cups of vodka, which he claimed to be liquor made from the trees (?). I didn’t let myself to be fooled so easily, and thought twice about drinking my Ent friends. He, however, reminded me awfully a lot of the fluor lady back from school; with his white cups and a strong will to get liquid in my mouth. Vicious Rumors and Hammerfall played their shows and it was a nice evening overall. Eventually everyone returned to the bus and the 328 km long trip to Budapest in Hungary began.


The flour lady


Spreading vicious rumours


Commander Olof, saluting off his grunt


HammerFall

Budapest, Part IV:

I woke up, this day fairly early. When I took my first steps outside the bus I didn’t recognize myself being in middle of Europe but rather in the wild, wild west. This venue was thematically built after America’s old west customs, inside and out. I guess it was like a false sense of homecoming for Vicious Rumors, hehe. Literally everything was made from the Native American / Cowboy culture basically. Pretty cool venue indeed!


Yeeeeha!


Inside the tipi


If you're gonna die, die with your boots... hanging by the door

When I overcame my fear of being scalped, I began my search for breakfast, which was conveniently located on the second floor. The catering this day was really good and there was a selection of everything I could desire to carry inside of me, in this time and space. I also noticed there were two really familiar French faces on this tour in Céline (lampy) and Sébastien (drumtech), who worked with Gojira during our tour with In Flames back in 2008. A little blast from the past! It’s weird that you spend six weeks in a tour bus together, living closer to each other than you do to with your family, and then you don’t see each other “ever” again. Oh well, I’ve actually bumped into both of them on some festivals since 08. But that’s not always how it goes.


Amaranthe breakfast club


Hi Céline! So... you're still French and stuff!? :D


Seb!

After breakfast the TM Sheep got all dressed up in gorilla costume. The occasion was to surprise join our bus driver in the shower, to everyone’s big amusement.  I filmed the whole event so I can look at this bestiality act over and over, while I cry out with laughter. Other than that, there was not much more to mention about this afternoon.  When I did my “Zen of Screaming” warm-up I found a signed vinyl by Blind Guardian and a signed poster from Queen including Freddie Mercury’s signature. I was impressed; I admit it (obviously the BG part of it, earned my respect a good amount more than the other component.) I also found TV’s from early 20th century, which had luckily been discarded. Before our show, I listened extra carefully to “Call Out My Name” (not that it helped, but still) and tried to address some issues, from the show in Trenčín.


Sheepy Kong


My fingers were itching

R.I.P Mercury, you legend, you!


“Can I hang in my TV in your wardrobe?”


Very important sheet of paper

This came to be one of the shows I liked the most of all the gigs. Whether it was because I had my lucky “Hell Frost” shirt on, or because the audience was awesome and very loud, I do not know. But it altogether felt a bit more organic sharing the stage with the band. I got to know the songs a bit better from the night before, not only from a sound perspective but also some obvious movement patterns, or who stands where and doing what and when. It was overall more natural.


Amaranthe - 1.000.000 Lightyears (Video)

Afterwards, I took a shower. Then later I went down with Jimmie, to the riff raff and enjoyed a beer or two while Hammerfall was playing. The bad news was that there was something wrong with the bus that evening. But the fact we had a day off the next day (AKA travel day) made people less worried, and we would most likely make it to the Bucharest show anyways since the bus would be repaired in time. Or so we thought...


Jimmie checking out Hammerfall, like a baws

Still Budapest? Part V:

Woke up, still in Budapest. It was a cold day in Hungary, and the part we needed for the bus was being brought all the way from Germany. It wouldn’t show up until late that evening. So today was basically every man on his own; hope for the best, plan for the worst kind of deal. The Swedish members of the tour (Minus; Hammerfall, who already left for Rumania in their own bus) plus the English TM took the opportunity to take the tram into the city to get something to eat. Sheep had some handy dice on the tram that kept both him and Jake E busy for a while during the rid.


Waiting for the bus, LIKE A SWEDE


Slice and dice

We soon found a hamburger joint in the city with some free Wi-Fi access as well. And I guess it was more interesting to call home and power surf, rather than to eat a moderate burger.


Jonas handing out facial hair


Warning sign for “slow children; playing?”


The Star Wars shrine made better impression than the food

After we had killed an impressive amount of time at the restaurant, almost making the waitress go into cardiac arrest because of our company wanting to pay on separate checks, we moved on to a little pub to drink our sorrows away. A midget dressed in a Laa-Laa shirt managed this pub. That alone made the visit worth its trouble. Add that together with the very cheap beer, and it made the place flawless.


Laa-Laa


Next stop mars painting?

We returned to the bus via a pizzeria, just to find out the part we needed was about to arrive. Then we would relocate to a garage during the night to get the damned bus fixed and be on our way to Bucharest. I went to my bunk to finish up the day with my book (which was quite a page turner) and digest all unhealthy fast food I had stuffed myself with during the day.

Budapest x 3, Part VI:

When I woke up by the greasy smell of… not pizza, but oil; I hurried outside. I found out we were properly in a garage. And according to some inside Intel, the cord to the buses break system (the spare part that was delivered from Germany, which was going to be replaced) was surprisingly the wrong one and couldn’t be assembled.  Meaning, we were unfortunately still stranded in Budapest. Thus making this day, according to my count, day three in the very same city. Any chances of us making it to the Bucharest show were as of now eliminated and we unfortunately had to cancel the show. The mechanics were busy detaching the original damaged cord from the bus, sending it into the city, in an attempt to get that repaired, instead of using the invalid spare-part from Germany. Such a hassle! What convenient turns this matter would have had, if only the tour had an electrician onboard…?


I love the smell of grease and oil in the morning


Rent-A-Bus-Wreck


That extremely important sheet of paper again


Wait... how did you know the setlist?! SPEAK MACHINE!!!!

Anyways, instead of spending our precious time in a pointless garage, we set a plan in motion to get to the city, once again. The German driver who had delivered the erroneous cable was willing to repent his incompetence by driving us into the city military style. We loaded in the safe confines of the backspace of his APC. And off we went! Since this was a military operation he couldn’t risk going too deep into the city and left us at a safe walking distance from it. Very appreciated!


Loading up the APC


GO, GO, GO!!!


The city within our grasp

Once we successfully made it over the bridge and into the city, we all ate at McDonalds. However, Henrik, Jonas, and I decided to stay behind and spend the rest of the day at the golden arches as well. Free Wi-Fi, coffee, access to food and restrooms at any given time? This was as close as you could get to paradise on tour. We we’re holding ground at McDonalds for over 6 hours, being undeniable indefatigable troopers of our time. But all good things mostly come to an end, so we decided to move on to a neat little Irish pub, where we could drink some Guinness instead, to balance out our diet chart.


Got cheese?


After a couple of hours of me eating, my iPhone also wanted nourishment.


On our way to Ireland.


You might want to look over your restaurant name.

After a while we got bored of Guinness as well and decided to make our way back to the bus, which SHOULD have been repaired at this given time. Not that I was to bet a fortune on it, but at least that was the word on the street. We walked to the closest tram station and the very tram we managed to catch also harbored our dear colleagues. Weird shit! Like someone pressed the “sync travel party” button on iTunes and all relevant people straying in the city, ended up on the same tram. Well, less mysterious stuff has converted people to scientology before. Anyways, the tram broke down some blocks from the bus rendezvous, so we found ourselves on foot again. Sometimes on tour, it’s fucking rocket science to figure out how to get from point A to B. By now I was sure someone was jinxing us in the group, and when I figured out whom, I was to dispose of the entity for a more fortunate continuation of this adventure.  Anyways, bad news; bus was fixed. Good news; there was 376km to Belgrade! Or the other way around, at this point, I was too tired to care. I had a fistful of cheeseburgers to dissolve in my stomach. I would make good use of the time in my bunk.


Strangers in the night


Poster Boy 2.0


This is not a repaired bus, this is a hotel in need of some frontal attention.

Belgrade, Part VII:

At the Serbian border there was some fuzz. We had to pass the border together with Hammerfall, so we needed to catch them on their way back from Bucharest or we would not be able to enter the country. As far as I remember this was the first time for me in Serbia as well. Well, if we made it through the border, which we obviously did since I’m writing this post the actual happening. So I know what happened, ha! Anyways, first time for me in Serbia. I think.

The whole travel party made a late arrival to the venue, hence of the border hassle. We parked the bus in a park (?) and upon exiting the vehicle; I had to try hard not to put my feet down on dog shit—meaning the jinxing entity was still around. Who could it be!? Later on I came to the conclusion it must have been Larry from Vicious Rumors. He was by far the loudest on the bus. I’m positive he, with his loudness, attracted some negative spirits and possibly upset a cacodemon or two. It was unfortunate that the punishing bane fell upon the rest of us as well and wasn’t focused on the source. It was literally physically impossible to be “loud as Larry,” as the new saying that was established read. There was not much I could do. He was American and I was Scandinavian. I was not trained in the delicate combat art of the Wal-martian eagle punch.  I let it go, for now. Not even when Krakatoa erupted was the measured dB even remotely close to the “loud as Larry” standard.

This venue was located in some sort of students' union type of building, and there was little to outline where backstage began and the venue public zones ended. There wasn’t a shower either, so I had to water bottle my hair in a portable toilet, just to wash it. It was fun for a while, but after like three seconds of doing it kind of felt wrong. The smell was the biggest element of dissatisfaction. However, I shrugged this feeling of disgust off when I entered in my Manowar shirt with pride (the smell was still persistent though). It was Manowar shirt premiere tonight. And this fact strengthened every muscle fiber in my body!

The catering today was pretty decent as well! We had our own waiter. He kind of got the similar appearance as Alfred in Batman. I’d be damned if he’s not in the cast of the new “The Dark Knight Rises” movie.


Olof shows his appreciation with the food.


Alfred, doing his butler thing.

Death Destruction played their set, and I was doing my vocal warm-ups while enjoying their music. Looked like a pretty cool crowd tonight as well. I readied myself mentally for full impact.


When I was ready, Jake E was still trying to find his stage clothes.

The show went well! The crowd was good as anticipated, and I was really getting warm in my clothes and beginning to get the routines up. I managed to spot some Manowar brothers and sisters in the crowd, which lead to a couple of bro fists and dual “sign of the hammer” gesticulation. Made me proud!


Belgrade

After the show, we just chilled out and met up with the fans for some photographs and autographs, nothing out of the ordinary, really. And before I knew it, I was back in the bus and we we’re on our way. Next stop Croatia and Zagreb! Roughly 393km.


Morten can watch me and Jonas at the same time. Amazing!


Public Relations


Temple of Love

To be continued...

I’m back!

My long blog silence is finally broken. There are so many things that have happened, and I’m eager to tell you. But I’ll simply have to cut this information feed in two. I know I haven’t really been trying too hard to avoid wall of text concepts in the past, but I really don’t want your brains to explode. Especially not now, with so many exciting things on the table! Yes, I prefer to have the table unsoiled by your brain tissue... This entry is the general one, I’ll do an article treating the entire Amaranthe tour shortly(?) hereafter. Which, by the way, was awesome. I had a very genuine and pleasant experience with the band on the road. It was a huge honor for me to be in the midst of such remarkable characters, not to mention excellent musicians!


Amazing tour with Amaranthe! Photo by: Linda Dahlberg

I was indeed absent during the physical release of Hell Frost 30th November. However, I was very present spiritually. I tried to keep up to date as much as possible with the bad Wi-Fi on tour. I’ve seen numerous amazing reviews, endless praise from the happy mob, and there’s positive feedback flooding our networks around the clock. Keep an eye on our Facebook and we’ll keep you up to date on reviews and interviews regarding the item! By running all those variables in my head, I’ve come to a rough estimate concluding that it’s not an overstatement that you (the fans) are satisfied with our debut effort!? Hehe. This makes me a joyful screaming lyricist (almost as delighted as when people write Hell Frost instead of Hellfrost or the even more ridiculous HellFrost...)


You people blow my mind!

Also the official The Unguided Facebook reached 10,000 LIKES the other day, which is a impressive milestone after just a year of existence. Keep it up and spread the word!

Ten thousand strong!

If you didn’t yet get your hands on this musical sensation which mortals call Hell Frost. Shame over your house! However, before I give up all hope on you, I’ll simply just link you up with some destinations where it’s available and I’m confident you’ll repent your sins right away, right?:
The Unguided - Hell Frost – CD (10 track)
The Unguided – Hell Frost – Special edition (11 track)
The Unguided – Hell Frost – iTunes (10 track)


Surley you want to be as cool as Takashi!?!??! Awesome collection!

STILL not convinced!? Check this fan-made Hell Frost preview and surrender your heart to us at instant:


The Unguided - Hell Frost Preview

Also there are some iTunes top-lists from the digital release day on the 22^nd of November, which you can rest your eyes on and pat yourself on the back as well. Not bad at all. Thanks for the awesome support!

Hell reigned iTunes chart

Hell Frost is now also available through Spotify in some countries. There’s also an ongoing Hell Frost commercial at Spotify, which features my beautiful voice. You can listen to the album through Spotify here.

The “Inherit the Earth – Survival of the Fittest” package sold out almost as fast as it came! The supporters will have a The Unguided wristband, signed poster and t-shirt sent to them early 2012. There was also a competition on the new revamped www.SixOneSix.se with three “Survival of the Fittest” packages in the pool. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to everyone participating in this blood soaked battle. Darwin chuckles in his grave! Henric has been busy with creating a new website for www.THE-UNGUIDED.com which will be up… well, when it’s done, hehe. There’s a new splash page, which you can check out now, however.

Who's to inherit the earth is as now decided!

The hometown gig at Annandagsrocken 2011 with The Unguided, A Silent Escape, Spark!, What Tomorrow Brings, and The Rains is getting alarmingly close! And we are reloading the unguided artillery in the rehearsal room with all the ammunition necessary, and more… just for the fuck of it. It’s time to put the “kill” in overkill, my friends! See you there and join the Facebook event here. Purchase tickets here. Don’t risk the chance of it selling out. Standing outside the venue in the middle of the winter is nothing I’d recommend.


Left out in the cold, forever alone...

We’ve also been booked for two new gigs in 2012! And we are holding our thumbs the world will not end before those two events take their proper place.  The first one is on January the 14^th, which is the GBG Winter Metal (Trädgår’n, Gothenburg, Sweden) with Dark tranquility, Amaranthe, Nifelheim and The Ryot. We’re strongly looking forward to share the stage with our brethren and sister in DT and Amaranthe! The first proper tour Sonic Syndicate ever did was a Scandinavian one with Dark Tranquility back in 2007. Mikael Stanne was the only reason why I started with screaming vocals back in 2001, thus this event is something really close to my heart and I literally can’t wait! Find more info about the event here and buy tickets here.


GBG Winter Metal

We’ve also been booked for the annual event Rockstad: Falun 2012 together with Sabaton, Amaranthe, Hypocrisy, Engel and Danko Jones among others. The event will take place during 16-18 August in Falun – Sweden. Buy tickets here.


Hellgate: Falun

A lot of you guys have asked for the lyrics to the bonus song of Hell Frost – Limited edition; The Miracle of Mind (Spark! Cover). And as usual, my wish is your command! (Lyrics written by: Stefan Brorson, translated by: me!)

---

:: THE MIRACLE OF MIND ::

Everything is dynamic and synergic systems
A fractal resonance created everything that you see
And no dead prophets can give you the answers, that we already have
Animal became man and man became machine
Evolution

IT’S THE MIRACLE OF MIND
I SAY MAN YOU’RE GOD
YOU ARE GOD
IT’S THE MIRACLE OF MIND
I SAY MAN YOU’RE GOD
YOU ARE GOD
THROUGH ETERNITIES ALL MILLION YEARS
WE ARE KINGS IN OUR OWN TIME
IT’S MORE THAN A MIRACLE 
I SAY MAN YOU’RE GOD
YOU’RE GOD

Mohammed, Buddha, Jesus
Speak the truth with complicated words
But the secret fit in a human equation
When reality ends that’s where your mind takes over

Evolution, evolution, evolution, evolution

YOU ARE GOD AND A MIRACLE
AND YOU’RE A KING OF YOUR OWN TIME
THROUGH ETERNITIES ALL MILLION YEARS
WE ARE KINGS IN OUR OWN TIME
IT’S MORE THAN A MIRACLE
I SAY MAN YOU’RE GOD
YOU’RE GOD 

---

"Animal became man and man became machine"

The Hell Frost signing at nZANE Clothing & Tattoos on the 17^th of December was awesome! Thanks to everyone for showing up. Also, a huge amount of thanks goes to Mr.nZANE himself for making this event a reality. He put a lot of effort and time into it, as always! Support good clothing and visit his shop in Gothenburg, or purchase merchandise from his web store. Here are some pictures from the event:

Mr.nZANE was happy, sort of...


Henric & John attaching their missing signatures

Flipping tables


Invaded by 616:ers


Getting shit done!


End of the line...

Here’s another really dedicated fan that decorated his entire back with the unguided crest! That's the purest form of respect visualized right there guys. I double dare you all to follow his example, hehe. I’ve tried to provide him with an @the-unguided mail address but he’s not answering on Facebook mail. And now I even lost his name in my overworked inbox, so he’ll remain a unknown entity for now… awesome tattoo nevertheless! Hehe.


The Unguided crest back piece

During the signing session we tried out Whyda Gally headphones and made a little photo-shoot. We’ll be looking to work more closely with them in the future! Like their Facebook page here.


The 5 Guys - Captain Unguided


Rich


Rogeo


Roll-on


JeeBee


Hank

The www.ArmyofTheUnguided.com fan forum is overrun by vicious Skynet spam bots once again. And to be fair, I had enough. On indefinite time, I’m disconnecting the forums official bounds with the band. People can still mingle on it if they wish, but it won’t be viewed as something officially tied to The Unguided. I think its unfortunate, but my tolerance with that forum has been more than reached. Thanks everyone that has been working hard to try to keep it functional! But sometimes you just have to admit defeat.


Overrun... again!

The Army of The Unguided World of Warcraft horde guild (Outland – EU) is, however, still going strong! And I’ll try to set aside some time for it now when I’m back from tour to have some quality time with you awesome gaming fans. I utterly love the new patch and all the convenient options it added for us more casual players. My carefully prepared transmogrification outfits looks amazing (God bless Blizzard for making the vanilla rank 12-14 gear only available to the ones having the old “Feat of Strength”). And I’ve already killed Deathwing (that lava drenched lizard was not much of a cataclysm when he was up against the full force of mighty Harbinger.) Thanks for the axe, fucker!

The mighty Harbinger

I’ve noticed a lot of people reporting full versions of The Unguided songs on our official channels, Facebook walls, and such. Instead please private message us the misuses. I know it’s out of good intent, and we appreciate it, BUT why be stupid? Please just PM us and restrict the evildoer’s damage instead of exposing it to thousands and thousands of more people, thus expanding the mischief further. Thank you very much!


Use it!

For a while ago I did some guest vocals for the local band A Silent Escape. This very song is now released to the public! There’s also a short video of me introducing the song in the beginning. They also just released their first video single. Check it out and be sure to LIKE their FB page if you like what you hear!


A Silent Escape - God's a Liar


A Silent Escape - Blackhole Gravity

Another guest project I did a couple of months ago was with the Spanish industrial band Killus. I’ve received their new effort Never Something Was So Real and it has come to be an album I’ve been listening to a lot while driving my car. Good job you Spainiacs!  Check the guest vocal song Vehemence out here.


Album, high on protein

There hasn’t been much activity regarding TheUnguidedTV for ages, and I’m addressing the issue in this blog’s Q&A. I've however made an Xmas special again for you, hope that will be fine for now! S01E01 hasunfortunately been removed from YouTube as well. So if people are still interested in checking it out you can download it here.


Xmas karaokee battle!

I got a new toy in my collection as well! This time I got the Naga sea witch Lady Vashj! It’s magnificently sculpted.


Lady Vashj


Sea whore

I’m sure there are thousands of things I have forgotten, but you are pretty fast by mailing me those questions anyway, so I’m sure it will be issued in the coming entries. I went to the movies the other day to see Immortals. I had awfully high expectations because of 300. Unfortunately it wasn’t quite as awesome, nevertheless pretty decent! Battle scenes are awesome. I saw Thor during the tour. I liked that one more, actually.

Merry Hellmas and a Unguided New Year!!!


Ho-ho-ho-ho

Heya!

So much stuff going on lately, even I have a hard time to keep up to date with everything. But I’ll try to touch them most relevant subjects in this blog entry, and also bore you with some unnecessary topics.

The Unguided - Hell Frost General's Armaments package (also known as Package 1 in some cultures) is sold out via the Despotz web shop. Great success! That means once again the 616 faithful people that ordered this will be having a special edition of the album, 1 GB ammo-USB necklace/keying thingy with the TU logo on the side (loaded with the album both as MP3 / WAV and PDF booklet), 7 colored print (front & back) Hell Frost t-shirt AND a signed (by all 5 of us) poster sent their way in the coming weeks. Congratulations and thank you for your most astonishing support, once again!


Hell selling out

The General's Armaments package sold out within three weeks, so a lot of people unfortunately missed out. So, what’s left for them except sitting in the corner in a cone of shame? Well there are a few viable options actually.

Option No.1
The retail jewel case edition excluding the 11^th bonus track of Hell Frost (release 30 November) is now available at a campaign price over at: Bengans.se, CDON.com, Sweden Rock Shop, Ginza.se and Megastore.se.


"Hell Frost" Jewelcase CD

Option No.2
The digital version of Hell Frost available via iTunes already a week prior to the actual release (exclusive iTunes release set to 22 November). You can find it here.


"Hell Frost" Digital iTunes Release

Option No.3
Still hungering for the limited jakebox special edition of Hell Frost with the 11^th bonus track? Until it’s sold out and never goes to print again it’s available here: Bengans.se, CDON.com, Sweden Rock Shop, Ginza.se and Megastore.se.


Limited edition jakebox CD

If you can’t wait for the album, the already released (26 Oct) album single “Inherit the Earth” is for your disposal here.


The Unguided - Inherit the Earth

You’ll find the lyrics in the last blog entry and the single artwork is once again made by our very talented friend, J.A.Aranguren (Eden Fire, Betrayer of the Code).


"You can breathe but the air is running out"

The Unguided is now officially a five-piece band as John Bengtsson (Sonic Syndicate) and Henric Carlsson (Cipher System, Lavett) joins as fulltime members. They are warmly welcome into this dysfunctional family, and I hope the fans will (when they get the opportunity) welcome them onboard as well!


The Unguided 2011

By the end of last month this five-piece machinery of wayward souls teamed up with Patric Ullaeus to make the first music video for the debut album. Some of us have worked with Patric on seven(!!!) different video productions previously, so it was safe to say we were in very good and familiar hands. It’s not an overstatement that Patric Ullaeus and his associates are the best at what they do in the world, and it felt extremely good to have such flawless professionalism at our service once again.


Legend

The song we decided to visualize was “Phoenix Down”. It’s a dynamic and fairly accessible song, which we felt would represent the band in a good way as an introduction video. Also it has been one of the fan favorites in our live set as far as we could tell. The video is a performance-only video shot in Gothenburg at Revolver Studios. It shows the band in an energetic discharge, clocking in on almost 4 minutes. A video recording is not a new thing for any of us, and therefore this was a fast and painless procedure. We even had time to shoot some pictures as the five-piece band we are afterwards! The release date for the video is not set just yet. If you want to check more of Patric’s incredible work, be sure to visit: www.Revolver.se


The Unguided In The Revolver Studios from Patric Ullaeus on Vimeo.


At nZANE gearing up for the video


Hank the hunk taking it away


Monster Energy to the left, Mic to the right


Rock 'n' Roland killing his guitar


Johnny boy pointing at the sky


Familiar face

The fifth The Unguided gig is set in our hometown, Falkenberg, once again. It’s under an event called “Annandagsrocken 2011,” which has been an annual event here in Falcon Mountain, since as long as I went to school here (and probably before that as well). It’s highly prestigious for us to be able to honor this gig with some local culture together with bands we’ve grown up with, and loved with all of our hearts. So I guess it’s once again time to rally the 616 to get your fine asses down to the west coast of Sweden again to do what you do best; attend our gigs, hehe. Besides The Unguided, you’ll also be able to see A Silent Escape (former members of Union Square), Spark! (The industrial band we featured as a cover song on “Hell Frost”), What Tomorrow Brings (The band of Kristoffer Bäcklund and Christoffer Andersson. Kristoffer was the drummer in Eden Fire. Christoffer Andersson was my replacement vocalist who appeared on the We Rule the Night tour of 2010), and finally The Rains (Old schoolmates and friends to all of us). It will surely be a night to remember, so I hope to see you all there! You can find more information & tickets here. Also be sure to join the Facebook event here.


Annandagsrocken 2011

Bandit Boat 12 was really mental! We all had an awesome time and the gig was really cool. I mean, you never know what to expect when you play the second day when everyone is hungover, or just too drunk to be able to leave their cabin. But you guys rocked the living shit out of us! The delicate line of 616 troopers was intact, sporting the front row as they’ve done on all gigs now, giving us your all. It’s such a delight for the eye to experience. Thank you once again! And thanks to everyone that fought off their headaches to check us out (and probably acquired a new one), heroes nonetheless!

The Unguided Bandit Boat XII 12/11 LIVE Set list:
1. Pathfinder
2. Phoenix Down
3. Serenade of Guilt
4. Betrayer of the Code
5. My Own Death
6. Iceheart Fragment
7. Green Eyed Demon
8. Inherit the Earth


Photo by: Micke Andersson


Photo by: Micke Andersson


Photo by: Micke Andersson


Photo by: Micke Andersson


Photo by: Micke Andersson

(More live photos to come in the next blog!)

I also had an interview early, early that morning on Bandit. So right after I checked out Rise to Remain the first day of the boat (good to see them again and catch up some with junior Dickinson!), I freely went to sleep, hehe. I just had time to meet up with some friends, drink a few beers, gorge myself at the dinner buffet, and chitchat with various familiar people. I was utterly too exhausted, so I needed to catch a few z’s to be able to get up to sound check on day 2, which was the important show day for us. Hope everyone had an amazing boat trip, and that you did stupid shit that cost you your soul!


Suspicious Roland and Pat from "Sleep to remain"


Super eager band!


My heart at place <3


We brought our own photagrapher, like bosses


Henric's mating expression


Our temple cabin of love


Transmogrification?


Boat buffet


Lactose warfare


Meeting up with the boys


Party people
 

...Meanwhile on the balcony


The merch is set,


The stage is set,


And Roland is... just Roland


Happy times!?


Pousers


Treadstone


Aftershow party in the suite


Game over man, game over! Thank you 616 ;)

If you live close to the Gothenburg area, 17 December is your lucky day! The Unguided will visit nZANE Clothing & Tattoos to do a “Hell Frost” signing. The store is open between 12.00-20.00 and we’ll be signing from 14.00-15.00. Write this down in your little calendars, and we’ll see you there! For more information g here and be sure to join the Facebook event here.


nZANE signing in Gothenburg

Roger has been extremely busy with the Crank It Up blog, and wrote two entries in less than two days. He’s very capable! Unfortunately, they are in Swedish, but I’m sure Google translate will sort that problem for you in a very accurate fashion(?). Here is the first blog entry and the second one.


Sovturken

We also had an interview with Peter Iwers (In Flames) and Fredrik Stenberg at Bandit Grovmalet the other day! You can stream the interview (In Swedish once again) here: Part 1 & Part 2. Don’t forget to “LIKE” their Facebook page here.


The Unguided at Bandit Grovmalet

What else? Oh yes, I attended the Machine Head, Bring me the Horizon, DevilDriver and Darkest Hour tour some weeks ago in Stockholm. Had a good time! I unfortunately missed DD and DH, since I came out too late. However, MH and BMTH was really good. I’m not fan of either and am not very active in checking out their discographies to be fair, but in my book BMTH owned that place, PERIOD! I really love the latest MH single too. But in the end, BMTH was massive and kind of blew everything out of the water there.


Arenan - Fryshuset


Bring Me The Horizon


Such a daredevil that Oliver!


"We will never sleep", something, something


Andy Sykes and Simone


Machine Head


Ten Ton Hammer!?


Who might you be?

Recently, I bought myself some new Marc Jacobs shades and also got a pair of new jeans. Felt I’ve been a good boy and needed to spoil myself.


New shades


New jeans

The Army of The Unguided, World of Warcraft guild on the server Outland has reached level 3 and now has 32 members. Everyone is welcome to join the fun in Azeroth on the horde side. My character is called Harbinger if you want to have a chat!


Join the unguided army!

I’ve had this blog for more than a year now and it’s getting HUGE in size. When I’m scrolling through some of the content, it’s hard to comprehend how much information and data I’ve squeezed into it. I was reading some old entries and it’s fantastic to see how the band was built from just a name idea, to being moments away from releasing a debut album. It’s also weird how drastically my own life has changed as well during this period of time. A year is not a long time, but scrolling through all these entries, I’ve grown to understand it has been an extremely busy and hectic year. Just to celebrate the 1 year blog anniversary, and since it’s getting all hell frosty outside I’ll post some fun pictures from the summer:


Celebrating midsummer with a wolf


LOMLB <3


Morris Åleri?


Ladies night at Mickis place, Being a man and all; I somehow got an exemption


Improvised engagment

Other information is that Ella and I have now moved into our new apartment in Stockholm. I still have my apartment in Falkenberg, and I work down there as well, but I spend al my spare time in Stockholm basically. It’s going to be great to set up the new apartment, decorate it the way we want it and make a crib of our own out from it. I really feel at home in the new apartment!


Home MII

Last but not least, I’ll be leaving for Slovakia in about a week from now. I’ll be touring with Amaranthe for two weeks as a placeholder singer for Andy (their screaming vocalist) on their ongoing Hammerfall support tour (tourdates out here). Andy is going to take some time off for personal reasons (more detailed information to be announced on their official networks I suppose) and he asked me if I could back him up, which I’m gladly willing to do. I’m a big fan of the band and it’s always wonderful to help a metal brother in need out! So if you live in Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, Spain or Portugal and have tickets for the Hammerfall headliner with Amaranthe as support, SEE YOU THERE!!!


Hiding on tour during "Hell Frost" release!

What’s your opinion about pandas by the way? Sjunnesson like them.


Kung Fu Panda

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Q&A XXVI:
Send your questions to: Richard@the-unguided.com.

Q: What is your religion?
A: As stated previously in my blog I’m neutral to religion. Meaning I have non-religious beliefs. Some say that’s atheism, but there are some differences on the definition of atheism, so I rather just say I’m neutral. I’m a member of the Swedish church by birth and you could say I like some of their traditions. I don’t think more or less of any religion and encourage people to believe in whatever they want. In the end I’m the one and only God anyway, hehe.


Non-prophet

Q: Does the unguided plan to come to Japan?
A: Japan is always topical! We’ll see what happens. “Hell Frost” will be released in Japan in January so would be cool to do some shows to promote it! We had a short but intense trip there last time with Sonic Syndicate, which left a big impression on me.

Q: Will The Unguided - Hell Frost for download on ITunes or Amazon.de be Available in Germany????
A: I don’t think there’s any region limitations on the iTunes and Amazon release, so yes. Here’s the link to Amazon.de and I believe this is the German iTunes link.

Q: Could you maybe release this intro track in your concerts on your next single? To give it a kind of concert feeling, because your intro track is also awesome and the recorded live gigs are not a such good quality, so I'm not getting satisfied enough ;)^
A: No, intros on CDs suck. They have a huge atmospheric function live but on albums people usually just tend to skip them anyway. Attend a live show and check it out in action instead, hehe.


Intro -> Wrong!

Q: Will your vocals be included on the new Systematic Slaughter EP? Someone said it to me but I had to double check if it’s false information.
A: I did guest vocals for them a while back so I guess, so yes.

Q: Is “Hell Frost package 1” limited to 616 or are there more?
A: The “General's Armaments package” was limited to 616 in the Despotz web shop with the t-shirt and everything. But the limited jakebox edition with the 11^th track is available at some other places as well and is NOT restricted to 616. It’s still limited in the sense that when the first batch sells out, it won’t go to print again.

Q: How do I know I’m one of the 616? I missed out on the first one, but ordered package 1 as soon as it was available, would be really cool if I could be one of the 616 this time around!
A: To be really certain you’re one of the 616 we have to measure the midi-chlorian level in your cells. To rank in as one of the 616 you need to have over 30,000 midi-chlorians per cell.


Only 20,000 MC/cell, not a 616

Q: I was just wondering what the size of the Hell Frost poster will be (the one that comes with the package). I would like to frame it once I get it so I just wanted to find out what the dimensions are before I bought the frame.
A: As said before, it’s 70x50cm, like all the other posters you’ve ordered from us.

Q: Have you listened to Machine Heads' Unto The Locust yet? What you think about it?
You maybe got your hands on Corey Taylors' book, Seven Deadly Sins? Some serious stuff in there.
A: I can’t say I’ve ever been a big Machine Head fan, but I really like their new single “Locust”. I have not yet checked out the new album, however. Lately I’ve been listening to their old stuff more since Ella is a big MH fan and the band is growing on me. Saw them live with BMTH, DevilDriver, and Darkest Hour the other week, and I enjoyed them. Have not read Corey Taylor’s book, but I’ll be sure to check it out when opportunity knocks.

Q: Will “Hell Frost” be out on Spotify? And do you guys get royalties from Spotify from the songs you own and upload there?
A: That is not determined at this point. The bands and labels get a few bens for every song that gets played on Spotify (with the emphasis on a few). And since it’s pretty insignificant some labels pull out their artists, for example, Century Media. I, on the other hand, like Spotify! It’s a step in the right direction. It’s a perfect example of an element working with the problem instead of against it.

Q: Did you guys use analog mastering or digital mastering for Sonic Syndicate and The Unguided?
A: We’ve used digital mastering for Hell Frost. Eden Fire and We Rule the Night were also digitally mastered. I would be surprised if any of the other albums are analog masters, but I can’t say for fact they aren’t since they were processed in Germany, without our presence. I’m not entirely sure what methods they used. Analog is pretty inconvenient, so my bet is in favor to the digital side though. Fallen Angels – Extinction demo was analog mastered with tape-recording, and everything! Old school stuff.


Old skool

Q: Is there a possibility to get the melodic plugins for the keyboard. So i could mix with it, in Guitar pro 6. ;D Thanks, you’re awesome!
A: Since I can’t provide you with a legit answer, you’ll have to ask my keyboard and GP6 support operator over at roger@the-unguided.com.

Q: Would you release the first single for Hell Frost on Oct 27. That’s my birthday and that would literally be the best birthday present anyone’s ever given me. A video would be a nice addition too. ;)
A: “Inherit the Earth” was released on the 26^th of October, so it wasn’t that far off right? You’ll have to wait for the video a bit longer though. Maybe it’ll be a nice Xmas present, who knows?

Q: I was wondering when you and Ella were going to have a bunch of little Richard the Unguided's running around? Lol
A: Work in progress. If I know the world right though, it will be a bunch of little Ellas running around ,and I’ll have to buy a weapon of choice to protect them from the cruel world. And I also know this cluster of feminine entities will conspire against me as well, so I’ll be facing both external and internal encumbrance, which utterly leads me to the fact that we’ll probably just wait a bit with the whole hatchling matter.


Hatchlings

Q: Hello mister Richard! I am a very big fan of you and I have just a question. Where did you buy this ring sorry for the English I am French.
A: It's master Richard for you! The ring I use in the “Contradiction” video was either bought in the US or at a tattoo fare in Gothenburg. I don’t remember exactly. I didn’t find the exact one but here’s a selection of “spinner” rings similar to that one.


The contradicting ring

Q: I wanted to congratulate you and The Unguided on completing your debut album! I can't wait to hear it and will buy it the day it comes out! You and Roland are very talented and I own all the material that contains your guys' incredible voices! You and Roland are such a great inspiration to me as a fellow metal vocalist. I'm also a project studio owner over here in the US. I read that you're favorite mic for the studio is the Shure SM7B. I love that mic! However I also sing as well as scream and I love clean Roland's singing comes out in the mix. With that said, do you know what mic Jonas uses on Roland's voice in the studio? I know you mentioned it was a Rode mic, I was just wondering which model since that company makes several great mics that are usually very affordable. Thanks for the time Richard and once again great work! I can't wait to hear more from you and The Unguided!
A: I’ve mentioned it before in the blog, but the microphone we used for Roland’s clean vocals on Hell Frost is RØDE NT1 and ADK A-51. We used RØDE NT1 for Green Eyed Demon, Pathfinder, Betrayer of the Code and Inherit the Earth. And we used ADK A-51 for the rest of the songs (The NT1 exploded, sort of). All screams recorded with Shure SM7B. Good luck!

Q: Got a question about the release of Hell Frost. I have already pre-ordered the CD, but for the people who don't get the opportunity, I was wondering: Will there be an iTunes version?
A: Yes, the iTunes version of Hell Frost will be released 22 Nov. You can find a link here.

Q: In the jewel case Nightmareland EP (by The Unguided), I saw the line "I have to keep moving" in the GED lyrics. Am I stupid or are those lyrics not present in the song?
A: You’re stupid… No, actually, I’m stupid! Hehe, in the musical gap after “people’s silence,” there used to be a whisper with those lines. But we figured it was more effective without the whisper. I simply just forgot to remove the lyric line from the text when I sent it to the designer.


Silent people

Q: Was my innocence ever an excuse?
A: No.

Q: Which song is "You are running out of miracles" from? I bet many are asking this same question.
A: It’s from “Serenade of Guilt.”

Q: What made you choose "L'Elf Noir du Mal" as The Unguided's Hell-font. What were some of the other optional fonts considered?
A: No, I wanted the exact same font as we had for Eden Fire. I didn’t know where to start looking for it since I lost it years ago, but Emil found it for me somehow. Hero!

Q: Will any of the 3 released songs have vocal re-recording? Does "Hell Frost" have any guest vocals?
A: No, vocal re-recording on the 3 already released songs. No guest vocals except for Peter Tägtgren screams in Pathfinder. We were running out of miracles… and time, unfortunately. I don’t think any of you would agree on waiting for a 2012 “Hell Frost” release? Since that’s the year of the successor album of The Unguided anyway, can I get a hell (frost) yeah?!

Q: How many music videos are planned so far?
A: 11. Don’t know really. It’s depends on how much we want to spend on it really, and obviously the fan demand. I guess our priorities now will be to collect income for the next studio recording EP/ALBUM. But save from “Phoenix Down” I’d love to see at least two more videos.

Q: Are you disappointed that you had to release the album's name before the Facebook page acquired 10000 fans?
A: Haha, not really. It was set unrealistically high to make you sweat and work for it. I don’t think we’ll even hit that before New Year’s Eve. But it would be a nice surprise if we do!


We'll get there eventually, no rush

Q: Finally, is Hell Frost limited to 616 packages? If not, what number is it limited to?
A: Hell Frost jakebox edition is NOT restricted to 616 packages. However, it’s limited, but to how many copies; not even I know. The “General's Armaments package” (Package 1) was limited to 616, however. Meaning; the ammo-USB will be rarer than the actual album.

Q: Finally (part 2), have you taken any interest in DOTA 2, Blizzard DOTA and/or WoW "Mists of Pandaria"?
A: No, no, and yes. I was sitting at home chilling following BlizzCon with a beer actually. It was the day before the video recording of “Phoenix Down”, so I had cleared my entire schedule. Diablo III, SCII – Heart of the swarm and Mist of Pandaria all look amazing (and I would not expect less from Blizzard.) Frankly, I’m looking forward to all of them! Just don’t know when I’ll have the time to play them all, hehe. I’ve never seen so much panda topics on the Internet since the founding of WWF back in 1961(eh?). And by looking at the community’s feedback after the announcing of MoP, it appears an already endangered species got even more endangered. The best question was when someone asked the developers if it would be voiced over by Jack Black, hehe. To answer your question, yes! Harbinger, my ruthless rogue will be level 90 when MoP hits us and I’ve yet never tried DOTA.


Jack Black?

Q: Finally (part 3), does The Unguided have any plans to make use of Fallen Angels' "Meastitia" at any point in time?
A: I’ve brought this up with Roger for Hell Frost but seeing it’s not in any of the songs, I’ve must have failed. I’ll be more persistent and convincing upon the coming album. It will be used eventually.

Q: I read on the official TU page on Facebook a question, where you asked with who you should tour..? I thought you are not going to tour haha?? Come To Egypt!!! By the way here in Egypt most of the people listen to metal and everyone knows Sonic Syndicate but not The Unguided yet :S ... And they wish that some band would play in Egypt... xD
A: Well they WILL know when The Unguided destroys the pyramids with unguided missiles launched from Sweden! Hehe, with that Facebook question, we’re just curious to see what bands you would like to see us go with. The mentality in the band is still not to do any extensive touring.


Done!

Q: I noticed in your blog that you bought some wintercaps at nZANE and thought the white cap was really cool! How much did it cost? Or did you buy it on the webshop?
A: I bought it from Mr. nZANE himself in the store when we collected some clothes for the “Phoenix Down” video recording. I don’t know what I paid. It was rock star discount I believe.

Q: Are there any common parts of the new and old lyrics of Inherit the Earth or is the new one a completely new one? If there are, which are those?
A: Let me see. The songs lyrical theme is the same, mankind and its individuals fucking up the planet. The original Fallen Angels demo says “Go” in the beginning and then continues with an “All right” (in a Dark Tranquility rip-off kind of way.) In The Unguided version I preserved this but the scream goes “Go, All wrong” instead, to have a bigger meaning with the lyrics (mankind fucking up the world, everything is erroneous). Actually, the only text similar to the original is the second verse of the new version. The rest is completely new. It’s more about the thematic meaning being the same deal in the song. Not about literally having the same lyrics.

Q: You said The Unguided will remake Betrayer of the Code, Inherit the Earth, and maybe The Curse of a Gift. Since The Curse of a Gift wasn’t announced to be on the album does it mean that it will never be made or will you keep it for a future project?
A: The Curse of a Gift was musically beyond redemption, and will not be made into a The Unguided song. I was thinking on making a lyrical thematic song (King Midas) on the same subject but it would not really have the same effect as BOTC and ITE, so I scratched that.

Q: Will the buying method of the albums change in the future or will it always suck like this? (What I mean here is for example you walk into a shop, ask for a The Unguided album, the shopkeeper gladly gives it to you, you pay for it in cash and everybody is happy.)
Paying with credit card sucks so much that it’s more like a deep throat. I asked the four best friends of mine, my parents and some of my classmates and none of them owned a credit card with the capability of sending Euros from them. My heart is already in pieces that I can’t buy the album even though I have the money for it.
A: Who doesn’t have a credit card in the 21st century!? Amish paradise that way ->

To be fair, you can tie your PayPal to any bank account in the world, you don’t NEED a credit card, you just need PayPal. If it pulls money from your bank account directly, or your credit card, it doesn’t matter? All solutions are good ones, save from the bad.


Don't.

Q: I've got to say that when i write lyrics for my band, i try to reach to reach the very same heights as your lyrics stand. Both content and your style of writing are mind-blowing. Your vocal style amazes me beyond the Eden fire and across the frosty wastelands of the Nightmareland. When the ground you beneath feels as if it will crumble, know this you have fans that will back you up no matter how hard life gets.  When you fall there shall be people to catch you.
A: Thanks dude! Jumping from the balcony right now, you’d better be down there!

Q: When we saw you leave Sonic Syndicate we all knew it was for the best. Then I was sad to see you go, but when I saw you join The Unguided I was glad. An artist stuck in cages, is not truly alive. To know the man who made me want to follow my own dreams finally was free, that truly inspired me.
A: (Automatic SKYNET manufactured answering machine): “Richard has died from a height-related accident. But I’m more than capable of answering for him since he backed up his entire brain onto my memory bank, Johnny Mnemonic style. I believe Rich would have been pleased with the information given in your message."

Q: I really want to have the same passion for music as you do, one day I hope I will achieve a scream and growl that Is somewhat close to your level yours created through of hard work and dedication.  I’m proud to be Scandinavian, long live the scream and growl of the Viking’s hehe.
A: Machi…vikings will Inherit the Earth!


DunDun_DunDiDun

Q: I think it would be cool if you guys in The Unguided had a concert together with What Tomorrow Brings. Even though I most likely cannot see the show, it would make me very happy.
A: Looks like your wish have been granted! The next gig of The Unguided will be with A Silent Escape, Spark!, What Tomorrow Brings and The Rains, check it out here, buy tickets here.

Q: I’m writing you because I want to know if there is going to be released another edition of "HELL FROST GENERALS ARMAMENTS PACKAGE" available in any time soon, because I have just noticed that it is already sold out :( and I just got the money to buy it. I cannot believe that I missed it out because I did not have the time to buy it earlier; I’m really disappointed for not get to have one of those packages.
A: To slow for love! If three weeks is not enough for you to solve the money issue there’s no much we can do, since other people will beat you to it. You can still get the limited edition album here though.

Q: Inherit not on Amazon, Why not? I hate apple and iTunes ><
A: It was a bit of an iTunes digital thing to honor Steve Jobs. Look what you did now! Upset his ghost and all. He’ll haunt you will all sorts of fruits and use them hurtfully. I think Hell Frost will be on Amazon in an Mp3 format as well (I’m not entirely sure) and that’s the same version as the single sound-wise, so no worries! You’ll get it eventually.


Don't upset the Apple

Q. Hello Master Richard, will Sir Roland be doing any harsh vocals for any of the songs in Hell Frost? If nay, then why be? And if so, what is the music titles called? And also, do you plan on creating full harsh vocal songs like those on Eden Fire and if nay, then why be?
A: Hell-o padowan random person! This has already been discussed plenty of times in the blog, and I don’t intent to go through it again, so please continue to read the other entries. I know this blog is beginning to get huge in size, but it’s absolutely crucial to not miss out on life depending information like this! The closest Roland comes to harsh vocals on Hell Frost is the middle-eight of “Collapse my Dream” and possibly the ending “Everything burns” in “Green Eyed Demon”. There’s no song with only screaming vocals on “Hell Frost” but it’s possibly we’ll find this formula in future albums. Like an anti-ballad type of thing!

Q: Was wondering if you will ever consider touring England??
A: Considered. Not likely, though. Festival? SURE!

Q: Could I get the lyrics to Inherit the Earth? It’s madly good!
A: It’s in the last blog entry. It’s RIGHT THERE!

Q: What shirt did you wear for The Unguided full-band picture you uploaded on your Facebook profile a while ago?
A: Sullen Clothing, always Sullen Clothing! That’s the shirt I wore in the upcoming Phoenix Down video. It’s slightly modified with scissors, however.


Sullen

Q: Like half a year ago you wrote that you and Systematic Slaughter were working on a song with you in the guest vocals. What happened to the song? Did you or they even release it?
A: I think they are just about to release it frankly. I’m not sure. What If I ruined the song and they can’t release it all!? MY GODNESS!

Q: I was wondering when we will get your new CD in the mail if we preordered it.
A: You’ll get it around the release day! Well, if Hyperion and the Epirus bow don’t shoot down our homing pigeons.


I blame Hyperion

Q: I pre-ordered this limited edition from Amazon.
Do you know, if this is the same edition with the bonus track we were able to order from Despotz? I hope so.. (;
A: It’s the same version, with the bonus track and all. You fucked the system!

Q: As I was pondering on my throne, I dare to ask, were you planning on having an ice theme for Sonic Syndicate if shit didn't take its course? Because I looked at the art for Fallen Angel's Fall from Heaven album and the art has two sides, one being all fire and red coloring. And the other being ice with blue coloring, or are you more mysterious than I thought and planned absolutely everything making it look like Sonic Syndicate was the fire side and The Unguided the iced side and then after you finish The Unguided you'll finish tale by returning to Fallen Angels? FOR THE HORDE!
A: Not really, I haven’t been involved in the artwork of Sonic Syndicate since Eden Fire. I don’t think that would change, as my time in the band would progress. As some of you remember The Unguided logo had a red appearance when we first saw it. Then when I cracked the whole Eden Fire/Hell Frost idea, I revised them all with blue to make them fit the icy theme. But I’ve always been a big fan of contrasts and connections and the “Fall From Heaven” artwork, which I drew myself, and it is a perfect example of that. There are plenty of tales of the Fallen Angels and their plotting in the world, some of them might be known in coming lyrics, who knows? I’m trying to tie everything together neatly, there are some lose ends, which I’m getting to with upcoming illustrations and lyrics. The answers will come eventually!

Q: In Hell Frost artwork, was it an Illidan Death Knight?
A: No. This menace eats guys like Illidan and poops out the remains on nearby Death Knights. Kuang did amazing work with his appearance, and the story of this character has just begun as well.


Food

Q: Do you have plans for a South America Tour?
A: Not really.

Q: Just curious. Do you like/listen to post-hardcore bands? Like Attack Attack, Asking Alexandria, A Day To Remember, Abandon All Ships and e.c...
A: No, No, No and… No. It’s not that I wouldn’t like them if I checked them out; it’s just that I didn’t get around doing that just yet. Not sure if I ever will either.

Q: Oh btw check this Ukranian band out. They are very young and they already have signed to Summerian Records, and this winter they're having full-time tour in America xD cool ha? :P
A: Cool band, nice energy. Best of luck!

Q: In the Psychic suicide pre-production version, who does the "... Because I have them too it cured my contamination to speak of each other's misery" after the first chorus? It sounds pretty dark/death knight for Roland
A: That’s me actually. I’m a Death Knight, I’m known among my enemies by the name “Killbinger”. No seriously. It’s me while doing my Darth Vader impression.


Killbinger

Q: I don't know if anybody has asked this question, I have been trying to find it on your blog.. But will you plan on releasing the 12th (hidden) track or will you instead put it on the next TU album just for teh lulz?
A: Try harder! It was information regarding this in the last entry. It will be on the next TU album or EP.

Q: In the music video for Power shift were you actually tearing into the newspaper or were you just pretending with a green screen? I really doubt a wall made out of newspaper would be stable but anyway :D
A: They had actually made an entire wall with newspaper. I was pretty impressed as well! There aren’t any green screen shots in the video at all (there are some CGI sure, with the bullet and shit, but no green screen). Unfortunately, we only had one shot on breaking it and making it look good. Oh the pressure!


Wall of News

Q: I just wanted to ask you... How would you start to make a demo CD and how would you make the song for the demo CD?
A: Get yourself a computer, a mic, and software and start recoding. That’s what we did on “Fall From Heaven”, it sounds shitty but at least we made a demo out of it. It’s not hard to build a fairly viable home studio nowadays, and it doesn’t need to be very expensive either. Digidesign’s Mbox and Pro Tools is a great option!  We pre-produce everything with The Unguided in Pro tools LE8 and Mbox2, for example.

Q: I ordered Package 1, and I was wondering, when are the packages being sent? I just noticed the iTunes album releases on the 22nd, does that mean we get them before then, or after?
A: They are being sent out before 30 Nov. The iTunes release is a week prior to the main release to give iTunes something exclusive. In return they do an exclusive feature on us. It’s a marketing type of thing, and not intended to backfire on the most dedicated fans that ordered Package 1, for example. And we’re sorry if that’s how you see it. But on the other hand you’ll get better musical quality wrapped up in awesome special edition, a super rare USB stick, signed poster, and a great looking shirt to go with it which will never again be available. So in the future when those hard drives for the ones ordering the iTunes version fail, you can still proudly wear your physical necklace for decades and decades, and know you did the right thing, hehe.

Q: Will there be a Hell Frost vinyl version for us lunatics that like that format over the CD format? Also, any plans on gigs in Gothenburg in the verge of next year? I’ll most likely miss out on the Annandagsrocken event since I’m a seaman.
A: There are no plans on releasing Hell Frost on vinyl unfortunately. I’d love to see the artwork on a picture vinyl, so it might be possible in the future however. There are no shows booked for Gothenburg early next year as of yet. We landlubbers will try to maintain order after Xmas while you’re securing the seven seas then. See you next time!


Vinyls are fun!

Q: I was in Oslo when you had your Malmö gig so my question is simple; do you guys have any plans on coming back to Skåne? I had the opportunity to hear your brutal voice with SS in Malmö, and also when you honored our local talents in Faithful Darkness in Helsingborg. But I really want to see you and Roland, like the good old days and the perfect radar pair so to speak.
A: We are planning out beginning of 2012 and festival summer right now, so just is patient and I’m sure there will be stuff coming your way!

Q: Will you put Hell Frost on Spotify?
A: Not determined at this point.

Q: Will you send out Package 1 before or will you try to restrict to the release day?
A: Answered this before in this Q&A.

Q: Is any chance of getting the CD "Hell Frost" + the t-shirt on page amazon.com after its release??? ... Thanks!
A: You can get the album on Amazon.com here, but the t-shirt won’t be available there. It’s sold out in the Despotz web shop, and will only be found at our gigs as merchandise.

Q: I’m curious how you muster to scream so much in all the songs? Does it not hurt your voice? What do you have to say about all the hate against Nathan, just because he replaced Roland? I think people should get over it. I’m so tired of people thinking the band gets worse when someone leave or gets kicked out.
A: I’ve decided to not answer this question to favor the current considerable atmosphere. I’ve learned to embrace various methods to tranquil my rage. A perfectly innocent pencil just had its back broken.


K.I.A.

Q: Any plans on making a The Unguided Hoodie?
A: There are always plans! We are now putting together yet another package to be sold through Despotz web shop. Your feedback and input is of great value to us! So what do you say? Hoddies, lighters, guitar picks, wristbands, BATTLE AXES!?

Q: Do you have any favorite American actors? Also what do you think of Leonardo Dicaprio? Matt Damon? Liam Neeson? Any female actors?
A: I’d say my favorite actor is Christian Bale. I think Leonardo and Matt are fairly good but Liam outplays them both any day in the week. Female actors, I’ll just shut my mouth about that to maintain domestic peace.

Q: Do you enjoy the Harry potter series? Do you like the books, the movies or both? What about the actors for the movies? (If you've watched them)
A: I’m not a huge fan. I enjoy some of the movies and the production of them. I haven’t read the books, and I can’t say the acting in the movies is mind-blowing in anyway.

Q: Do you like candy? (I know you mentioned before you eat healthy food so I'm not sure, but I wanted to ask anyway since I love candy)
A: I love candy, but since Ella hates it and just think it’s a recipe to get fat, I’ve stayed away from it as well. What’s the point eating candy alone anyway? I’ve lured her into eating ice cream from time to time though. That’s about it.

Q: Has there ever been a point in your life where you wished to be alone for a while? Or do you prefer other peoples’ company during those times?
A: Ehm, I suppose. I’m a bit of a lone wolf at times. I tend to shut myself in and just get all philosophic and dissect the meaning of life and what’s beyond. But I guess it’s more about meeting the right people in your life, that don’t push your buttons in the wrong way. I don’t have an urge to be alone since Ella and I got together really. I do like spending time with myself but she gives me space for just that as well in our relationship. There’s nothing wrong with being Larry Loner and I guess I’ve come up with my most brilliant ideas when being solely with myself.


Lone Wolf

Kampai!

Where to start!?... Oh yes, the pre-order campaign for The Unguided’s debut album Hell Frost has been raging on for approximately three weeks now, and it’s looking mighty good! We’re super proud of you guys—the faithful fans and the results of this drive. It’s hard to tell when it will be sold out, but it’d suggest it will anytime now. What I can guarantee is, however, that you’ll be equally proud of us when the 30^th of November finally arrives and you are holding the Hell Frost jakebox package in your hand, wearing that badass USB necklace around your neck, decked out in the latest The Unguided shirt. If you really want your own limited edition version of Hell Frost I would recommend you to place the order in the coming days. Another detail that is certain is that it will never go to print again. Don’t miss out!


The Unguided - Hell Frost General's Armaments package, find it here

Go to www.sixonesix.se right away and secure your very own copy!

The Unguided – Hell Frost Tracklist:

1. Inherit the Earth
2. Phoenix Down
3. Betrayer of the Code
4. My Own Death
5. Serenade of Guilt
6. Collapse my Dream
7. Green Eyed Demon
8. Iceheart Fragment
9. Pathfinder
10. Where the Frost Rose Withers
11. The Miracle of Mind (Bonus song, only available on jakebox CD)


"You are running out of miracles", Hell Frost wallpapers avalible here

Let me state some facts about Hell Frost, just to tease you a bit more:

Hell Frost is obviously a contrast to the Eden Fire album. It’s a eulogy to the old album with a symbolic stand for the same musical freedom and joy we had back during these days.  As far as the sound goes, it picks up somewhere between EF and OI, while adding a lot of maturity and experience to the spectrum. Also, utilizing new features such as; tons of guitar solos and technical guitars, bass guitar playing a central role, in-depth keyboard production (and keyboards having a major function, again), distinct vocal roles, wider musical range while still maintaining the bands identity and much, much more.


Hell Frost <-> Eden Fire

As far as the song titles go, people may recognize Hell Frost titles are tied to the previous material on Eden Fire. Some apparent ones may be:

Serenade of Guilt <–> Lament of Innocence
Collapse my Dream <–> Enhance my Nightmare
Iceheart Fragment <–> Soulstone Splinter
Pathfinder <–> Jailbreak
Where the Frost Rose Withers <–> Where the Black Lotus Grows

There’s also the new “colored eyed” song, Green Eyed Demon. In addition, there are two ancient and restored Fallen Angels tracks, which are Betrayer of the Code and Inherit the Earth from the 2001-2002 demo era.

My Own Death is the sum of the photo competition winner Matti Hänninen’s (Agent #418) award. In his victory, he was granted to decide a theme for one song, and he picked the powerful theme of death. Or, in other words, the fragility of humans and their life viewed from The Grim Reaper’s perspective. It was a very interesting and paradoxical theme. I had a lot of fun writing it. It was a thought provoking and striking subject!


"My Own Death"

The Miracle of Mind is a Spark! cover song. Spark! is an industrial EBM band from Falkenberg. The are also good friends of ours. They sing in Swedish, so I translated the lyrics into English. If you want to listen to the original song, Tankens Mirakel, there’s a YouTube link here. If you prefer Spotify it’s this link. Be sure to “like” their Facebook page here as well!


"Spark! - Tankens Mirakel"

The cover artwork was made by the extremely talented, Kuang Hong. It portrays a winged (green eyed, obviously) demonic male character (A character yet unnamed) in a snow-covered cold and icy landscape. Again, this is to illustrate the contrast of fire and heat. The demon is holding his reclaimed heart in one hand and a blade in the other, and has the unguided crest on his left pauldron, as well as his right lower leg amour. In the full illustration he is also accompanied by his “wraiths” as they are together leaving “nightmareland”. The triple solar symbol banners can be found in the full artwork as well, with their temple prison in the background. Symbolic Eden Fire skulls are also scattered around the main character to symbolize their advancement and victory over his captors. You can tell by the color of all the eyes on the characters that they are connected and tied to each other. What about their destination? Well, no one knows; they are unguided (hehe), but they are by no means staying in the frozen landscape of “hell frost” and there does not seem to be any further peaceful negotiations. Time will tell!


The Unguided Crest

Lyrically and thematically, it shows the same vision I had on Eden Fire, only many, many years after. It’s never an entirely new start for me. Whatever I write, in whatever band I find myself in, one thing is always certain: I will always carry my vision with me. It’s an always present, and never changing vision. Hell Frost is no exception! People may believe its plagiarism, or an attempt on reliving old patterns, but they couldn’t be more wrong. It’s simply the same organism, the very same vision I ever had, just a continuation of it. As said before, this would be the album I would have written if I still were in (put random band name here). And the next album I’ll write will pick up the same thread where it ended in Hell Frost, even if I was the lyricist of Metallica or whatever. And, above all, it’s not a low blow towards anyone, even if cheap shots are what some of you would seek to find. I have an entirely unaltered passion towards the first three albums of my career.  I even possess some love for bits and pieces of WRTN. To throw dirt in that direction would simply be to soil myself, and most of you would by this day and age know for sure; I’m too full of myself to do just that. So lyrically, what will one find on Hell Frost? Well, you will find environmentally invigorated themes of vampires, death, self-reflection, shattered dreams, jealousy, love recognition, hope, crusading, and mankind glorifying lyrics, kind of…


"I don't want it anymore"

What you will NOT find on Hell Frost, however, is a 12^th track or additional guest vocals by anyone else but Peter Tägtgren on Pathfinder. So we can stop those deceitful rumors at once, even though I was the one that might have started them, hehe. Check this fan made video out. The video is confidently calling Hell Frost; “the true descendent of Eden Fire”and that does have quite a ring to it!


Hell Frost, the true descendent of Eden Fire

There’s also an interview in Swedish regarding the Hell Frost release in the local newspaper “Hallands Nyheter,” check it out here.


Hell Frost interview in local newspaper

Keep yourself updated on our official Facebook as the release gets closer and closer, you’ll always be up to date there on: www.facebook.com/theunguided

Also, an “Army of The Unguided” guild has recently formed on World of Warcraft, on the server “Outland” EU. It is where some of the dedicated 616 soldiers and I are enjoying a casual environment in the game. Anyone is welcome really! Just /who “Army of the unguided” or PM me in-game (Harbinger) and you’ll get an invite to the guild. The only requirement you need to meet is to be a fan of the band, and possess the intension of having a good time with equally good people in this vast virtual world. What are you waiting for? Migrate/Race change to Outland Horde, or level your character AT ONCE! (Keep in mind, I prefer not to talk about the band in-game because when I play games that’s my little haven and escape from reality. I’d appreciate to talk about more trivial, non-band related topics. If you have direct questions regarding the band, go to: Richard@the-unguided.com, thank you!)


Army of The Unguided @ Outland EU

I noticed some people trying to decipher the lyrics of the recent radio aired song Inherit the Earth. The attempts made my eyes bleed heavily, and gave me instant cortex explosion. So, please, I beg you to stop that and just use the correct lyrics handed to you here:

---

:: INHERIT THE EARTH ::

Go, All wrong

You can breathe… (breathe now)
You can breathe but the air is running out
We lost all hope (lost all hope)
In the church of our doom
And suffer through
The funeral of our world

We breed germs in vials with the means to kill continents
In chemical warfare
We design bombs, which can knock the earth from its path
It’s path around the sun

The prince is never going to make his way
Sleeping beauty is already dead
Still the worst is yet to come

PRAY TO WHATEVER GOD YOU BELIVE IN
WE WILL NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET
LET ME PLACE MY HAND ON YOUR HEART (YOUR HEART, YOUR HEART, YOUR HEART)
OR AT LEAST POINT OUT WHERE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN

Every brick you see in this world
Is there because we put it there
Now we just seek to destroy
Everything that we created

You don’t inherit the earth from your parents, you just borrow it
Borrow it from your children
Now ask yourself who pulls the strings of your life
And cut them one by one

Grow a new one
Grow a new one
Grow a new one
Grow a new heart

---

"Pray to whatever God you belive in"

The Bandit Boat 12 is frighteningly close to set sail. The devoted day of November 11^th is coming swiftly. Be sure to get your tickets here, and don’t be the one left behind alone in port. This upcoming sea broil will for sure echo over the seven seas as the most awesome voyage within living memory!  Full band line-up: Black Stone Cherry, Rise to Remain, Korpiklaan, Threadstone, Bandit Metalizers and of course The Unguided. So many bands, in so few hours, and on sooo much floating metal! HELL (FROST) YEAH!!!'


"The most awesome voyage within living memory!"

Also, be sure to support the band and vote for Inherit the Earth on Bandit Most Wanted. It’s super simple! Just follow this link, and enter the following:

---

Din Önskelåt: “The Unguided – Inherit the Earth”
Namn: (Your name)
Mailadress: (Your E-mail)
[Submit ] <- Click here! ;)

---

This coming Wednesday (26/10) at 22.00-00.00 The Unguided will visit Peter Iwers from In Flames and Fredrik Stenberg to be their radio guests! The program is called “Bandit Grovmalet”. You can reach it via the bandit web-radio if you can’t tune into the FM radio here in Sweden.


Bandit Grovmalet

We had a little incident with the Inherit the Earth radio premiere the other day. This resulted in a couple of unfortunate bans on the official Facebook. I just want to underline that it’s legal to rip a track from a radio station for personal use. Ripping it from the radio, converting it to an Mp3, and uploading the song to file share sites, then ultimately posting the link on the official band Facebook page for everyone to D/L is NOT, and will result in a permanent ban with no extenuating circumstances. So please, DON’T if it still is in your interest to mingle at that very page, of course. There’s no way to undo a page ban, so once you’re banned you’ll remain so, until you change your Facebook account. This rule goes for trolling, or other disrespectful behavior towards us, or other fans, on the page. Thread lightly and intelligently, as I know you can!

Then again, I see no point in listening to a song picked up from an already bad source, and then further mutilating it to the disgusting Mp3 format. But everyone is not as picky as I am apparently.


Dare to be stupid?

There has been a rough summer in the clothing business, and Mr.nZANE is not pleased at all. I’d do anything to make him happy, and surely you would? If you support awesome clothing and the stores selling them, and also live in the Gothenburg area, be sure to check his stock out! Apparently, he has clothes ranging from XXS-XXXXXXXL, so you will most likely be able to find something that fits. Check his site out here for address information.


To support, I bought myself a pair of winter-deflecting head units

Another of my guest vocal appearances has reached the light of day. This time it’s the Spanish industrial band, Killus, that has featured my vocals in their song “Vehemence”. Be sure to check it out here and also “LIKE” their Facebook page here. They are also topical with their new album "Never something was so real".


"Killus - Vehemence feat. Richard Sjunnesson"

I’ve also bought myself a new toy! However, it’s with some regret in my heart that I bought this one. But T5 is just too damn delicious looking to resist. Don’t get me wrong; Warlocks are still the scum of the earth, and their stupid ass pets and them are successfully causing raid wipes since 2005...


Charlie Sheen


Corruptor Raiment

That’s all for now! Until next time,  I’ll just continue to look super awesome in my OnePiece. Thank you Ella, best gift ever!


OnePiece it up!

---

Q&A XXV:
Send your questions to: Richard@the-unguided.com

Q: What happened to your private Facebook?! You vanished!
A: Had a little absence from it when my uncle passed away since I didn’t want to get reminded of it all the time. I’m back on it now.

Q: it’s just my neediness here ha but was Phoenix down named after the Final Fantasy item?
A: No, it’s about Gears of War, and the victory of the locust horde! Hehe. No, to be honest, it’s a reference to the down feathers of a phoenix, which are rumored to be able to bring someone back to life. The very same property as the phoenix bird itself has. The lyrics are about starting over, the title appeared to me as appropriate.


Marcus Fenix

Q: Which Soulstone Splinter version do you prefer? The Fallen Angles or the Sonic Syndicate one?
A: The Eden Fire one, the demo version is recorded sloppy, and the vocals are horrible. I’ve been listening to Soulstone Splinter a lot lately, since my diseased uncle did the solo in that number. The song means a great deal to me, and the lyrics speak for itself.

Q: I think you should release a special collector’s edition of BOTC in a physical cd later in your career. I would love to have it and i think other dedicated fans would to. Just food for thought.
A: Not going to happen. It will be included on the album. You’ll also find the single artwork in the booklet. We consider that being enough.

Q: Why can't people ask questions worth answering!? Come on people I'm calling you out! I see the same questions on EVERY blog. And to whomever wrote LOAD instead of LAOD: wow. That’s a fail. It just sounds wrong. And to brenocide: you are the worst!  Sorry there wasn't much of a question ;)

A: People, accept the challenge!


Right?



Q: Oh by the way, one question. Do you ever get any crazy, over-the-top fangirls/fanboys that are like “OMG I LOVE YOU OMG OMG”? ;)
A: Not over-the-top in a way that I think it’s so overwhelming I can’t stand it. My fans are very respectful, and I feel much appreciated. I like to stay closly in touch with my die-hard followers, and there are plenty of those.

Q: you know, on all your photos on every blog, you never smile once! ='[ I think you should post a photo of you when your smiling so people know you can smile too! (ofc you can but you never show it) always that serious or angry faces?=[
A: I’ve been unable to smile since Star Wars: Episode I and the creation of Jar Jar Binks. Sorry.

Q: Can you do anything about illegal download sites where people can download your music? Can't you sue their asses?
A: Why bother? It’s just a costly process, which we’d never win anyway. Illegal sites will always exist. And they always find a way. It's up to the true fans to stay away from them and support the bands.


Why bother?

Q: I was just wondering if the limited edition of the new album will be available to US residents without crazy shipping fees? I was going to get Nightmareland, but the cost of shipping kept me off, so I just got the songs off Amazon. I also couldn't figure out how to pay either, since nothing was in English! But if a whole new album is coming out with special packaging, and some other goodies, I won't be able to resist. Maybe you could take all the preorders from the US and mail them out at the same time? I don't know, but whatever you do, I'm getting a physical copy of the album. Please just try to make it a little easier, and have translated page to order from at least.
A: ”Add to cart”, ”Select your country…”, ”Update total”, ”Checkout”, it all appear to me as English? And once you go to PayPal there’s an option to change it from; “Svenska” (Swedish) to English. I’m pretty sure if you are in the US and press “Checkout” it will automatically change to English (could be wrong). You see,we optimized it in a way so that very, very old people with no Swedish skills what so ever (or vision for that matter) could still put their The Unguided order. So I’m not really sure what you are referring to here? We have been looking into the shipping issue and done what we could about it. Now it’s adjusted in the way that the guy from, let’s say Australia does not need to pay ridiculous shipping cost while the guy in Sweden (closest from where we send it out) will pay close to nothing for shipping. We have tried to found a number in between the two extremes that would work, so it’s equal for everyone. Meaning; lower cost for the far away fans and a slightly more expensive for the close proximity fans. Generally I’d just want to add; shipping is expensive whatever way you choose to attack it. This appears to me the fairest “solution” though.

Q: Also, I was also wondering who writes all the clean melodies? I know Roger does music and you do lyrics and screaming patterns, but who does the pitched stuff? Can you even read regular music?
A: I can’t read music for shit. Roger and Roland are both pretty schooled, however. Roland has even worked as a music teacher once upon a time (And still even has some padawans, I dare to remember). What we usually do with the clean vocal melodies is that I stake out where I would expect clean vocals to fit in the song (read: chorus), in my own pre-production and do a raw melody recording of it myself. Then when Roland pops over and we pre-produce his vocals, he figures out the proper notes he want to use, alters the melody in the way he see fit, or does a completely new one, plus come up with harmonies. He usually also find other places where he tastefully thinks it would fit with clean vocals.

Q: Today I didn't want to bring a random question. This time, I thought to bring you a quiz! Complete the following sentences with either an album you own or know, preferably one you own, but it doesn't really matter that much. AND, please ad a little summery surrounding the topic and why you chose THAT album.

Richard Sjunnesson... I welcome you to THE DISCS OF DOOM!
A: Why, thank you!

Q: The first album i bought was…
A: Europe – 1982-1992, still listen to it regularly.

Q: A kid asks me what metal is. I'd hand him a copy of... 
A: The Crown – Deathrace King, there’s nothing more metal. I’ve checked!

Q:The best album artwork is... 
A: Blind Guardian – Nightfall In Middle-Earth, Andreas Marshall really overdid himself here! Brilliant “The Silmarillion”-concept artwork capturing Lúthien dancing in front of Morgoth. I can still find myself looking at it and just discovering more and more details and I’ve owned the album for over a decade now.

Q: I break the speed limit to...
A: Dimmu Borgir - Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia, well I break the speed limit to anything really, does not even have to be music… But this one does not make it go any less fast (and furious).   

Q: The album that broke my heart was...
A: Iced Earth – Something Wicked Part II, I expected so much out of Matt’s return and I gained so little… Having my hopes up for Dystopia! I’ll give Stu a proper chance. “Dante´s inferno” with Stu’s voice does sound very promising.

Q: The album I wish I'd made is...
A: Dark Tranquillity – Damage Done, such a delicate masterpiece. Both musically and lyrically I’ve asked myself millions of times why I did not come up with what’s incased in that very disc.

Q: The album I'd want to be remembered for...
A: The Unguided – Hell Frost, it will be the best out of my career so far.

Q: The album I'd want played at my funeral...
A: Sonic Syndicate - We Rule The Night, In that that sate I could probably finally endure it. But don’t hold your breath.

Q: The first album I had sex to is...
A: H.I.M – Razorblade Romance, it was not WITH Ville Valo however, even if he was very present indeed.

Q: The album that gets me ready for love is...
A: Cannibal Corpse – Tomb of the Mutilated, nothing gets me more in the mood than just Hammer Smashed Face or the appropriate I Cum blood.

Q: No one will ever believe I own a copy of...
A: Fall Out Boy – Take This to Your Grave, SO WHAT?! FUCK OFF! hehe I thought the title Grenade Jumper was cool. Only reason, promise…

Q: The album that should not be….
A: Sonic Syndicate - We Rule the Night, it’s a waste of material space in the universe which could be filled with utterly better atoms.


Disc of Doom

Q: Have you ever heard of the Swedish band Adept? And if you did, do you like their music?
A: No. I prefer listening to masters over adepts.

Q: Well, what comes to The Unguided and the photo session, AND the debut album. I have this proposal, that all photos from your photo session there should be this "head-photo" in the booklet, so when you took those photos when you all three are in them, someone on the front. I wish the "headman" should be Roger standing in front. Without him you would be suffering a lot and who know, you would be NOWHERE!
A: Ohh, what have we here? Another of them managers right!? Get in line! The Unguided would be nothing with either of us, there’s no such thing as a headman in The Unguided and if it was possible we would all stand in the middle and be in the front at the same time.

Q: I’m in trouble maybe u could help me out hehe all my friends say that I’m good at growl and they say i should get a cover on YouTube. What does u say? :S
A: I think your friend is lying. My mom said once I’m good at soccer, when In fact I really did suck. Don't listen to what people say and start a fishing career of some sort. It teaches you how to be patient in life. Send me a YouTube video of yourself fishing, and I’ll review your technique.


Patience

Q: The videos of Denied and Enclave both start with the former Sonic Syndicate logo appearing and disappearing as an intro to the actual video. Why? Or, why did you guys not chose to continue with it on the other videos? Seems kind of cool to me.. AND notice how Union Square's video for Deceit also starts like that. I know you guys are close as their vocalist was originally planned for Eden Fire clean vocals and you've recorded a track with them, although their now known as A Silent Escape. Is there any connection maybe? I actually find that the whole Deceit video reminds me of Denied, hehe.
A: There’s plenty of connections, Patric Ullaeus directed and filmed them all for example. They are shot in the very same white room. Check out Evergrey – A Touch of Blessing, that’s also the same white room in his studio. The logo in the beginning was probably to work in the name seeing it was our first video and also Union Square’s first video. Like an introduction. Denied is basically just showing the band and its different characters anyway, plain and simple a showcase of the band. I guess that’s what he wanted to portray.

Q: Not to be a hater or anything... but the news reporter on Burn This City, what do you think of her performance? I thought it was really br00tal. Couldn't wait until he was done with talking... and what's up with all the monster energy drink promotion? xD Although your rides are preeetty sweet.
A: I think she was as skilled actress as I am in the “Contradiction” video, hehe. She’s really a Swedish radio host, so I guess it’s not really her thing anyway. There has been a little too much negativity aimed towards her part, which I think is unnecessary. I really appreciate her contribution and the fact that she was willing to help us out.

Q: What Sonic Syndicate music video do you enjoy the most, and witch was the most fun to record?
A: I think the video I think come out the best and I enjoyed recording the most is actually Burn This City. Never thought I would say this but Turn It Up was pretty fun to record as well, might have been for the fact we was drinking during the whole session, hehe.

Q: Will the album be able in stores? Because I don't believe that packages could arrive to Egypt haha
A: I think you’re wrong. I was once winging for Tutankhamun. So he’s in debt. He might be able to send a homing falcon to deliver your package. In all unserious seriousness I think you can order the package to anywhere in the world, might not get it on the release day but you’ll eventually receive it. I do think it’s a bigger change you’ll receive it this way, than actually waiting for it to pop up in a store in Africa.


R.I.P

Q: I’m very curious of what we’ll receive in that limited package. Can you confirm what we’ll receive and when we can pre-order?
A: Patience is a virtue. Even the bible proclaims it. I dare to admit that I’m ready to side with that.

Q: just want to ask if there is any way to get an autograph from you guys! Can't wait for the album! Hope to see you soon here in Czech Republic!
A: I think with the upcoming album package there will be signed goods, so just wait for that and you’ll have your autographs.

Q: I guess, Sonic was founded by some friends that jammed together and thought it would be a good idea. But as you gave us a lot of insights into the problems you had (communication e.g.) I would like to know how that relationship evolved over the years. Were you still a bunch of friends, hanging out at pubs and planning to name their kids after other Sonic-members, or did you develop into some kind of "business relationship" with people only coming together, went there was Sonic-work to do?
A: The first years we hung around with each other privately at non-sonic related business, parties, and whatnot all the time. But this died out over the years. I spent very limited time with them in my private life when we did not do sonic related matters the past few years. And yes, I saw the band solely as a business in the past years. That view hindered me to not cave in to my disappointment earlier than I actually did.


Friends

Q: So you like Cipher System? Also, I just discovered a band named Motionless In White with a song named Abigail. Watch the music video on YouTube.
A: Cipher System rules! Was a big fan of Central Tunnel Eight back in the days and are equally in love with their recent Communicate The Storms. Definitely an album everyone with any sense of good taste should check out. Not sure about that Motionless In White thingy, like the originals better (All That Remains and Trivium).

Q: What do you miss most about being in Sonic and what 3 songs so you miss playing live most?
A: The lovely people, friendly environment, management, the recent good music, and Robin. I always enjoyed performing Red Eyed Friend, Aftermath and Jailbreak. But there are so many songs I like from the three first albums. It’s really hard to pick out what ones I miss the most.

Q: Also have you heard Robin trying to growl? If so what do you think of it? I personally think its somewhere between terrible and comedic.
A: Please don’t get me started. Just don't.

 
Bitch, please.

Q: Hope all is well and also do you have a date for the wedding yet?
A: Definitely going to be 2012-06-16. Eh?

Q: Why are you leaving faithful darkness :( :( :(
A: Explained as of last blog.

Q: Will the special edition of TU album be available online like amazon mp3?
A: That is not determined at this point. The limited edition package is our priority now.

 
Mp3 player

Q: I was wondering if you had the download link for the “L’Elf Noir du mal” font and yes i tried the other two link that were in previous blogs and the webpage said error 404. Other than i just keep doing what you’re doing it’s all awesome!
A: Sorry for that, here you go sir.

Q: Do you use/have MSN? If so, could I add you to my list please :)
A: I have an MSN but I have not used it for ages and I’m not considering going back to it anytime soon.

Q: Not that I don't like your singing style, but will there be some dark...DARK song like "Where The Black Lotus Grows'? Dude that song is...is fucking darkness!! Not to mention how much strength it gives me for deadlifts!!
A: Since Eden Fire I’m not allowed to do dark songs for mom. She’s deeply religious and she would condemn me. I write about Harry Potter now. She blesses it. Go fagwand, GO!


"You´re a wizard Harry!"

Q: And, will you play Diablo 3? The town of the beta is so dark and gloomy...I think you will like it!!
A: I guess I have to queue it up after StarCraft II of games I should play, but did not yet found the time for.

Q: Is there any way I could get the album art without any words on it. The words block the warrior's head and I want to use him for an avatar on the board. Thx.
A: Check the wallpapers here, his head is not blocked there.

Q: I e-mailed you regarding Dreamhack some time ago. Just curious to see if there have been some progress made. I mean, will The Unguided play or not? DBA will be having a show there and it would be awesome if you also could play!
A: Roger has mailed them but did not get any replies. So I guess that is not going to happen, sadly. Anyways if you still want to help out mail them yourselves and tell them you really want to see us there! We’re totally looking to do it.


TU @ Dreamhack?

Q: On the release of the album, will be there any specials in addition to the album?
A: There’s a limited edition, special jakebox edition of Hell Frost. Once it goes to print and is sent out, it will be never be reprinted again. So hurry up with that pre-order if you prefer being safe, rather than sorry.

Q: Am I too greedy if I want to know the track listing as well? (Witch freakin' song did you guys cover?!)
A: The track listing is available at www.sixonesix.se. Hope it makes you satisfied! We chose to cover the song “Tankens Mirakel” by an EBM band in Sweden called “Spark!” It’s only included on the jakebox edition of Hell Frost.

Q: It’s probably a lost cause to ask if there will be another single prior to the release of the album?
A: We’ll see, but it’s not an entirely lost cause since Bandit Rock will be rotating Inherit the Earth from October 11^th.


Inherit the Earth

Q: How is the music video aspect coming along by now?
A: We’ll be looking to do a music video for Phoenix Down. We are not sure who we will be working with on the video yet.

Q: Are the album versions of "Green Eyed Demon", "Pathfinder" and "Betrayer of the Code" different from the EP and single versions? Or the songs performed live like "Phoenix Down"? Are the differences most just he mix, or are there notable changes that we will hear?
A: Yes they are. They got a facelift in the shape of new drums, new reamped guitars, and newly produced keyboards for GED and PF. And of course a totally new mix to match the album sound. I think the changes are more apparent in GED and PF than in BOTC. This is good seeing there was never a physical release of BOTC anyway.

Q: What will happen to the tracks you've recorded with Faithful Darkness? I really, really, REALLY want the album version of "Hate Injection", with YOUR vocals..
A: Well, nothing will happen with them since I’m the only one having them. If they want to use them, they are free to that, but I hardly think that will happen. I’ll probably do a decent raw mix myself of the material and rock it in my car, hehe.


Wasted recording

Q: Are there any guest appearances on the album?
A: Except for Peter Tägtgren in Pathfinder, we unfortunately didn’t have time to play around with a vocal guest appearance. If we were to release the album this year (I think you all agree that we made the right choice) a couple of people we asked, and got word of confirmation from were: Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity), Wiplasher Bernadotte (Deathstars), Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian), and Christoffer Andersson (What Tomorrow Brings). But as said, time ran out for us. We’ll try to save the idea for the sequel album, of course. Then again there are musical guest appearances, seeing that Jonas Kjellgren (Scar Symmetry) is featured on the bass, John Bengtsson (Sonic Syndicate) nailed the drums, and Pontus Hjelm (Dead By April) helped Roger to produce the keyboards.

Q: Back then when you said, if anyone wanted autographs, he should write to you, I did. Sadly i never got any Autographs, even though I got a mail from Caroline from the Unguided Team. Is it still possible to receive personal autographs? Especially ma Girlfriend Tamara is a great fan of yours and would really love to have a personal autograph. I mean, sure, we got the autographs on the poster from the 616 and will have the ones from the new Hell Frost package, but that’s not the same, is it? I would really appreciate an answer :-)
A: We know a lot of people sent in requests for autographs via the old army of the unguided site. But since we did a signed poster for Nightmareland, we figured the demand was saturated. The database of the people who sent in requests is still saved, however. But I strongly doubt we’ll find the time to do it with the busy times of the album release. My apologies!

Q: Any chanced you're going to play in Germany soon? We would really love to come see you live again :D
A: Pick a random blog entry of mine for my answer to this question. I’m sure they are included in pretty much each and every one.


Sure!

Q: How many copies of HELL FROST will be shipped?
A: Not determined at this point.

Q: Does the album feature any ballads? :)
A: No.

Q: Will there be a twelfth track and will Christoffer Andersson do a guest vocal on it. I need to know. If you tell me it will stay in my inbox for no one else’s eyes.
A: There was a 12 track. Guitars, bass and drums are recorded for it. But we simply didn’t have time to have a proper pre-production and vocal session for it in the tight schedule. So it’s stored for future use. You’ll probably find it on an upcoming EP or something. It will not be trashed!


Hidden track?

Q: I was reading your most recent blog i like reading your blogs you’re a great writer lol I seen that of course you will have Green eyed demon, Pathfinder, Betrayer of the code on the new album Hell Frost for new fans. But you said you guys were changing some of the keyboard parts or more? I wanted to ask you directly what were your guys plans of changes on those songs to make them better than the versions you guys have already released? Just curious thanks!! :)
A: I’ve touched the subject a couple of questions up and went through the tweaks of the songs there. We’ve made a lot of soundscape changes to match the album mix and the biggest new featured is new drums and keyboards. There was never an apparent better/worse track on Nightmareland, and I’ve noticed there are as many fans having Pathfinder as their favorite as there are fans liking Green Eyed Demon better. This made it kind of problematic to us in the sense of declining one of the two songs for the album, and makes it exclusive only for Nightmareland. In the end we decided to include both songs on the album since we really didn't want new fans to miss out on a great song, because they wouldn’t be familiar to the track anyway. So to them it would be a brand new song anyway. If there was a track that was just slightly weaker, it would have stayed as an exclusive track for Nightmareland. We don't think that was the case however, so that’s why we treated the matter the way we did. Listening on the album from the top to the bottom they sink / blend in perfectly, though. It’s not like when I listen to it I skip them. There are enough new features in them to keep them interesting according to me.

Q: I’ve been listening to a lot of Deathstars (I’m also attending a concert of them Nov 30th, god-damn great day that will be!!), and since you and that band appear to be friends, and you clean voice (at least what I’ve heard of it) is also nice and low like Whiplasher Bernadotte’s vocals. What would you think of collaboration between The Unguided and Whiplasher? Just a wild thought though...
A: Read my answers about guest vocals some questions up. He does have a really unique and amazing voice!

Q: Now that you’re back with Roland creating music, how does it feel? Does it feel like the old Sonic Syndicate days or maybe something new?
A: It does feel great to be working with both Roland and Roger again. It doesn't really feel like the old Sonic Syndicate days since we all matured, and are more experience songwriters, lyricists, and vocalist. The professionalism in The Unguided surpasses old Sonic Syndicate days to an immeasurable extent, and it’s a really confident and healthy atmosphere in the making. Same goes for John and Henric, it’s truly a pleasure to work with them as well. But it does feels like a new thing, I have to admit that. Fresh start for all of us!


Feels awesome!

Q: Do you and Roland have any plans of touring? I know the United States would be better to have you, or will you stick to the local festivals that you say in your blog?
A: Once again, pick a random blog entry and I’m sure you’ll find the answer to your question.

Q: What made you decide to do the guest vocals for Hollowcall?
A: They mailed me and asked if I wanted to participate in a song and sent some of their stuff. I liked what I heard, and went through with it. Seeing I have a home studio, it’s not too much effort into making a couple of vocal tracks for an upcoming band. It seems like it’s going pretty well for them also!

Q: Sonic Syndicate Pausar, care to give us a rough translation? I don't know a lick of Swedish.
A: It basically says they’re taking a pause.

Q: Would you play Diablo 3 when it comes out, and have you see the previews of it? :)
A: Answered in another question, and I’ve seen some class in game cinematic and the cinematic announced with the title. It does look shamelessly good and temping.


The Black Soulstone

Q: Well i read your blog my Question wasn’t there >_<
A: That’s because it’s probably included in this one! Most of the time there is a one blog delay on answers. I answer the mails, compile the questions, write the Q&A, and finally I write the blog. So questions asked about this blog will be answered in two blogs from now, basically.

Q: Could you please let me know the dimensions of the limited edition signed poster though so I can get a frame ready for it? If you know them that is!
A: It was featured two entries ago. It’s 70x50cm.

Q: Tell me plz how can i get cd and t-shirt if there is no Belarus in countries of sending? What shall I do now!?
A: T-shirt and cd does ship worldwide. If you run into problem please contact info@despotz.se

Q: I preordered the big package for Hell Frost and just yesterday I got an email from someone named "Ömer Akay" telling me that my order was received and that I'm one of the lucky 616. I was just wondering if everyone received that, and if not what does that entitle me to get? Like is it like the first unguided package where they got "I'm one of 616" on the backs of their shirts or something? So I was just wondering if being a 616 for this package will get me anything extra.
A: I entitle you to get what you ordered, which is usually the case when you order stuff?


"No gold for u"

Q: Word on the street is you guys did 12 tracks and I preordered the cool Edition of your CD and it's only going to have ten tracks plus the Cover song! I love everything you've done since the early days and I've been hunting down bonus stuff as well, took me quite a while to find a good copy of Mission: Undertaker but I finally got that a couple years ago. Anyway, so what is that mystery track?!?!
A: Explained in another question of this Q&A.

(when I wrote this blog the pre-orders for THE UNGUIDED - HELL FROST wasn't up, but they are now! Check out www.sixonesix.se for more info!)

Hej och hå

Looks like The Unguided nerve center has been sitting on some well hidden cards? And as you have noticed we are now finally showing our hand to you, our trusty devotees. Slow but steady! And I can assure you that those cards of secrecy will continue to be revealed until we hit the well awaited and anticipated debut album release day on November 30^th. Things have already been set in motion at www.sixonesix.se so I recommend that you keep it under close surveillance (as you always should!). At the time I write this (which will be a bit earlier than this article gets published) the album title, cover artwork, and release date have been revealed, and I suspect even more Hell Frost related things have already bombarded you.


The Unguided – Hell Frost, out November 30th. Pre-order here.

Emil has re-launched the www.armyoftheunguided.com forum after the old one suffered from a tragic spam related death. An extremely advanced security query from the future has been established on this brand new board and order should be restored! I bet there’s a lot to talk about now with the upcoming release of Hell Frost, so please join the discussions in the forum. And for your information, all of us in The Unguided actually keep a an eye out on the forums as well *hint* *hint*.


Army of the Unguided

There’s also an ongoing Hell Frost Facebook takeover going on as a multitude of dedicated fans have redecorated their Facebook walls to a very unguided Hell Frost custom, including myself! Join the fun and spread the word!


Hell Frost Facebook Takeover

Stay tuned for more info and check The Unguided Facebook and www.sixonesix.se for updates regularly! I also redirected www.the-unguided.com to www.sixonesix.se since we’ll be doing a new website for the album release.


"You are running out of miracles..."

I also want to fill you in on what has been going on since there has been a lot of confusion and questions lately. I left Faithful Darkness. Why? Well, there are some different variables really. First and foremost the original idea was that I helped the band out as a stand-in singer for one gig, when Erik left them promptly. This developed into a closer collaboration, and I eventually joined the band because I really enjoyed the music and they seemed to be good people. Before I joined, however, I sent an e-mail stating that I’d join under the following conditions; that they understand that I have no time available, I wasn’t going to tour, I wasn’t going to find myself in a situation where the band loaded my personal economy, I wasn’t going to take part in the writing of the album, and that they were aware of the fact I did not sound anything like their original singer, and that me on vocals would change their sound dramatically (quite a catch, don’t you think? Hehe). They we’re fine with all these extremes, and I finally joined the band. All good in the hood!


Good in da hood!

But as time passed in the band, I think every single premise I established on joining the band was broken or disregarded—save for the fact I still didn’t sound anything like Erik, hehe. But the farce that tilted the scale to their disadvantage and made me leave was the recent vocal session for the album. I entered the studio in secrecy to record the vocals. Possibly odd, but I indeed did this with good intensions for an even better cause. The main reason was because the band was pushing to get the album out before the upcoming tour dates. I had 2-3 days available to finish vocals for 12 songs in my extremely tight schedule, in an already overbooked studio with an equally busy engineer. So, if that was going to happen at all, I needed all the focus I could get on what became the most intense and stressful session I’ve done in my entire life up to date. That meant that for that particular session to successfully work out there could be no interference from other members, especially not the living hurricanes of Johan and Jocke. As a matter of fact, I’d rather eat off my own arm than to have them directing a professional studio recording. It would drive both the studio engineer and me to insanity, and someone would most likely get hurt. Don’t get me wrong; the two guys are great in every way! I like them, but to practice seriousness or professionalism is just something that is not included in this double trouble package consisting of the two of them.


Double Trouble

On the third day of this session I was done. I was working early shifts on the off-hours, and got 3-4 hours sleep a night if I was lucky. As said, this was the most intense, frustrating and energetic session I ever had but listening to the result of what we created in the studio made me extremely proud, and it was well worth the drudgery! By far the most brutal, soul tormenting and aggressive vocal work I’ve done up to date.


Rawr.

Happy over a successful session, I declared to the band that I was done with the vocals for the album. This is where a wall of disappointment from the band met me, as they realized they had not been invited to the studio. This was where my own patience ended as well. I know Johan and Jocke wanted to attend the session but I didn’t know that attended was essentially important to them. I did believe they had some trust in me doing a good job without them as well, seeing they had all heard the pre-productions and were fine with them, except a couple of tweaks here and there. The very same day as this drama took place they where supposed to come home to me so we could talk through some layout ideas for the album. I also figured upon their visit I could show them what I’ve recorded, since I did raw mixes of all vocals together with the instrumentals as well. And if there was something critical they didn’t agree to it could still be fixed in my home studio. But seeing they judged it before even hearing one millisecond of it made me agitated to the extent where I simply couldn’t take it anymore. I mean really, who the fuck do they think they are?


The fuck?!

I wrote lyrics to one song on the album, which was how much time I found to spend on it. I figured putting my own character and impression on the actual recorded vocals without external direction was of great importance to me seeing that was really the only “me” the record would include. If they saw it as appropriate to deny me that, I see no reason to continue together.  A band should be founded on the pillars of trust and respect. Much like a relationship, frankly. That was not included in the band mentality, and therefore, you can now consider (un)Faithful Darkness my ex.


Ex-Bandfriend

So there you have it, the story you asked for. It’s sad that it didn’t work out in the end, seeing the album would be killer. And I can guarantee it would take the band to new heights. But now it will suffer with additional delays just to be re-recorded by some average, no-name singer, and just fade out to be another watered down album on the underground market. Yeah I know that’s harsh and cocky, but then again it’s not exactly a secret that my fans followed me into that band, and will most possibly leave with me as well (Hoo Ra!). If they decide to use my vocals for the mix to save the band, it’s still open for discussion since it actually already was recorded and paid for. It would probably generate the most attention you’ll ever get. I certainly didn’t quit one band of jerks just to join another one. Good riddance!


Good riddance

Roger has been a nice boy and uploaded the tabs to Betrayer of the code here. If you are a guitar-virtuoso, and want to check out the other The Unguided tabs he made, visit this page.


Betrayer

Apparently YouTube upgraded my account, so it now removes clips I flag on instant. Very convenient in my battle for justice and greater good! So, if you want to try your luck and upload our songs, be my guest. I’ll bring them down in a blink of a mage. This function is particularly welcome now before the release of the album. I’d like to thank everyone that is continuously helping out with this issue and reporting whatever oversteps they find.

But then again, this may appear to be something of a double standard since I’m not exactly a slave to law and order myself. The big happening on 23/9 that I hyped up to the extent, some of you believed it to be the day of the album release (silly you!) But it was just the day I was getting my driver’s license back after an impressive speeding violation and a month to foot. But I like to throw them rocks in glasshouses and continue to do so as long as I must. But I currently drive 90km/h at 120km/h roads. Lesson learned!


Lesson learned

Our friends over at 2k2bt Clothing have supplied me with another pair of their awesome clothes. And their beautiful brand and The Unguided are working on some future collaboration ideas as well. I guess some of you already saw this design coming in their collection 2012?


Thank you 2k2bt!


2Unguided2BeTrue, coming 2012!

Max Dengler from Austria attended our gig at Malmöfestivalen as a roadie-photographer-friend-death-machine hybrid and sent in his pictures from the day to me just recently. I’m currently uploading them to the official The Unguided Facebook for public inspections. Check them out in this album! He’s a really talented photographer and his photos will also be featured in the Hell Frost booklet.


Malmö rules!


Unguided army in the house


Debriefing


Screamy business


Shreddin' business


Danish fans! ;D


Stealin'

Johannes Graßmann tagged me and Ella in this picture some time after our engagement as a little surprise “gift” and I must say it’s quite a piece. Loving the talent!


Not too far from the Hell Frost artwork!

Also, got this very heartwarming mail from Cezy some time ago that I figured I’ll credit by publishing it here. I get a lot of mails, but there’s not many that manage to stir my heart like this one. Thanks you so much!:

----------
Hey, Richard. I know you're usually heaps busy and stuff and I completely understand. But I just really wanted to let you know this.

I would like to thank you for everything you've ever done in Sonic Syndicate, and for everything you are doing now in The Unguided, as well as Faithful Darkness now, too :)
You are truly my greatest inspiration. Your lyrics have saved me countless times, and in many different ways.  And when you left Sonic for logical reasons and you stood up for what you believe in, that really touched me.  In fact it inspired me to try to do that myself, and it has helped.
You are my hero, my inspiration, and my savior. Thank you once again... for everything.

You are amazing. Keep it up, Rich!

From an eternally grateful fan :)
----------

It’s little things like this that makes it worth continuing with all this even through I’m tired out of my head, and could possibly think of a thousand reasons why I should go to sleep instead of sitting here and pressing on with this new blog entry. But in the end, you’ll receive what you give. And you indeed always give me so much back, more than you possibly understand. Even a few lines like these from humble, little Cezy can literally keep me smiling for a week. And a smile is probably something I really welcome in these dark times (even though I don’t smile, everyone knows that!). It’s particular hard now when my uncle left us just some weeks ago to a terminal illness. He struggled with cancer for a long period of time, but his suffering has come to an end, and I’m most certain he’s in a better place now. I thank everyone for your condolences. I remember it bright as a day when he handed me “Iron Maiden – Seventh son of a seventh son” almost two decades ago. He was my biggest inspiration and I looked up to him with all I had. That album was my first step on an ongoing journey and musical bearings of my life. May the angels carry you home Robert, I’m certain your will sunder the heavens with your incredible guitar solos, and you can be sure I’ll protect your silver rings with my life here down on earth in the meantime and honor you in every way I possibly can. You’ll be greatly missed…


Robert Sjunnesson *1970-11-20 †2011-09-07
"It's better to burn out than to fade away"

 

---

Q&A XXIV:
Send your questions to: Richard@the-unguided.com 

Q: If you could have any band play at your wedding, what band would it be?
A: Blind Guardian?

Q: Are u planning on making an instrumental track?
A: There are already instrumental tracks of all songs. We just didn’t release them yet.

Q: How come Roger has quit sonic syndicate?
A: I was not aware? According to his official statement they are taking a pause, nothing else.


Pause

Q: Do Nuclear Blast pay you and Roger royalties from OI and LAOD? Seeing as you and him wrote every good sonic syndicate song it would only be fair that they do.
A: No they are recouping money with the royalties for the immense tour supports we had over the years. If we are lucky we might see a penny or two in a thousand years when the tour support money is repaid hehe.

Q: “Christoffer Stoffe Andersson” was the show-singer of Sonic Syndicate when you abandoned this band?
A: That’s correct. And an old mate of mine, he even lived at my place for a little while. Best replacement they could get in my opinion, he’s got an amazing voice and is a damn funny dude. But due to personal business he’s not currently doing any shows with them and I don’t think he will in the future either.

Q: I was supposed to ask you this but since you're engaged now... it makes the question that more interesting. Ever consider making an Unguided Suit? lol.
A: I sure am now! Haha.


Something like this?

Q: Again, I was wondering, those t-shirts of you and Ella are all sleeve-less.. Did you cut the sleeves of yourself? (or Ella) and if you do, how long will a t-shirt survive?
A: Yes they are home manufactured, hehe. I’ve washed mine a couple of times now, and it still looks good so I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. Just cut the sleeves though and not the neck, did that with one and that didn’t last long.

Q: I noticed that during the gig in Malmö you changed up the lyrics to Phoenix Down a little bit and changed some vocal arrangement as well then in the other 2 gigs, how big of a change was there?
A: Observant little fucker, huh? Hehe. Well what really happened was that before the Malmö gig we actually did proper pre-production on Phoenix Down. And Roland finally learned the correct lyrics to the song instead of improvising words that did not even exist, which was the case for Getaway and Frankenberg show haha.

Q: Totally off the usual topic, but what Protein do you use? I'm usually a Maximuscle man but, it's costing me the earth to pay for it and need a cheaper alternative. £45 (467 SEK) for 1kg? No thanks!A: I’m currently just eating food rich in protein and not buying protein additions at all.


Extra protein

Q: WHAT THE FUCK?!?! I mean.. I watched the summer breeze 2011 performance of SS like I said and.. Robin is doing the screaming vocals?! What can you give as a comment to that?
A: Do I really have to comment it? I mean, does it not kind of speak for itself?

Q: Regarding Summer Breeze 2011 again... WHERE WAS ROGER? I mean... I wasn't there I just watched some stupid videos on TheeTube (YouTube it's not some other video site lol) and I never saw Roger... did I miss something or is there a conspiracy here?
A: They all decided (all of them) that Roger would not appear on the last batch of summer shows with them. It is explained in his official statement here.

Q: I am obsessed with human height so how tall are you? And IF you have the knowledge how tall are you Unguided band mates?
A: Roland: 178cm, Richard: 177 cm and Roger: 190 cm (with his hair fixed, 175 cm without). That’s quite a weird obsession you have there. Often, it’s the lengths of totally different objects that are interesting, well usually to woman, of course.


Lenghts

Q: A Roger question, but you answer more quickly.. What guitar gear does he use? I won't copy I promise. (angel)
A: Roger: I’m endorsed by Ibanez guitars and I mainly use my Ibanez ART320BB with EMG pickups live. For sound, I have a Mesa Boogie dual rectifier amp + Mesa cab and a few Dunlop Pedals like a Wah way, Delay and Phaser pedal. For wireless, I use AKG and a KORG tuner for tuning. I also have a BOSS NS-2 pedal Noise Suppressor which eliminates unwanted noise and hum, which make me play tight like a turtle’s anus!
Roland: We’ll give you more details on our gear and what we use in an upcoming TheUnguidedTV.

Q: The clean vocals before the last chorus on Betrayer of the Code (new one). You or Roland?
A: All clean vocals in The Unguided are done by Roland.

Q: Have you ever been to Bulgaria? I mean obviously you haven't been on tour with The Unguided, and SS won't come either but... just for the heck of it. Not much to see really, but have you?
A: I might be lying but I don’t think I ever been to Bulgaria. Sometimes when you tour it’s kind of hard to keep track on where you are, hehe. But I’m almost sure I haven’t.


Bulgarian tour bus?

Q: So who is singing the clean vocals of "Miles Apart" from the album WRTN? I mean in the start? I couldn´t find an answer so I have to ask you. :)
A: I’m pretty confident I’ve answered this question before (in the FAQ of this blog) so you can’t have been looking too hard. But all vocals on Miles Apart are by Nathan, save from the extremely low inaudible screams before the chorus, in the chorus and at one part of the first verse, which is supposed to be me.

Q: So next point. In the censored video of "Turn it up" you are shouting different lyrics in the refrain. What is the text of the second part? The "What the Hell..." instead of "What the fuck..." I can hear clearly. But the text after that I have no idea what you are shouting.
A: “What the hell you gonna do?” and “Never gonna make it home”. I can’t believe you just made me listen to that awful song. You owe me one, boy!

Q: I want to know how you do your shouts, screams and all that. Could you please give me tips how you do that? I tried it a bit but I have the incorrect technique because my voice fails after a short time.
A: NO!!!... That felt good.


Really

Q: I saw LAOD in my local cd store for about $10. In Australia that’s a pretty damn good deal for a CD. Anyway, I was wondering if you would get any profit from CD/merch sales seeing as you're not in the band anymore?
A: Haha, hell no. Well, I still own shares in the company, so theoretically, I’m entitled to profit yields in the band’s business. But why should I even bother? We’ve earned more money ourselves in The Unguided than on our entire career in Sonic Syndicate. That speaks for itself and that business. Tie yourself up on too many middle hands and the band is always the last to get anything at all, unfortunately, even if they always do the dirty work. And from CD sales, I doubt they’ll ever see any royalties from that in this lifetime, as said before. Maybe our upcoming kids will?

Q: when do u guys release the album! I WANT IT SO FUCKING MUCH haha:)
A: SRSLY!!!

Q: Since you are now engaged (congratulations!), are you going to write a love-song to or about Ella (or beautiful girls like Ella), and release it through THE UNGUIDED? You know, so that we who are unable to write lyrics like gods about goddesses, we can take advantage of your poetic skills, and Rogers musical skills, and you guys create THE love-song of ages that will bring most women to their knees, and hopefully help us lesser fortunate in our love life! Or, do you fell like there are no words to describe Ella? Sometimes, words just doesn’t do justice, you know;-) but, make it like… how should I put it, like enclave, a “light” song, so that girls who do not like screaming and metal-ish stuff in general, can be persuaded to think we are cool and thoughtful and that kind of stuff. I know I’m kind of DEMANDING a song now (like I would order burgers or pizza) but just food for thought (MORE food related stuff), it would be kind of cool! And I know you said this album will be heavy, if I remember correctly, and I would guess most song-related stuff (which I guess is basically EVERYTHING) is pretty much carved in stone by now! But, just a humble request, from a loyal servant, it would be nice of you! BTW, you got me into StraCraft (2)!! Love the game, can’t wait for the rest of the series. Epic…
A: No. If you want love songs there are always artists like Bonnie Taylor and The White Berry. If you don’t like screaming and metal-ish stuff in general, why are we even talking about The Unguided? We started that particular band to do exactly just that. There already is another formed band of mine that would fit you and your girlfriend’s tastes better, I believe. And you don’t need to thank me for ruining your life with an addictive game. Ever!

 

Barry White

Q: What kind of car do you own / which is your favorite car?
A: I drive a Volvo S40, and that’s my favorite car. If I would state any other car than Volvo as my favorite, dad would come knocking with a shotgun. That’s how I’m raised!

Q: What does "Meastitia" mean?
A: Grief.

Q: What was the most awkward situation you've ever had to perform?
A: Must have been in Oslo, Norway when we played at a venue and all the gear and lighting blew the fuses powering up the whole building. We continued playing, obviously. Another instance was when we played in Kurgan, Russia on the BTC tour, when every 808 we had on the backtrack caused power dips. At first we couldn’t address the problem since the power came back straight after the low-frequency rumble. But then when we realized the cause, it was like “Alight, another sub-bass coming up in this song, brace for impact…” kind of deal. All non-acoustic gear just went dead silent, hehe. Awkward, but funny!


Power outage

Q: Is your father actually a metal head, or does he just support you? And how did he feel about Turisas' DVD's?
A: Well, he’s not a metal head to the marrow, but he indeed enjoys some metal music. I know he likes our music at least. And he also listens to some Nightwish and stuff. I have not had the opportunity to ask him about the Turisas’ DVD.

Q: Has number 1 of the 616 been discovered? On that note, what about number 2 and 616?
A: Not yet, the search continues. I do think Despotz is camping 616. Sneaky!

Q: How many Betrayer of the Code sales and Nightmareland jewel case sales were there?
A: Answered as of the last blog.

Q: Is there a link between the 'castle of cards' in 'Green Eyed Demon' and the 'house of cards' in 'Jack of Diamonds'.
A: Maybe. It’s really just a synonym for an unstable state of existence, really. And a castle is bigger than a house, so I guess it just makes the situation more critical.

 
Castle of cards

Q: I'm a little confused. Is the album to be released in September going to still be titled 'Nightmareland' or were that only the single containing GED and Pathfinder? If it's a completely different album, then are you going to release the artwork/name soon?
A: Released in September? What is this madness!? The album will probably be finished by the end of September, music-production-wise, but it’s nowhere near a release yet (<-LIES). And it’s not going to be entitled “Nightmareland”. That’s the EP name, as you said. Album artwork/name will be released soon, yes.

Q. When I was talking about the album covers, I wasn't talking about like “artwork ideas”.. Although that would have been cool if you could show us as well? Anyways, what I was talking about was the Only Inhuman had; standard artwork, limited edition artwork, tour edition artwork, Japan artwork and another tour edition artwork. Love and Other Disasters had two, standard and the Japan artwork. So I was wondering why We Rule the Night didn't have any form for alternative artwork. Or if it ever was planned any else for any record really..
A: For legal purposes I can’t show you any artwork ideas from OI. I did show you J.A.Aranguren’s sketch for OI some time ago since I know him, and he wouldn’t mind. But the same guys that did the OI/LOAD art made the other artwork ideas, and I don’t know them at all, except that they are from Austria, I dare to remember. But did OI and LAOD really have alternative artworks for Japan? I want to remember it was just a sticker. And under the sticker it was the same as Europe. I know the tour edition had a little different appearance with the band in the right corner and stuff. But other than that, I think it was the same for both of them, save from the “slip paper packaging” had altered visual appearance, but that was not really the artwork, right? The jewel case itself had the same one. I can be horribly wrong, though!

Q: Will the new The Unguided album come with a DVD/special edition? If yes, will that one also have an alternative artwork? And if yes, will it include bonus tracks?
A: As said in the last blog, there will be a special edition with a bonus song. But there won’t be DVD, unfortunately. We’ve been lazy with the camera, and since we recorded it in different studio sessions (like closer to eight different occasions) it would be a hell of a job to get a smooth running thread with all the footage, and weird structure and separation as well. It would probably just be confusing. There won’t be different artwork, but there will be a different layout design for the special edition.


Special edition

Q: How many tracks have been recorded for this albums recording session?
A: 11 songs.

Q: When can we expect a track listing or artwork? Anything really...
A: When the fan Facebook reaches 10,000 fans, hehe. (<- LIES!)

Q: Are you planning to release another single before the album drops? If yes, if you can tell, which track? I'd personally love to see Phoenix Down as a single, can imagine the artwork being br00tal.
A: It’s uncertain which track we’ll use as the first single as of now. We’ll see when the entire album is mixed and done. Phoenix Down sure is a dangerous candidate for that, though! If anything, I think we’ll release a video with the first single of the album, pre-album release. These are just speculations, so far.

Q: Did you record any of the performances that The Unguided has had so far? Would have been wicked bonus material for sure.
A: Dad recorded the entire Getaway show on his camera. And Jejje Andersson recorded the entire Falkenberg show. I don’t think there’s a complete video upload of the Malmö show, as far as I know. Nothing we’re planning on putting as bonus material on a DVD or something, YouTube can have that honor.


No crowdsurfing so far

Q. I have seen so many pictures where do you wear nice clothes. Where did you buy them?
2k2bt clothing and Sullen clothing are both awesome! Do you know a Swedish shop where I can buy this clothing? My brother lives in Sweden too. In the north but he does not know where can I buy something like your clothes.
A: You can buy 2k2bt clothing in Sweden here and Sullen Clothing here.

Q: Okay, this is a two part question. Well the first one is actually a DEMAND! While you and Roland work on recording vocals, we better see another episode of UnguidedTV :P I love that 'behind the scenes' sort of stuff. And secondly, since Roger has finished recording most of the instrumentals, do you think you could release a few tracks with the instrumentals only on your blog or something? That would be really cool :o
A: First question; we recorded some footage. We’ll see if we can use it for TheUnguidedTV. Your second question; NO! There won’t be any spoiling here; you patiently have to wait for the release.

Q: Just wondering if it's true that Roger has left Sonic Syndicate?
A: No, read his statement here.

Q: I am an aspiring harsh vocalist and I have a major question that I would like answered. Is there specific sheet music for screaming, or does it work the same way as singing? Also, do you even need to be able to read music to scream in a band? Can you read music?
A: Yeah, there’s sheet music for screaming and it’s very crucial for your screaming career to be able to read music in your screaming business. Sheet music for screaming can look something like this: BLAAARGH-RAAAWWWRR-GAAHHH-YAIIIIII-OHHHHHHH-BLAARGH-RAAAAWR.


Music theory

Q: I found myself hanging around your (The Unguided) MySpace profile (as having no-life day) and there's this "About Us" Section with bunch of Latin words and stuff.. I Google Translated the text and makes kind of no since (As any other text Google translated, heh) Here's the original and the translation to English:

Original:
lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur a dipiscing elit. aliquam sodales semper tellus ac scelerisque. duis vitae augue ut risus ornare rhoncus at tristique est. nullam quis orci odio, quis magna. proin tincidunt posuere massa, et mentum ullamcorper. aenean tortor lectus, dignissim non consectetur vitae, tempor at tellus. phasellus dignissim rutrum euismod. suspendisse ullamcorper urna nec tellus.

English:
Click images to list in the following from the dipiscing here. development and nation always remove it later. I'm here or trackback from your users and that is laughter. no more hatred, a man great. we put you here, and your chin. We use the bed, dignissim your life, at more. Add your Content. Forum process essentially unchanged. Do you have any sence why is this there and what is it REALLY trying to tell?
A: “lorem ipsum” is, in publishing and graphic design, just a placeholder text. It’s used to demonstrate the graphic elements of a document or a visual presentation. It’s solely to test the font, typography and layout. Read more here. The proper English translation is suppose to be: “Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?”

Q: Gratz on the ring of yours :D I love the date 08-02 cause. 8-2 = 6 and 8*2 = 16.... Facit = 6,16... 616 :D
A: That was clearly intentional, haha. Probably as intentional as I happened to find the number in my social security number not too long ago, hehe.


The one ring

Q: By the way, I read an Interview with Roger today And he said Sonic will pause?? Awesome news to be honest! And they don't know for how long! If they would disband, would YOU get the rights for the songs?
A: I have no idea; I’m really not updated at all on what’s going on, you tell me? And no, the rights to the songs are personally tied. It’s not tied around Sonic Syndicate’s existence or lack of existence, so to speak.

Q: So are the three songs already released going to be on the new album?
A: Yes. We talked this through and we decided that we’ll put GED, PF and BOTC on the album as well. Why? Since there will be a lot of new fans to be gained with the album, and they certainly never heard the songs at all. They will however appear with a new mix/master, new drums and GED and PF will have new keyboards.

Q: When you write a song with your band, which instrument do you guys start off with? Guitar riff or the vocal?
A: We always start with the instrumentals first.


Instrument

Tjo!

The third and final summer show of The Unguided in Malmö at Malmöfestivalen was a complete and utter success! The most crowded gig of the three, which was indeed a delight for the eye. Skåne does not disappoint, EVER (except for being Danish once upon a time, hehe). It was, however, not a complete delight for the ear. Stage sound was awesome, but the FOH sound left a bit to be desired according to sources, unfortunately. That’s what you get when a cheap ass band decides not to bring their own engineer, hehe. Even so, SUCCESS!!!


Photo by: Pontus Fagerstedt

The third gig of The Unguided we utilized our stand-in drummer Per Qvarnström (By Night). Since John was busy with his wedding. We also had Christoffer “Stoffe” Andersson (What Tomorrow Brings) on stage, for some dual scream action in “Green Eyed Demon”.


Photo by: Pontus Fagerstedt


Photo by: Pontus Fagerstedt

The Unguided Malmöfestivalen 20/8 LIVE Setup:
Richard Sjunnesson – Harsh Vocals
Roger Sjunnesson – Guitars
Roland Johansson – Clean Vocals / Guitars
Henric Carlsson – Bass
Per Qvarnström – Drums
Christoffer “Stoffe” Andersson – Guest Harsh Vocals


Photo by: Max Dengler

The Unguided Malmöfestivalen 20/8 LIVE Set list:
1. Pathfinder
2. Phoenix Down (New unreleased song)
3. Serenade of Guilt (New unreleased song)
4. Betrayer of the Code
5. Iceheart Fragment (New unreleased song)
6. Green Eyed Demon
7. Inherit the Earth (Fallen Angels revisited unreleased song)


Photo by: Pontus Fagerstedt


Photo by: Pontus Fagerstedt


Photo by: Pontus Fagerstedt


Photo by: Pontus Fagerstedt


Photo by: Pontus Fagerstedt


Photo by: Kim Renström


Photo by: Ferbie Chez


Photo by: Kim Renström

The idea was to play around with the set a bit, since there’s a couple of the 616 soldiers that are following us around on all the gigs. But since we had to work in a new drummer for this show as well, we played it safe, like the cowards we are, hehe. It was enough work as it was, and way too little time for enough rehearsals to make other songs sound good enough. Hats off for the whole Malmöfestivalen event and Bandit Rock for booking us, it was a pleasant experience. Once again, humble thanks from the entire band, and to the 616 army, your enormous support and long journeys to attend to our gigs is priceless! For those wondering what shirt I wore during the show, it’s a Sullen Clothing shirt called “Fallen Angel” (appropriate, huh?). If you like their stuff, check their Facebook page here.


Mounted drummer, ridin' in for the rehersal


Trying out "Green Eyed Demon" dual scream version


Student of technology


On our way to Malmö, Austrian death machine in da buss


Roland in a good mood, as always


Austrian loadout machine


Fräulein Roland, counting in das waren


Henric is bass approving the stage...


...while a reincarnated Michael Jackson is performing


DBA bass colleague descending to us on the smaller stage, oh humble you!


"Bambambam-Damdam-Bambambam", that's drummish for "BOTC"


The army securing the ground on soundcheck


"Get to da choppa!"


I got myself a belated birthday present, thank you!


DBA kicking up some dust


We got our own clone army!!!


Henric fell in love with one of the 616, can't blame him! They are magnificent clone soldiers!


Aftershow dinner

Next live mission for The Unguided will involve some piracy, as we will sink the Silja Line ship “Galaxy” going out from the Stockholm port on 11 November. It’s not an option to miss Bandit Boat 12, seeing we’ll need all men we can get to take on the mighty Kraken, dwelling in the dark waters between Sweden and Finland! Announced bands so far are, The Unguided and the American band Black Stone Cheery. Join the Facebook event here, and get your tickets here. Be sure to check out Bandit Rock's official Facebook page as well for more information and updates.


The Kraken is EVIL, we need YOU!

So how’s The Unguided album coming along? That’s indeed a very common and repetitive question from blog readers around the world. Well, for once, I actually have some concrete information! If you are following my FAN page on Facebook (or Twitter for that matter) you already know we’re done with all the vocals for the album. All the rhythm and lead guitars, save from a few solos, are also immortalized, as well as the bass (nailed by Jonas Kjellgren). The drums will be recorded in the coming days by John Bengtsson himself. And soon Roger and Pontus Hjelm (Dead By April) will be busy in PH Studio to do some additional production of Roger’s keyboards. After that, it’s in Jonas Kjellgren’s hands again to do the mix / master the final product in The Abyss studio. Some pictures from the recent vocal recording:


Reached the ghost village of Pärlby once again, it calls for whiskey!


Expect a lot of Paul Stanley inspired vocals on the album


Roland borrowing Jonas toys


Kebab-boats are Jonas approved


This is exactly why I drive Volvo and not SAAB


You're not fooling anyone with that hat


"Vocal recording"


Ghost Rider Kjellgren


As said... "vocal recording"


Shreddin'


Ella found some kind of rodent


Raubtier payed Jonas a visit

Additional information about the album is that there will be two versions of it. One version will be a limited edition with special packaging, and a bonus song. The other is a retail version of the album, and there will be 10 songs on it. In contrast,  you’ll get a total of 11 songs on the limited edition one. There will be various packages to select from once the pre-orders start. Gustavo Sazes will do the layout for both designs, as well as a T-shirt design, and of course a new album related poster (get your frames ready, 50x70cm!). The album artwork was created by Kuang Hong and J.A.Arangurens Betrayer of the Code single artwork will be featured in the booklet to the appropriate lyrics. There is also a lot of other fun stuff in the making of the album, which will be revealed later in time. Hope this information will keep your satisfied for a while! We hope we’ll be able to announce the track list, cover artwork and a release date soon.


Until the bottomless pit freezes over...

My friend Niklas "Smeten" Bjelvén, from the lunatics in Rackartygarna, is doing some back flip practice with his unguided bike to “Betrayer of the Code”, check the video out!


Smeten is one crazy motherfucker

Another The Unguided tattoo champion has been born in Tommy Malmehed. Hailing from Sweden, his colored version of The Unguided crest has been inked out at PulseTattoo in Motala. Looks awesome, here you have a @the-unguided.com mail!


Tommy, Champion of the Unguided

Our progress towards the completion of “Black Mirror’s Reflection” album in Faithful Darkness is close at hand. All guitars have been nailed now as well. And I’ll look into going into Mikael Sällström’s Studio to record my part of the effort in the coming weeks. And the last thing to do is to fire up all the files to The Abyss and Jonas Kjellgren for mix / master. Other good news is that the pre-production version of the song “Hate Injection” is now FINALLY on Spotify. It only took cdbaby.com FOUR MONTHS (!!!). Check it out here. Also, be sure to check out this very impressive drum video of the song “Remember This Fight”:


Naked drummer remembering a fight

Ella and I also checked out Stockholm Inkbash XV a couple of weekends ago. It is an annual tattoo fair, featuring famous tattoo artists from all over the world. I can’t believe how much talent there is in this world, my jaw dropped to the ground plenty of times. After that, we did some Stockholm old town sightseeing for educational purposes.


Stockholm Inkbash 2011


Inkin'


Found Sullen Clothing artists!


Wouldn't mind doing this one


Stockholm - The capital of Scandinavia


And Stockholm's finest


A very narrow assassin's creed like passage


This waiter kind of overdid his suit


Eat Da Poo Poo?

Other than that, there’s is not much to speak about. I had a BBQ party at mom's place in the woods some weekends ago. I also celebrated Dad’s birthday, and upset Ella so much she thought it was a good idea to punch a big hole in the wall. She’s the best <3


Mom's place


Grandma got trolled


A Balrog trophy


Mom's kitchen


Mom


Mom's backyard


Mom's son and his fiancee


Mom performing some kind of shamanic ritual


Dad is happy(?) on his birthday


She's strong my fiancee<3

Despotz had a meeting with Activision / Blizzard the other day for a possible The Unguided collaboration, and we got ourselves some steelseries mousepads. We’ll see what happens. I also traded a signed “Nightmareland” EP for two Fuckyeah.se shirts hehe. Thank you Micke Lilja!


Green Eyed Goblin, Blue Eyed Worgen and Red Eyed Deathwing


Sixpak indeed

---

 

Q&A XXIII:
Send your questions to: richard@the-unguided.com 

Q: Does Roland ever scream in some songs? I look at WRTN and i hear Nathan scream a bit in a few songs (I THINK don’t know, sounds weird and auto-tuned or something) so i was wondering if Roland ever did the same.
A: Roland did heavy vocals on loads of songs on Only Inhuman and Love and Other Disasters. Even for one of the Eden Fire songs, actually. Check out the chorus of “Prelude to Extinction” and you’ll hear there are two different voices. If you want to pin down the differences check the video to Jack of Diamonds. We both scream in the verses, you’ll see what I mean.


"All join in!"

Q: May i ask you, when and where will be your next concert situated!?
A: It will be situated on a boat sailing somewhere on the seven seas. For more info check this link.

Q: Could you put this on your blog too: BOTC review.
A: SURE, CJ! Just because you were nice and cleaned up the forum, hehe.

Q: As an electrician, is your field based on electrical devices or electrical wiring in buildings?
A: Electrical devices.


Nikola Tesla worked at Westwood Studios

Q: What, exactly, did Peter Tagtgren sing on "Pathfinder"? I can't make him out too clearly.
A: Doc colored out the different singers in a forum thread at www.armyoftheunguided.com. And it looked about right. Unfortunatly due to a spam related problem Berran decided to take the forum down for now. He only did guest harsh vocals and here's his lyric lines: "legions of her", "was to begin", "What’s left of me", "Fused by my soul and heart", "the mortar fire", "for me and you", " together"

Q: Do you have any idea what's going on in the background in the first 18 seconds of the song "You Only Live Twice" by you-know-who. And isn't the song "Sounds of a Playground Fading" by you-also-know-who amazing?
A: I asked Jonas about this and he said it's just Peter cursing in Swedish and talking bullshit pretty much. And yeah, SOAPF is probably my favorite track of the album.

Q: Have you managed to play StarCraft 2 as yet? I've actually never played Age of Empires so I have just started the first game from 1998. Ever played that?
A: I’ve not played SC2 more than a few campaign missions unfortunately. I’d love to set aside time for it eventually, maybe when the album is finished? I played some Age of Empires when I was young but not a significant amount.

 
Additional Pylons

Q: I'm just wondering, may i use one of the The Unguided songs in one of my future parkour/freerun videos on YouTube? If i get permission i will make sure i put up a link to your Facebook page, homepage and to where they can buy your music in the description box of the video :) and then will you be kind enough to promote my video on your Facebook :))) ?
A: Sounds cool, always liked watching them parkour/freerun videos, mad shit! I would appreciate if you put out half songs or preview of the three songs already released and not full tracks, though.

Q: First of all EPIC SONGS I MEAN REALLY EPIC!!! Heard the new songs on youtube the unreleased ones but I wanted to know when the new album is coming out. Sorry it must be a pretty annoying question!!!
A: It’s not a pretty annoying question; it is an EXTREMLY annoying question. It’ll show up when it’s done, which hopefully is this coming winter.

Q: A question once you're actually attending Sonic Syndicate who are on tour in Germany or completely finished for you?
A: Read my original statement here. And then ask the question to yourself again.


In Germany

Q: Did Karin herself write the bass lines for the songs, or did someone else from SS do that for her?
A: Why don’t you ask her directly? I’m pretty confident she’s as available as me on Facebook or mail. When whoever delivered a new song in Sonic Syndicate, be it Roger or Robin, it often came as a full composition, bass lines included.

Q: What sweater was Roland wearing at the ''Where does the cooling water go?'' picture in the last blog post and where can I order it? It looks pretty awesome. Keep up the good music! Can't wait for Phoenix Down! \m/
A: I asked him about this when we did the Malmöfestival gig. But he didn’t remember the brand. He said it was something to do with Affliction but it was not actually Affliction. Monarchy maybe? But it does not really look like it. Try to ask him directly at roland@the-unguided.com and I’m sure he’ll look it up for you!

Q: I found this pretty gay article and I think you would be interested in it if you haven’t read it 
A: Haha, I wouldn’t expect less. What I did expect, however, was a bit cleverer comeback. But I guess some kid’s creativity ends at beating the same bush? Well, well it’s all good since it did result in some more traffic to the blog “which no one reads” (save from Brenocide of course). And he sure did put his “Troll -> Reaction” ideology to test, seems like it worked fine? He generously proved it himself! And, Brenocide, if you ever want to borrow the keys to my car (even if I’m not your friend) and run it into a mountain wall while listening to Accept, you’re very much welcome!

How will this mind-boggling adventure continue? Well, something like this:
1: He’ll read this blog entry, as my blog is his web browser’s start page. (Though he’ll blame Google for taking him here by mistake, ops!)
2: He’ll think to himself that he shouldn’t write a comeback article about it. But then do it anyway in lack of self-discipline, and he just can’t stand the fact that this madness ended in my court. Horrid thought, indeed.
3: Someone will mail me and ask my thoughts of this new, equally predictable output of his.
4: I’ll feature it as a meaningless question in my Q&A, while he writes yet another lengthy, tedious article about it.
5: Repeat.

I set my stopwatch on 27 hours and 5 minutes until I get a new promoting feature from him, and meanwhile I keep myself busy writing a new song about it. Theme it up on people hiding behind pseudonyms, writing nonsense—which in fact, they don’t really stand for anyway, since there’s no proper signature to go with the item. I’m sure Manowar would be really proud of such courageous behavior! And Brenocide, for Hector’s sake, stop use the word “Butthurt” one million times in ANYTHING you write, I’m confident even someone like you can figure out a way around it. Is there any cure for you at all? YES! Get laid… or learn to pronounce my surname, that’ll keep you busy for a while, at least until you hit that mountain wall at full speed. The clock is ticking. Please don’t be late, I hate when I’m wrong. Oh, and by the way! Grave digger does rule, I own all their albums. Keep it true! Au revoir…Tic toc tic toc.


Grave Digger

Q: Now that "Phoenix Down" will see the light of day. Will we ever hear "Assassination of a Martyr" and "Waiting for You to Wake"?
A: You already did. Waiting for you to Wake is Burn This City, just different chorus, lyrics, and melody. Assassination of a Martyr is Iceheart Fragment, but also heavily restored.

Q: And you said you would answer it in the next blog but it seems you might have forgotten or something. It’s not your fault since I know you’re really busy but could you answer it in the next one?
A: There’s always one blog delay on your answers. I write the Q&A’s before I write the blog. Sometimes that can be weeks before the actual blog gets written. So, just try to be patient! If it didn’t show up in two blogs from when you sent in the question, please send it in again. Before that you don’t need to worry about it. It will most definitely be featured.

Q: Awesome blog post. So you're a fan of that Scrubs episode too? I'm impressed and applauded you because I like doing that too. :-P
A: Scrubs rocks! John C. McGinley is fucking brilliant.


Dr. Cox

Q: I videoed it for you. Embarrass me.
A: Why? There’s nothing to embarrassed about! You could take that Suicidal Quietness dude’s job any hour of the week. Keep up the good work!

Q: One of your by far most aggressive songs, lyrics wise, must be Misanthropic Coil. Where did you get the inspiration for this song from?
A: What inspired me for Misanthropic Coil were probably The Omen movies, and a short story I wrote to base all the “Extinction” songs on. Also “Naglfar – I am Vengence” and The Crown was also very topical during the time, I dare to remember.

Q: Can you tell us about how much Nightmareland and BOTC has sold? Both in physical and digital form.
A: We get annual updates on the sales from Despotz, so I’m afraid I can’t. What I can tell you is how much the limited edition of Nightmareland sold, though! But I guess you can figure that out yourself.


Money, money, money

Q. I was watching some clips on YouTube of Eden Fire, and I think his vocals amazing, you intend to produce some songs based in Eden Fire? Sorry for my English.
A: Bro, story, cool. We’ll be sure to hire the very same vocalist for the upcoming The Unguided album. And there will be Eden Fire references all over the album. As a matter of fact, your brain will have a hard time to keep up with all the awesome Eden Fire related details I’ve sprinkled it with.

Q: Another question fallen of my brain: Wiskies, Ron or beer ?? ^^
A: Another question falls from the brain, and end up on my blog.  And the answer is white whiskey!

Q: Will you release any more songs before Bandit Boat 12 or will you continue with the setlist you had the current three gigs?
A: Boat in November, hmm we’ll see what we can come up with. Since a lot of you tend to follow us around (the dedication is compelling!) we of course want to do something special for them, now when there’s time and all.


Bandit Boat

Q: Why did Roland quit Sonic Syndicate?
A: roland@the-unguided.com 

Q: What metal band do you like the most save from The Unguided?
A: … Blind Guardian?

Q: Why did you quit Sonic Syndicate?
A: So I could start The Unguided with Roland and my bro? Original statement found here.


Eurocorp and The Unguided

Q: Lestat.Rymdraket? The other URL to get to Army Of The Unguided -forums. Lestat from Queen of the Damned and Rymdraket some Swedish? Or is it just some random stuff?
A: Rymdraket is Swedish for space rocket. Now go out and tell the first person you meet about this significant wisdom you just acquired. Learning is fun!

Q: I'm close to get paid and buy new PA and stuff so What type of active (Or possibly passive) speakers do you use for your harsh vocals when you rehearsal with other Unguided? Have you changed them during the time from Eden Fire to here? Recommend any for harsh vocals?
A: Funny enough I haven’t even reflected over what brand the active ones we have are. They are on repair now, through. There was no mid and highs left in them at all. The stand-in PA is just lacking a great deal of highs, but sucks equally much. Back during Eden Fire and Only Inhuman, I had homebuilt non-active PA, which I had bought from a colleague, and ran it through a Yamaha last stage. They were magical! Until our keyboardist went all low-frequency-angel-choir-synth-bullshit on them and blew all the elements… That was the only reason why my voice sounded so cool back then and so shit now! A key that is now lost into oblivion… Forever! True story.

Q: Was it Karin who sang in Crowned in Despair also together with Enchance My Nightmare?
A: Damn straight! There’s nothing fooling you.


Creating enhanced nightmares

Q: What was your LOAD mic since you didn't use your former one?
A: For LOAD LAOD we used an RØDE NT1 condenser microphone for both screams and cleans. And for OI we used a ADK A-51 condenser microphone for both as well. The plan was to use the RØDE NT1 for cleans on the entire The Unguided album, but Roland blew(?) the microphone in the studio. We decided to go back to the ADK A-51 for like 7 songs on the album. All screams recorded with a Shure SM7.

Q: Will your first album be broken up into segments like Eden Fire, considering like Eden Fire it has improved versions of old Fallen Angel songs along with brand new songs?
A: I was thinking about this when we started to write the album, and considered it pretty meaningful, but later scratched the whole idea. I’d prefer to sit down and listen to all the 12 tracks of the final mix and then place them where they would be most effective. I don’t want to be framed and cornered by segments. The goal is to make a dynamic album and we all think this will be the best way to do it, sadly.

Q: I wonder when will the new album be released?
A: Really? Me too.


Out of reach

Var Hälsad!

(if you are suffering from diabetes, DON'T read any further)

Some of you trusty Facebook or Twitter followers might already know but since 2011-08-02, I’m encaged engaged to be married! On our eight-month anniversary, I courageously (and nervously) popped the question, after fooling Ella out on a late night moonlight stroll here on the beach of Falkenberg. You might think that eight months is not a major milestone of a relationship but fact is; time durations don’t matter much for us, since we both have been very certain of this since the day we met, which is indeed more than three years ago now. There was never any doubt or a question of IF or HOW, it was more of WHEN!? Love always finds a way. And for us it did so eight months ago. We have been patient enough during the years, and not at one single moment have I doubted my preserved feelings for her. I will completely and full heartily surrender to this power; something my heart already did a long time ago. Elsa, you are what keeps me believing there’s something good left in this world. I love you now, and I will continue to do so as long as this body draws breath, and as long as there’s a heart pounding in this chest. I will always be yours...


The token of all I am

The morning after, we spoiled ourselves with a champagne breakfast together with compulsory strawberries. Then we took yet another stroll in the blameless sunny weather, which some higher force may have conveniently blessed us with this faithful day. Even though not much has physically changed (except maybe the addition of the shining jewelry on my ring finger) everything tasted better today. All colors seemed to reflect more beautifully than ever before, and every breath oxygenated my body and soul like a hurricane.



Champagne breakfast


Blameless sunny weather


Notice Resturant Gustaf Bratt still standing :,(

I booked a restaurant on the beach for dinner where the celebrations could continue. I don’t even remember much what we talked about; it could not really ring through the loud resonance of my own happiness this day. Save from the day I met her, this could very well be the most blissful day of my existence.


Ocean


My heart


Gotcha'


Absent-minded much?

After dinner and dessert, we walked down the beach and into city where we could expose innocent citizens to our love, whatever they liked it or not.


Sunset on the beach

Waking up the morning after, we discovered in the sad news that Restaurant Gustaf Bratt had been burnt down to cinders during the night of our engagement day. I remember us walking by their on our way home early in the morning, when it was still standing. Whether it got scorched by our uncontainable love flame during our brief passing, or there were other perpetrators, the story does not unravel…


Bratt, you will be missed

Sullen Clothing has recently supplied me with a package of their new threads. I’ve been supporting Sullen since 2008, and there is not much out there that can compete with their remarkable designs. Be sure to LIKE their Facebook page, and also check their official website out here.


Sullen Clothing

The Swedish (Luleå) act Beneath my Feet have now released their latest effort; “Wake up, Stand up”. I’ve provided them with guest vocals on the song with the same name. If you have Spotify be sure to check it out here. If Spotify is not available in your country check the song on YouTube here. There’s even a download link here. Also be sure to enter their website, and LIKE their Facebook page. Make me proud and support good music!


Beneath My Feet - Wake Up, Stand Up

In camp Faithful Darkness, Jimmy "Judas" Persson has now successfully nailed all clean vocals parts on Black Mirror’s Reflection. We also did some gang vocals for “Hate Injection” and “Answers For Your Sins”.  Once again, we recorded vocals in Mikael Sällström’s studio and Sällström Audio in Halmstad. He did a great job, as always! So, all that’s left now are my vocals and some guitars. After that, we will send it back to The Abyss and Jonas Kjellgren for the final mixing. Here’s a video of the recent drum recording:


Jocke doing what he does best: Hitting stuff at high-velocity

Some pictures from the clean vocals recording in Mikael Sällström’s studio:


Mikael Sällström’s legendary studio


And the legend himself, his hairy self


A cleanvocalist doing his thing. What that now is, I wouldn't know.


Beastiallity going on in another part of the room


Making sure the drummer don't sleep out on all the fun, fun, fun


Gangvocals with Bill & Bull


"Don't feed the animals"


It's a wrap! Done for the day

Regarding The Unguided, we are currently just rehearsing for the Malmö gig. We will, however, have a stand-in drummer for this show, since John is busy with his upcoming wedding. The drummer featured at the Malmöfestivalen gig is Per Qvarnström, who plays drums in By Night (listen to them here). This is Karin’s boyfriend’s band. So, we are still kind of keeping it in the family! Hehe. We are currently done with all pre-production recordings of Phoenix Down, Serenade of Guilt and Iceheart Fragment. And they are more than ready to be immortalized in the studio soon! After that, we’ll take on the next (and last) batch of songs for the debut album. I like how we write them in different sessions, it keeps everything motivating at all the times, and we’re always high on inspiration. If you are coming to the Malmö show, please join the Facebook event here.


"Hi Per!"

The weekend after the engagement, we threw an engagement party. Ella called down her cavalry from Stockholm, and I invited the natives of Falkenberg. This unholy alliance between east and west was to hit everyone’s liver harder than the mailman hit your mom, that’s a fact. The Stockholm emissaries arrived closer to midnight the day before the festivity, which called for a foul start of the alcohol-related mayhem we prepared.


Foul start


We were prepared!


Some of the Stockholm emissaries


James Hetfield joined in


Alcohol-related mayhem

After some social drinking in our apartment, we headed down to the city and Harry’s Pub. Everything went fine until someone ordered in liquorice shots. That’s where my memory started to fade.


We found a native!


The fantastic three


Cheerio!


Ringflex


Comparing tattoos


The host and the hostess


"You're awesome!"


After this picture was taken: Memory = Blank 

Woke up the day after with a horrible headache and there was not much to do, other than to put on some gear, and reload the blood circulation with more liquor.


Gearing


Reloading


Lovin'

Headed down to the beach to check out the new renovated hotel, bistro and restaurant; Strandbaden. This is where we continued the celebrations and had dinner. Really nice abroad feel they got going there after the renovation. Good job!


"Skrea Strand"


Strandbaden


For black wind, fire and LOVE


Some sugar on that honey


For that to work, Is it not suppose to go INTO the ice container?


"Soak the ooze!"


Future wife! :D

We hurried back to the apartment to let our native guests in. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and also each other in some cases. Unfortunately I can’t tell you more after that. Since I was running on 9 hours of drinking, and almost no sleep, I passed out like a little girl before midnight. I’d like to apologize for this, but I never was a very good drinker, hehe. I’m grateful for everyone who DID show up, however, and thankful for your generous display of interest in one of the biggest happenings of my life. Even if I wasn’t present mentality all the time, I was right there with you, bodily… sort of. Anyways, GOOD TIMES!


Back at The Unguided HQ


Another unguided man joined the fun


HELL YEAH!


Stoffe is skeptical


Happy times


Meanwhile on the balcony...

The day after sucked, though…


Dual massive hungover


So this is the same order. Mine is to the right, Ella's to the left hehe.

The engagement week we also visited Gothenburg’s funfair; Liseberg. Liseberg is the largest and most visited funfair in Scandinavia. Take that Gröna Lund! We spent a whole day there; and dedicated a majority of the time to love swarm and was of course devotedly buttery altogether. We did, however, ride all the thrilling attractions as well, since we’re two badass motherfuckers. Here are pictures from the day:


Fun, fun, fun


Badass motherfuckers


License to ride


The fearsome "Balder"


Overheard discussion: "The blue one have problems with the breaks..." :S


Celebrating our survival with icecream


So this one goes up...


And this one goes.. down? right?


AtmosFEAR!!!


Rerolled Gnomes


Mirror, Mirror


Retard much?


Wheel of Love


Deliver us, director's cut


This didn't make it to the final cut either


"Lisebersbanan"


She's cute, smart and fun... AND ALL MINE!!!!!! >=)


A huge love swing


Eden fire, before the actual fire


The garden of lust and the lustress herself


Peach! :D


Last ride


<3

Grandma had her 80^th birthday the other week, as well. We celebrated her in Varberg, 20 minutes north of Falkenberg. I gave her a The Unguided shirt, a hug, and a gold bracelet from all the grandchildren. Happy birthday, grandma!

^
Happy B-Day Grandma!

To soft start a bit for next year’s Getaway Rock Festival and Manowar, Per the politician, Ella, my sister, and I had a Manowar evening as well. We watched one of their live DVD’s, drank beer, and made the sign of the hammer.


Manowar, Born to live forever more

If you haven’t got enough buttery love in this blog, or died of diabetes already, here are more beautiful pictures:


Butter


Chrimp & wine evenings


New family members


More chrimps & wine


Dawnwalking


Transformers 3D

---

Q&A XXII:
Send your questions to: richard@the-unguided.com 

Q: Every time I read the lyrics of Crowned In Despair the last two lines are:
”It was never your fault, mind ghosts clouded my view
It was nothing you did, just couldn't help my insecurity from shining through”
Since it’s not in the actual song can you please explain why is that written there?
A: My thought for those lines was to have some clean vocals in the middle-eight with those lyrics. But in the end we had very brief time to record the clean vocals, so this was scratched, or forgotten in all the haste. Later on, when I published the lyrics, I forgot to remove the lines.


Crowned in Despair

Q: Now everyone knows that the intro of the old Betrayer of the Code is from Queen of the Damned. But what is the intro of The Curse of a Gift from?
A: The Curse of a Gift intro is from a Tunes of Silence rehearsal recording of Bad Religion – American Jesus. It’s a pitched version, so if you slow it down in some software you can hear what it sounds like.

Q: Are there any particular reasons why didn’t FA play the Fall From Heaven songs live? Because as I recall there are some live performances from the Fallen Angels era but not from FFH. Or are they just not on YouTube?
A: We played FFH songs back in 2002-2003, YouTube opened up their site 2005. So I think they managed to go under the radar! We did play them, though.

Q: In Soulstone Splinter what are you screaming right after; “Damage is done but nothing is in vain” and before ”You will walk together again and forget the pain”? They’re right at [1:31:00 – 1:33:15], [2:33:08 – 2:35:20] and [3:51:05 – 3:53:20] if that matters.
A: Echo of “Is in vain”.


In vain

Q: Are you looking forward to watch Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit coming out this year?
A: For sure! Haven’t been reading up to much on the project compared to what I did back before LOTR was released, but of course I’m looking forward to go back to Middle-earth!

Q: Whose idea was it to bring a second vocalist in SS after the Eden Fire album?
A: Since we liked the concept of Jailbreak, and how that came out, we based the pre-production songs of Only inhuman after the same formula. During this time we got signed by Nuclear Blast and touring really was supposed to begin. I didn’t think we would get away with backtracking Roland’s voice for much longer by having Robin to mime them, since more and more songs featured clean vocals. Roland was not a member of SS when we signed with Nuclear Blast, but he sure was featured a lot in the songs we got signed with. So, it felt a bit like going behind their back as well. Karin called him and asked if he wanted to jump in for a gig, and then later to join fulltime, which he did. We all thought it was a good idea, and were pretty anxious over it before he decided to accept the offer because it would kind of put us in an awkward situation.

Q: I noticed when listening to Pain’s new album that they covered a Sonic Syndicate song called ”Leave me alone”. Can’t you do a cover on Pain’s songs; Monkey Buisness or Shut Your Mouth, would be sick with you and Roland?
A: It was addressed in this Q&A. It’s actually the other way around; we are covering Pain’s song, even though it was released later. Or, well, Peter wrote a song for us. For the upcoming TU album, there won’t be a Pain cover, but there will be a cover. Something a bit more different from what you would expect, I believe.

Q: You guys were awesome at Grand Rock!! Do you guys have any more gigs planned? When and where? I so much want to see you again!
A: Why, thank you! It was proper fun. We have a gig planned at Malmöfestivalen. Check out the Facebook event here.


Malmöfestivalen

Q: I've been wondering about something. I'm guessing you are a pretty vain person, aren't you? (Which I can totally understand) And I also think you’re confident about yourself. Were you always as confident as now? How did your confidence evolve? With working out? Or when you saw that girls do like you? Or the confidence maybe was one of the reason girls like you? What does your girlfriend like about you the most? (Yeah, and congrats bro :D). But also when I read the lyrics of Beauty and the Freak which as I recall you wrote (or some of it) the chorus doesn't suggest that much of a confidence so do you feel sometimes that way? Maybe some lack of confidence made you today who you are? 
A: First off; weirdest question ever, hehe. I’ve always been confident about myself, and it has nothing to do with my constitution, even if I’m very happy with my physique, as well. What I’m most proud of about myself is my psyche, however. I consider myself to have a very strong psyche, and a great deal of self-distance and submission. That’s hard to come by in this fucked up world where a lot of people get treated badly, especially when growing up which is a very critical period. Being abused when you’re young might unfortunately very well cast shadows over your life until the day you perish. I, however, had the happiest childhood ever. And ever since then, my life has treated me exceptionally good. Some might say luck, and I’m ready to agree with that. My life has been infused with a truckload of luck, and for that I’m grateful. I’m not sure what my girlfriend likes most about me. I’d love to say something shameless but I’ll just say the ability to make her feel happy is something she highly values. Nathan wrote the lyrics to Beauty and the Freak except my own parts, save from the chorus, which he wrote entirely. Be very certain of this; I don’t feel ugly, I feel too sexy for my shirt... In fact so sexy it hurts.


Too sexy for my shirt

Q: How often do you use makeup? Do you consider yourself hotter in it in the everyday life or is it just shows or photo-shoots? Do you find it common (especially in the metal world)? And how does your environment look at that if they realize it? Or you're like an "I couldn't care less" kind of guy? (Which is pretty much R'n'R (Y) :D)
A: I use it for photo-shoots, shows, and some rare occasions when I went out in Stockholm, as well. Well, I don’t consider myself looking hotter with it, possibly more EVUL, if that’s not a synonym. When you go up on stage you take on a role, same deal with this blog, or my public Facebook. That’s a role; the actual Richard is a bit different (or characteristics of me are enhanced in the role.) With wearing make-up on shows, I underline not only my eyes but also the fact I’m playing a character because that’s nothing I would do in my daily living. That’s the way I want to look at it. It’s more than common in the metal world, yeah. What my environment would think about it? Well, I sure wouldn’t care a rat’s ass about it.

Q: Will you do a gig in Stockholm before the summer is over or in Stockholm at all?
A: Nothing planned as of now.

Q: During your live gigs, who was the crowd? Were they moshing a lot, maybe a Wall of Death or something? Or "only" headbanging? :)  
A: I don’t know who they were, unfortunately I didn’t find the time to go around and ask for identification. I’ll put more effort into it next time.


"Identification, please"

Q: Did you stop with UnguidedTV? Would be really cool if you did more every now and then!
A: We did not stop with it, it’s just on vacation. I think it would be cool if we could do more with that. This question was answered in this Q&A, however.

Q: When will you release another album and will there be more album packages?
A: Another album? I wasn’t aware the debut was even out yet. You’re way ahead of me pal! The album (expected for this winter) will come with a new package yes, and it’s possible we’ll do a fun surprise before that, as well.

Q: finally a new blog! after the gig there wouldn't show up a new blog, almost thought you passed away (='[  ) i have 2 things to say first of all: you have to stay up-to-date of the great gaming clan: the unguided clan ( i created it with a friend) and, i wanted to ask, if you get a THE UNGUIDED email address (that i get probably soon because i have the crest tattooed on my… underarm?) is it possible to use for.. messenger? Xbox live? And with which programs can you check your mail then? (I’m using hotmail.com now...) maybe these are stupid questions to you but I believe you never answered this questions and i would like to know the answers ;)
A: That’s cool with the clan and all! You’ll get your @the-unguided.com mail address once you provide me with a picture of your tattoo. And it can be used for anything, messenger, and Xbox live alike! It’s a forward mail however, so when send an e-mail to it; It will forward it to the e-mail you select for it. For example, my Richard@the-unguided.com forwards all my mails to scorpion_rulez@hotmail.com.

Q: Do you already know when you will have your spot at the Malmö festivalen?
A: The stage is called “Lilla Sydsvenskan” and the time will be 18:00 - 19:00.

Q: Will there be an album announce / pre-order the next month?
A: No.

Q: Do you already know, if all the songs, you have performed live, will be on the upcoming album?
A: All of them will be featured on the upcoming album, its possible one of the “Nightmareland” songs won’t be featured on the album to make the “Nightmareland” EP a bit more unique but nothing is set in stone yet. The album versions will be a bit different from the EP anyhow.

Q: I found this  Metal Hammer UK (yeah I know...) and they compared them to Sonic Syndicate. AND I HAPPEN TO AGREE! I think that if you guys would have gotten a female vocalist instead of Nathan, that something similar to this could be the outcome. ^^ And I kind of like it actually... what do you think of them?
A: I’ve mentioned Amaranthe before in this blog, and I like what they are doing. I wouldn’t say there are huge similarities to Sonic Syndicate (I mean there are three vocalists, not two! Hehe), but their debut album is really solid!


Amaranthe

Q: ooo..I’m sorry for the question but I’m interested in date, when your album will be on sale?!
Can you ask me!?
A: I’m engaged… No date! The album will show up eventually and… can I ask you what?

Q: Why did Only Inhuman and Love and Other Disasters have an alternate artwork (hell, Only Inhuman had 5 different artworks ><), any particular reason why We Rule the Night didn't?
A: You mean different artworks officially released then? Because Only Inhuman had way more than five different artwork ideas before we settled for the “fly” one. More like thirty if, I remember it correctly. WRTN had a couple of variations as well, but I think the only one used for print was the moon one. If you saw the WRTN tour and spotted the side banners of the stage; that bat thingy was one artwork suggestion for the album, for example.


It looked something like this

Q: Did you write some of the parts of All About Us or is it all original?
A: Lyrically, I didn’t change anything to it. Vocal arrangement-wise, we did a few changes and Roger did some tweaking in the music obviously since it was originally a pop-song.

Q: I've read the bio of the unguided, nice work! Was wondering if you could do the same thing for Dodge and Inhale?
A: The Unguided bio is just that; a The Unguided biography. Dodge and Inhale have little to do with the existence of The Unguided and are elements of Roland’s own personal career. Also, I do not really know anything about the bands. So, what you should do is to ask Roland to write something about it if that’s what you are interested in: roland@the-unguided.com

Q: If Sonic Syndicate where to disband all of a sudden, would you get the rights back to all the music or should no one end up with the copyrights?
A: If Sonic were to disband, it would not change a thing, since the copyrights are personally tied to the five of us. (Save for WRTN, where there are six people sharing the copyrights.) It’s not to the name or band itself that owns the rights. Roland declined his rights to songs, and can only perform them by creating a personal contract with the five of us. Nothing would happen if the band itself didn’t exist any longer, seeing the people who hold the copyrights are still around. There are no loopholes. As long as one of them is not cooperative, that’s all it takes for us to not be able to play the songs. Enough about this subject! We are not looking to play Sonic Syndicate material at all any longer. Move on! Nothing to see here.

Q: I was wondering, in most songs you've wrote why is there always the chorus sung three times?
A: Because that’s how the professionals do it. It’s always three! It’s the magic number. Somewhere in that ancient mystic trinity, you get three. It’s the magic number.


It's the magic number

Q. Dude. What's up with the Sonic Syndicate shirt on the Faithful Darkness gig?
A: Umadbro? I thought their first three albums were great and my Eden Fire shirt was in the laundry. Besides my brother is in the band, I’m being supportive.


Being supportive

Q: And where do you people get these "inside" merch thingies that aren't sold anywhere else? Just wondering...
A: That particular shirt I had was a WRTN promo-shirt. NB prints promo-shirts for every album basically, or at least did for all our albums. It’s for listening parties and similar events.

Q: I saw Nathan wearing a hoodie in the Sonic Syndicate + Crusty Demons video as well, with the Post-LAOD/BTC logo on it. I haven't been able to find ONE picture of this on the internet. Which sucks, both because I'm curious about it in general, and because I've been looking for a clean black/white image of that logo for ages. It'd be really nice if you could shed some light on the subject.
A: I think that was a LOAD promo-hoddie, as well. Or maybe we sold it for a little while during LOAD release, I really don’t remember. Hoddies are usually bad for business, since they never do as well as ordinary t-shirts. They are also more expensive to print. Did you look in the NB web-shop? They print their own merchandise often, and a lot of times you won’t find that on tour.

Q: So if you could send me the music track for Green eyed demon it would be great I wanted to cover it if you can’t thanks anyways :)
A: There you go sir.

Q: Is Phoenix Down the same one you wrote when you were in Sonic?
A: Addressed this as of last blog.


Through the ashes

Ave!

Second show of The Unguided accomplished! Our hometown show here in Falkenberg at the annual Grand Rock event kicked major ass! The weather was to our advantage, as well, after many days of weeping skies on our sorry coast. Key representatives of the unguided army were at place, and the whole city was altogether veiled in a magical atmosphere.


Magical Atmosphere, Photo by: Robert Svensson

Our preparations for the second coming of The Unguided exceeded the premiere by a landslide, and there was even time to enjoy the show from our side this time around. It’s starting to feel a bit more organic, as everything is sinking more into its place. We’re all having a hell of a good time together. I understand now that this is how it was suppose to be, how it always was suppose to be.


"You are NOT prepared!" Photo by: Robert Svensson

The Unguided Grand Rock 26/7 LIVE Setup:
Richard Sjunnesson – Harsh Vocals
Roger Sjunnesson – Guitars
Roland Johansson – Clean Vocals / Guitars
Henric Carlsson – Bass
John Bengtsson – Drums


Rich, Photo by: Robert Svensson


Roger, Photo by: Robert Svensson


Roland, Photo by: Robert Svensson


Henric, Photo by: Robert Svensson


John, Photo by: Robert Svensson

The Unguided Grand Rock 26/7 LIVE Set list:
1. Pathfinder
2. Phoenix Down (New unreleased song)
3. Serenade of Guilt (New unreleased song)
4. Betrayer of the Code
5. Iceheart Fragment (New unreleased song)
6. Green Eyed Demon
7. Inherit the Earth (Fallen Angels revisited unreleased song)


Photo by: Robert Svensson


Fuck yeah ;) Photo by: Robert Svensson


Photo by: Robert Svensson


Photo by: Kim Renström


Photo by: Robert Svensson


Photo by: Robert Svensson


Photo by: Robert Svensson


Photo by: Robert Svensson


Photo by: Robert Svensson


Photo by: Robert Svensson


Photo by: Robert Svensson

We ran into little setbacks this time around. The arrangement, altogether, was convenient; the only complain would be that we had to sound check after “doors” which always looks awfully unprofessional (especially for divas as ourselves hehe.) Luckily, for us, the hero FOH sound engineer (Olle Persson) was well familiar to our sound, and had previously mixed us many times before in Sonic Syndicate. (He was also a colleague to Roland in Dodge.) It was a swift procedure, as he’s extremely skillful in his craftsmanship. I’d like to thank Jimmy Ahlberg and Grand for making this possible, Robert Svensson and Kim Renström for the awesome photos, Jejje Andersson for filming the whole deal and letting our distant fans be a part of it on YouTube, the 616 army for, once again, traveling far to support our sorry asses, and of course Sullen Clothing for supplying me with wicked threads, and doing so throughout the years. YOU’RE THE BEST!


Army of the Unguided, Photo by: Robert Svensson


The stage, before the unguided holocaust


Maximum security


Pimped merchstand


Getting shit togheter


Roland with his new iBanez baby


Medievil gear for the right vintage sound


Sad Bassist Panda


TM facial expression


Soundcheck, Roger got Roland's seal of approval


The 616 is mobilizing, Henric is well excited


Johncheck with his new toys


Backstage before gig


Extreme focus 


A final hairspray fix


And onwards to the stage!


Probably the youngest TU fan in the world, doing devil-horns, sort of...


After gig feast

Now we’re reloading the unguided weaponry for the upcoming Bandit Rock Night at Malmöfestivalen 20/8. The third show (and last summer show of The Unguided) this year will take place in Malmö - Sweden. It’s free entry, and we’ll share the stage with Dead by April, Hardcore Superstar, and Supercharger. If you are attending, join our event on Facebook here.


All your spettekaka are belong to us

As some of you know, who are following me on Facebook—and previous entries of this blog—I’ve been to Finland recently. Ella and I were attending Tuska Open Air Metal Festival in Helsinki to watch Blind Guardian, the best birthday present I ever got! Let me wheelchair you through this weekend:

Finland / Tuska Open Air / Blind Guardian Day II (22/7):
We had an evening flight from Landvetter airport to Helsinki-Vantaa aiport, so we didn’t drive towards Gothenburg until late afternoon. The same day we were leaving, I received the new Betrayer of the Code shirts from our fellow colleagues at Despotz. After some slight modifications, we both represented this new magnificent cloth, and armed ourselves with our Dark Funeral pentagrams obtained at Getaway Rock Festival.


We mean business

While I had to stay sober and drive, Ella jumped to the gun and had some Jäger in the car to the sound of Blind Guardian, on almost speaker blowing volume. I patiently had to wait until we passed the security at the airport for my first alcohol infused beverage, which of course blatantly SUCKED. (But nonetheless was a more euphoric experience once I got to cool off my throat with that magical first beer.) This was the first time I got to see Blind Guardian in almost a decade. For a band that’s without any competition my all time favorite, that’s a pretty low show attendance frequency, don’t you think? Well to be honest, I’ve tried! But we have always out toured each other, or other stupid obstacles (like silly ex-girlfriends with no taste in good music and shit) have been in my way. Last time they were in Sweden, I had my final batch of shows with Sonic Syndicate. And believe me, when I say that I really wanted to NOT show up on these and just drive to Gothenburg and sing “VALHALLAAAA” until my throat could not make one single sound anymore. Sadly, the loyalty to my brother hindered me to do such thing, but still the thought was compelling.


Thirsty driver


Shotgun drinker


At Landvetter. So far, so good, SO WHAT?!

We did an internet check in, and printed our boarding cards in advance at home. Meaning; not during one single occasion we had to legitimize ourselves at the airport. How that’s possible, or even legal, I do not know, but still that’s the most relaxing airport experience I ever had. Thank you, Finnair, for being awesome and service minded! Well behind the security, we rushed to the bar to maintain our fluid balance with a big beer. (Well not big in a “Deutsche lauten” perspective, but you know what I mean.) It would be nice to leave rainy Sweden behind to hit Finland, which, with our current Intel, was suppose to be hot as the Amazon jungle.


Smell you later Sweden
 

Landvetter


What took you so long!?


"Tämä on olut!"


Kippis!

While on the plane, we instantly ordered in sparkling wine to celebrate our first airborne experience together out of many to come. We also spoiled ourselves went nuts with cookies and… nuts for dinner. The flight to Finland goes an hour into the future, meaning the land of a thousand lakes could expect us somewhat before midnight.


Going into the future


Dinner

¨
Cloud city


Carbocide time


It's fun to fly <3


Evalutating our saftey and belch options while...


...spreading love

In Finland, safe and sound, we had already prepared ourselves to hurry to the bus connection into Helsinki by intentionally traveling light without luggage. That’s what professionals do! What you can’t fit in your carry-on, is simply not worth bringing. And damn it was hot! When we made our way out of the plane it didn’t feel like Scandinavia at all, more like coming to Greece or any other closer-to-the-equator-than-Sweden country. We had received some guidelines how to handle the bus connection but this was still somewhat confusing, so we had to improvise and trust the force. We found ourselves on a vessel to Turku. After a few minutes, we realized our fatal error, and swiftly changed buses. Finally, the journey into Helsinki began.


Safe landing in future world


Not a single cloud as far as the eye can see in "Greece"!


Some more love just to be sure


Waiting for the bus in hangar 22


This machine went "matkakortin tiedot" on our asses


"Turku sounds about right... right!?"


That's more like it!

As cool kids always do, we camped the backseats of the bus. And we were awfully loud and annoying, in a usual Scandinavian tourist fashion way. This lasted for the whole duration of the ride, until we hit the square of the Helsinki train station. Our hosts were stationary at Bar Bäkkäri together with a lot of other festival guests as the Fridays festival day was already over. Our hosts over the weekend were Flo from NoiseArt Records (Trusty old German friend which used to be our promoter on Nuclear Blast, even featured in a few SonicTV, if memory serves) and his girlfriend, Pirre. They had compassionately offered us a roof over our heads during our stay in Winland.


Utelizing the deadly iPhone + Garmin pathfinder system


Successfully reaching the right checkpoint


Ella scouting out Finlands answer to Trafalga Square

When we descended on the after party at Bar Bäkkeri, Flo and Pirre had built up an artillery of Vodka Cranberry for the occasion. We only saw one way out of this, and that was to drink us through the situation. And first rule of staying alive in Finland is: DON’T enter any drinking competition with the Finns, it will came out fatal and NEVER in favor to your own side. Ella found herself a finger lazor and pewpewed whatever she saw fit a blue lazer death, which was basically everything and everyone at the location. Some hours into this madness, an alarm started sounding. I asked Flo what it was all about, and he shrugged it off like it was standard procedure. 5 minutes later, the staff emptied the entire building because of a fire alarm, and the fire department was patiently waiting outside with a fire truck. 15 minutes later we could re-enter the building as it was a (laser related?) false alarm and could finish our Vodka Cranberry drinks in the line of Finnish customs, of course. This was the first bar I ever saw with a skateboard park build in. That should be standard if anything, at bars all around the world!


Flo & Pirre


So... where do we start?


We still mean business


Stagedive


It is obvious that this cannot be decided by our knowledge of the Force...


...but by our skills with the fingerlazors


"Rich: Is that the fire alarm?"
"Flo: ...What? Nah, that's nothing."


We didn't start the fire...


FLO STARTED THE FIRE!!!


And it's on again!


Compulsory subject <3


Pewpew mouth


Good initiative

Much later we decided to stagger home to their place as we were becoming both too drunk and too tired to withhold any rules of manner. We walked to their apartment via the local kebab place. We made our women handle the administration of the food supply, while we manhandled the business talk outside. Unfortunately, some annoying high/drunk/retarded guy was pestering us, and Flo’s brilliant plan to evade him was to explain we were gay lovers. Yes, peculiar was my first thought, but whatever works!? Another Finnish custom, I believe. And yeah it did work, he basically RAN away when Flo asked if he wanted to join us to the apartment… Well, in their flat, we devoured the kebab feast as a pack of hungry Rancors. And then got ourselves a few hours of sleep before it was time for the big event, which was the actual reason why we were there. Before we all passed out in their apartment, we listened to a bit of Skull fist. KILLER, as Flo himself, would have described it.


Perculiar Ale glasses, they almost look like shoes

 
Kebab and pyttipannu


"Honey, I swear the flight tickets said Finland"


The supporting pillar of the flat


Devoured kebab, rancorian style


"Yawn"

Finland / Tuska Open Air / Blind Guardian Day II (23/7):
Pirre was working on the festival, so she left early in a stealthy fashion. Some hours later we all woke up, still drunk out of our minds, and I could foresee one hell of a headache coming my way in a collision course, if I didn’t do something radical. We hurried down to the nearest store, and bought liquid breakfast in the shape of two Karhu. And then we grabbed a cab to the festival.

'
Breakfast


Washed my hair with some s(h)amp(o)o

Pirre had sorted VIP passes for Ella and me as a surprise—very sweet of her! And once we cashed them out, we joined the spectacle at the EMP band signing outpost where we were welcomed with drinks from friendly people we met from last night. We also bumped into Jukka, who I haven’t seen since the 2009 Finnish Metal Expo. Time flies!


EMP outpost


The hospitalty was compelling


Beer triplets and all


Nightwish in da house

The weather was a bit unstable but according to the forecast it would be good for the gig in the evening, which was basically the only thing out of interest for me anyway. The band playing at our arrival was Epica. As that is not really my cup of Vodka Cranberry, we decided to hunt down some food instead. We bought fried rice, chicken and.. poo? Didn’t really matter what it was, we we’re both starving! Later on we got a glimpse of Moonsorrow before we headed back to the EMP tent and the signing session of Blind Guardian.


Unstable weather


Epica


Massive structure


Moonsorrow


And some more beer


Rice, chicken and... poo


Delicious

This is where I transformed, and mentally became 15 years younger, feeling like a little girl meeting Backstreet Boys, or any other of their meaningless idols. Fact is; Blind Guardian does not consist of meaningless idols, they were living Gods of this earth, which I haven’t had the opportunity to see since September 6th 2002 in Gothenburg. It surpassed my wildest dream to experience the whole event like this. When they were done with signing (which indeed felt never-ending) Hansi walked up to me, called me by name and grabbed my hand. He even remembered our very limited mail conversations, where I was looking to feature him as a guest singer on the The Unguided album. I was star struck beyond recognition, and kept my words short (to not make a complete fool out of myself) and just about was able to fight back my happy tears. Ella snapped a couple of photos with Hansi and me before they were heading to their transport back to the backstage area. I saluted the rest of the band with a steady handshake, and then they were gone. That was that. It’s peculiar how a short happening like that can outrank a lifetime of events. And I consider my life, in particular, very eventful compared to the average Joe’s life. I recalled how many people I’ve met during my own career that have cried out of happiness by meeting my own worthless ass, and suddenly I could for once, in my own existence, experience the same force. One of the best days in my life, and by far the best birthday present I ever got. I will remember it until the day I die. Thank you Ella, for being as awesome as you are. Thanks Flo, Pirre, and the folks at EMP Finland for making this happen. Eternally grateful!


Signing of the blind


(No need for words here)

When I managed to collect myself a bit, we went to see our own countrymen in Katatonia, realizing later on that we didn’t have cash to buy merchandise, and they sure didn’t take VISA. We headed out of the festival to find ourselves a cash machine. We got some urban sightseeing action simultaneously, since it was quite a walk. Back on the festival, we bought Blind Guardian merchandise. I bought myself a hoddie. Ella got herself a t-shirt (Which she mutilated later on to make it more fashionable.) We watched some Wintersun before we made a sitting ovation by the big stage where the changeover to Blind Guardian was taking place.¨


Katatonia


Desired merchendise


Urban sighteeing


Dog parking


Longest word in the world


Wintersun


Sacred times indeed


Line-check


Time stands still before the show

The gig was remarkable, stunning, extraordinary, (put random superlative here)!!! Best show I’ve seen in my entire life. Only gig that could compete of all the shows I’ve witness in my time on earth, would be their Gothenburg show back in 2002 from the “Night at the Opera” tour (which was last time I saw them if anyone didn’t get that.) This was, however, equally breathtaking!  They played 10 songs, to be exact, and here’s the setlist:

1. Sacred Worlds
2. Welcome to Dying
3. Nightfall
4. Time Stands Still (at the iron Hill)
5. Turn the page
6. Valhalla
7. Tanelorn (into the Void)
8. Wheel of Time
9. The Bard’s song – In the Forest
10. Mirror, Mirror


Blind Guardian


Blind Guardian


Blind Guardian


Blind Guardian


Blind Guardian


Blind Guardian


Blind Guardian


immortalizing

If there’s anything to say about the set list at all, is that I could have wished for something from “Imaginations from the other side” or “Night at the Opera” instead of “Turn the Page.” But I’m sure they had their reasons for leaving them out, which I’m in no position to question at all. You simply don’t question Gods. Gods question you!  This magnificent show will stay in my heart forever, and Hansi does have the best voice in the world, both on record and live. PERIOD. Hope to see you again soon and I’ll make sure it won’t be a decade in between till next time.


Gods of the earth

After the amazing Blind Guardian gig, we went to get a glimpse of Ghost. I saw some photos of them from Getaway Rock Festival and looked like they had a cool live show going. I figured I’d make sure not to miss them here. And indeed, really good stuff! Visually, it was awesome. I think I kind of liked them audio-wise, as well. I’ll need to listen to it a bit more.


Ghost

Then we went back to the EMP holdout. This was where I could sit down and explain to everyone how unearthly awesome the Guardian show was, while they were supplying us with more drinks, and not paying too much attention. Hehe. Our last few endeavors on Tuska were to watch some Devin Townsend, which was the headliner of the day before we hurried to the VIP area while they were still serving food. Early curfew of the festival, a bit strange but I guess it have to do with the centrality of the location and bars want to get their share of the crowd after curfew.


"BG was awesome Flo, AWESOME!"


Played!


Weekend's mission: Accomplished


Drivebying the mainstage on our way to the VIP bar 


Devin Townsend


Dinner time!

Upon the consumption of the food, we summoned a cab with the rest of the EMP gang, so we could head back to Bar Bäkkäri when they closed down the festival area. After a few drinks there, however, this day was starting to get a bit too long for my taste. I’m getting old and shit. And with close to no sleep the night before, I decided to call it like a quisling. Ella and I threaded back to Flo and Pirre’s apartment alone to get some well-deserved sleep.


Cab to Bar Bäkkäri

Finland / Tuska Open Air / Blind Guardian Day III (24/7):
For spending the night on an air mattress, I had a considerably good night of sleep and didn’t feel quite so hung-over that day. I didn’t even wake up when our hosts made their late night entrance. Now it was our time to return the favor and not wake them up when we made our way back to the train station square. We left the apartment as silently as two ninja assassins, and then tried to kick some life into my GPS for the right coordinates. The more worrying thing would be to find the right bus back to the airport without any guidance from our hosts.

None of the above matters were any problems, however, because the force smiled at us this day as well.  We’re as urban smart as two pigeons (pigeon sith lords of course). We walked straight to the correct square, and the right bus was already waiting for us there. It was just as beautiful as an oasis in Sahara. Easy as pie! What was even easier was the internet check-in at the airport. Basically, we could just flip off the ENDLESS line of people waiting to check-in, and just dance through security to enjoy breakfast in the airport longe on the other side.


Sith lords on the right transportation


Clone security


Made it through


Reward: Breakfast and...


Ooze


Farewell Moomins


Our ride home

While on the plane back, we both feel asleep like two siamese twins attached at the head. I’m pretty confident I dreamt about dragons, bards, and wizards those 40,000 feet up in the air. I was coming home to Sweden with memories of a very pleasant weekend in Finland, and above all, a fulfilled childhood dream.


Right plane


Dreamland; 40,000 feet up in the air

Speaking about fans and their fanship, let’s stay on topic, as I’ll introduce you to some fine examples of dedicated fans to The Unguided:

First out is David Rieche from Germany; with his incredible sense of art he created this masterful piece:


Roger's a lefty

Then we have a photomontage from our homeland buddy, Jesper Pettersson, who has done a Zelda themed piece of The Unguided. As all of us in TU have done our fair share of keyfinding in Zelda back in the days. This was a very honorable contribution! Our only question is; who is actually Zelda out of us in the triforce? The plot thickens!


The Unguided Force

Here’s a picture from Kim Renström, also from Sweden, who has been at every TU gig up to date. Yes, all two of them(!!!). With his trigger-happy-camera-finger, he also supplied you guys with a lot of YouTube live footage as well as live photographs. He’s a proud owner of the full collection of TU merchandise. You guys should follow his excellent lead:


Full TU collection 

Next up is the TU fan, Lorena! She has dedicated a wall of hers to The Unguided crest, and this made us very proud, indeed. Must have been very time consuming, and she deserves all the credit she can get.


Writing on the walls

Martin Suffa is one of the 616, and also the owner of two custom-made TU Flip-Flops. This footwear is something I suggest everyone has in their summery beach bag. I myself am inseparable from mine.  They are far from as nice as these through. Good job!


Beach boy 2011

Petra Karlsson has tattooed the solar symbols from Eden Fire and Nightmareland. From how I understand it, this tattoo has been decorating her skin for quite some time but she has not decided to bring it up until now. Very convenient timing, indeed, as she instantly got rewarded with an @the-unguided.com mail address!


Tripple solar symbol

Johannes Graßmann, from Germany, has done a sketch of a TU photo session picture. Really skillfully done! I look proper pissed, just the way I like it.


"I will eat your heart out"

Tibor Rota Kasza, from Hungary, has done another really beautiful sketch of Roland and me. I got all green eyed with jealousy since your art skills are amazing. Nicely executed!

Twoforce

So, there you have a little wall of fame for our fans. I thought it was appropriate since I spent the whole Tuska weekend being the biggest fan boy ever, and you just know how much I love to level with you, and how much I respect you in your fanship.



Another recent happening was the Faithful Darkness gig at Malmöfestivalen 29/7. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to rehearse at all for this BUT it was nonetheless an amazing gig with a kick-ass crowd. Then again, only unprofessional bad bands rehearse anyway.


Faithful Darkness, Photo by: Kim Renström


Faithful Darkness, Photo by: Kim Renström


Faithful Darkness, Photo by: Kim Renström


Faithful Darkness, Photo by: Kim Renström

Here’s the set list from the show:
1. Stay Awake
2. Black Mirror’s Reflection (new)
3. Stand as One (new)
4. Bound to Illusions
5. Remember this Fight (new)
6. Another Pain (new)
7. Hate Injection
8. Blessing of Ignorance (new)


Girlfriend perspective


Dedicated fans

In total, that includes 5 songs from the upcoming album Black Mirror’s Reflection and it was brutal to ventilate the new, strong material live. The album is getting together as we speak, more news about it in coming blogs. Here’s an interview in Swedish by Johan in connection to the gig. The show was a bit of a hit and run deal for me, since I had to get back to my nightshift. So, I’m sorry that I couldn’t come out and mingle with the fans, but I’ll make sure to make up for it next gig where I’ll perform naked!


Making oneself less ugly


Couscous; the dish so tasty they had to name it twice


Drummers and their everlasting work


A stunning improvement


Representin'

So, what else? I finally sold my Xbox 360 AND PSP. Now I’m rich, and will spend all the money on WoW action figures. I put out my second computer now, as well. So, buy it here! Hehe. Ella also cut my hair recently. I pointed to a picture of Henric Carlsson and said I want to be as beautiful as him: “MAKE IT HAPPEN!” And she did. She’s a very good barber. I don’t understand how she’s pursuing her lawyer dream over a barber career when she’s THAT good with an electric shaver. I also saw the last Harry Potter, and will base all my further lyrics around the movie.


Harry have a nice haircut too! Haven´t seen the movie? here you go.

Before the Q&A, let’s point and laugh some shall we?


Umadbro?

---

Q&A XXI:
Send your questions to: richard@the-unguided.com

Q: Do you really have no idea why Robin refused to sign the license? Is he pissed because you had a lot of critics against Sonic Syndicates new sound, or anything else?
A: I really don’t know. What I do know, however, is that I have no further intensions of answering any questions about this particular subject anymore since we’ve moved on from it, and there has been plenty of information about it already. No Sonic Syndicate songs in The Unguided, simple as that! Further questions will be ignored.

Q: I know u said the chances of their being ballad's is none. But what about a song as heavy and as fast paced as Damage Control? (My favourite song on load second being Red Eyed Friend)
A: Of course there will be material like this! The song Serenade of Guilt is actually a magnificent example of this. Not fast paced, but heavy as Manuel Uribe..


Heavy

Q: So what’s up with The Unguided releasing a full album?
A: Yeah what’s up with that?

Q: I searched through your old blogs just because I had this little spare time and re-found the pre-prod song names. Did "Finnish = Jack of Diamond" had to anything to do with actually Finnish people? Are you able to answer or do I ask your brother?
A: I asked him about it but he doesn’t remember. However, he said there’s a possibility that it was influenced by Finnish metal music.

Q: Also, who is worse The Unguided email answerer in your opinion, Roger or Roland? Hehe
A: They are equally bad ;) But then again they are equally busy as well. I’m the no-lifer here. Don’t you ever forget that!


I can prove it

Q: Since you're in the harsh singing business for a long time now, I'd like to ask for an advice, because I'm also singing harsh for quite some time now. How can I make my growl sound neither deep nor high, but at the same "height" as my regular speech voice?
A: L2Scream?! Unfortunately you have to look in the FAQ here and here.

Q: I'm curious what Roger’s stand in this situation is he neutral or is he siding against anyone?
A: I think Roger is leaning a bit in favor to Decepticon’s side. We both always thought Megatron was great! (SPOILER) Too bad he died in the last movie.


R.I.P

Q: I wonder where I can get hold of the T-shirts you had on your Facebook profile picture. Shop, webstore?
A: I addressed this in the Q&A last blog.

Q: If you had to be a part of a supergroup, who would you have included in your group on vocals with you, two guitarists, a bassist, a drummer, and a keyboardist if you wish? (Note: you can say Roland and Roger here, but include a backup person for them)
A: Roger Sjunnesson, Roland Johansson, Henric Carlsson and John Bengtsson. That would be my group of superheroes! Keyboardist: Andreas Mårtensson. There are really no alternatives for me when it comes to Roger and Roland but if they were sick or something, my stand-in for Roger would be Alexi Laiho (since that’s the only guitarist I’ve ever really cared about) and an option for Roland would obviously be Hansi Kürsch.


The Unguided

Q: On your U.S./North American tour, where was Sonic well received and where did you like playing the most and where would you like to play if the Unguided played a short tour in the States?
A: We were pretty unknown in the US, so the two support tours we did there were solely to build and work in the name. Best gig we did over there must have been Worcester on the Amon Amarth tour by far, and possibly Nashville on the Nightwish tour (we did a headline show on a day off) where like 3 people showed up, haha. Actually, thinking about it, Seattle on the Amon Amarth tour was fucking awesome, I mean without the irony and shit. Overall, I think we all enjoyed the Nightwish tour more since their fans where as humble and nice as the band. We really had a lot of extremely good shows during those weeks. If we’d go back with The Unguided, I’d play Cali and up the west coast. Also, New York of course. I’d also love to spend time in Canada because I remember that being really good. Vancouver was great on both tours. For some reason down south wasn’t as good, except possibly Dallas. I remember that being cool.

Q: If you had to choose a song to cover, what would be one that you would be willing to cover?
A: Thought about this the other day and figured Pet Sematary with Ramones would be brilliant to the unguidelize. We actually have a cover idea for the upcoming album as of now (It’s not a Ramones song, though). Another cover on my wish list would be Mr.Vain with Culture Beat.


"I don't want to be buried"

Q: (In response to all the people that ask how you do your screams) Is it true that you get you scream from this song?
A: Wrong.

Q: I was wonder if it would be possible for you guys to upload a Guitar Pro tab for Betrayer of the Code like you have done with Green Eyed Demon and Pathfinder.
A: Ask Roger at roger@the-unguided.com about this. I’m sure he’s not that hard to persuade.

Q: Have you ever been to Malmö, Sweden
A: Plenty of times! Rocked that city many, many times with Sonic Syndicate. And, we are going to have a The Unguided gig there at Malmöfestivalen 20/8 as well. I love the city and the people, even if it’s a bit too close to Denmark for my own taste ;) just kidding!


Skåne

Q: When you work as an electrician....has anyone figured out your rockstar background and immediately asked you for autographs and pictures.
A: Yes, of course. Mostly during summer vacation production where there’s a lot of deputies working at the company. I’ve done my fair share of autograph labor on the job.

Q: Will you release Betrayer of the code as a physical single?
A: We will not, since it will be included on the LP. We will wait with that. It was a digital only release. The artwork will be featured in the booklet, however.

Q: Do you have a CD-R / DVD copy of any of your gigs that I can buy?
A: My dad recorded the whole Getaway show. If you mail me at Richard@the-unguided.com I’m sure we can sort something out.

Q: Now John Bengtsson are the drummer official of the The Unguided?
A: He’s the official live drummer of The Unguided and he also helped us with the drum tracks on the songs we recorded so far. Personally, I see both John and Henric as members in the much unguided family. And I believe the other two R’s share my view of that.

Q: I was wondering if there will ever be another The Unguided Episode on YouTube? :D
A: This got answered as of the last blog.

Q: What are the chances of (the sexy) Karin and John would join The Unguided?
A: John is already a part of The Unguided as you have noticed, but we’re not fuzzed about females in the band since this is, what it is, namely; A boy band! I mean what the hell would Manowar look like if they had females in it!? Besides, we recruit members after their personality and skill of their instrument not by their looks (even if both John and Henric happen to be smoking hot!). They also have penises, we’ve checked. 


Another man-o-band

Q: Do you guys have any idea on how any tracks you will put on your album?? Or are you guys not sure yet??
A: There will be 11 tracks on the limited edition version of the album, and 10 tracks on the normal retail version.

Q: Is it still possible to get you as a guest singer, if a band sends you a song? My band isn't complete at the moment, but it would be cool to know that for later. ;-)
A: That’s very possible! I’m currently keeping myself busy with a guest appearance in Systematic Slaughter from Karlstad.

Q: I watched some footage of you guys playing at the Getaway rock festival and you played a song called "Phoenix Down". Is this one of the un-recorded Sonic Syndicate songs from the time you recorded the Burn This City EP which you mentioned in one of your earlier posts, or is this a completely new song by The Unguided with the same title? Since the Sonic Syndicate - Phoenix Down was never recorded (as far as I know), I suppose you could bend the rules and play it without getting a permission from all the members of the old band. Whatever the back story of the song is, it sounds great!
A: It’s a brand new song built out from what Roger and I wrote back before the BTC EP. Both musically and lyrically, it has changed beyond recognition, though.


Phoenix Down

Q: The other question that I wanted to ask concerns the not-that-great We Rule the Night Album, and actually the song with the same title as well. In the title song there's the quite high-pitched shout "GO!" in the beginning. Me and my friends had a little debate about who shouts it. I think it was Nathan who just decided to sing pretty high, but my friends think it was Karin. Which one of us is correct? Does Nathan sound like a girl or Karin like a high-piched guy? No offence to either of them, of course :P
A: It’s Nathan. Personally, I thought it was a joke when I first heard it. There was a discussion whether we should remove it or not. Majority rules! Fuck that… I think it steals away attention from the awesome guitars there, which is a shame.

Q: Anyway, you performed four new songs, and two of them are even at the Youtube. Iceheart Fragment and Inherit of the Earth are unluckily lost; no one recorded them or just didn't spread to the internet?
A: It’s Inherit the earth (or Inearth the earth?) Dad actually has both of them on his DV camera. He decided to only upload BOTC from that, however. Luckily, for you, there are currently live recordings from the Falkenberg gig with all the songs.


Iceheart Fragment

Q: Are you going to publish lyrics to the songs (at least to the Serenade of Guilt and Phoenix Down) soon, or we will get them only when the album is released?
A: Now the lyrics to those songs will be released with the album, or around that time.

Q: And of course, did you and The Unguided like the performance? Because the most popular comment to the videos is "The crowd suck big times! I'd kill those standing still twats!!!", and seems like everyone agrees that.
A: Wasn’t much time to reflect over the crowd. We were busy trying to figure our own shit out, haha. But I wouldn’t blame them, the Getaway gig was stupid o’clock early, and I don’t think most of them even knew who and what the hell they where dealing with, hehe. They sure know now! ;) First gig, no album out, I’d be surprised if the crowd would as much as shape their hands to some evil devil horns, to be fair. Doesn’t really matter though, since we have the time of our lives on stage with this band, and that’s what’s really important to us.

Q: If it is not too much trouble, might I ask if you could look into getting booked at the New England metal and hardcore festival for 2012. I know it’s in the US which is a haul and if it is not something you’re interested in as Roland has his family commitment, I totally understand. I think it would be great exposure to be in other countries. I’m sure you’d get plenty of fans there. How could they not like you?
A: No, you do that! Hehe, we are not really actively looking for gigs, but of course we look into the possibilities of it, if we were to get an offer. Besides, I don’t think we actually have plenty of fans over there. I mean the Swedes hardly know who the hell we are? What are the chances it would be different in the US, which is HUGE!?

Q: Why don't you do a cover like a bonus track?!?!
A: We have changed our minds regarding this, and we’ll go for it. It will be a bit of a special song, though.


Special song

Q: Have you recorded the gig in any way? If not, will you record the gig at Grand Rock?
A: As said before, dad recorded the whole show on his DV camera from the FOH vantage point.

Q: Not really a question, but I think it would be awesome to release the album not with a T-Shirt but a Hoodie or something in black and white. The black and white Unguided-logo looks so awesome, and the, in my opinion, best looking SS-Hoodie is the one with a white logo on the front side, and this on the back. It just looks insane, but unfortunately there wasn't any offer of this one any longer as I found it in my LAOD-CD. But it would just be awesome if there would be such a hoodie by a band that’s way better than Sonic Syndicate ;)
A: I’ll look into this.

Q: When you will make full length album with like 7-10 song in it? And after you have released an album will you go on to tour?
A: We are already recording it. We won’t go on tour. Weekend gigs are the possibility right now.

Q: I saw online that your abandonment Sonic syndicate, and I would like to ask you think if you make a new group, and so on. Is normal because you do not understand what I say because I am writing a translator and do not translate well, if you still do not understand what you will write in Spanish and translate your Internet. PS: do not ever change your style of music.
A: It sure didn’t translate well, no. There’s a new group, yes.


"Kill me."

Q: Maybe it’s too early to ask, but have you guys planned a Scandinavian tour yet? If so, please come to Norway! :D I didn't get to see you guys in Norway last year when you were in Sonic syndicate so I had to drive all the way to Helsingborg to see you^^
A: No plans. But we would love to come back to Norway. 

Q: I would like to know will you make like Nordic Countries tour including: Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. I think it would be reasonable because you are Swedish band so it would be tour on neighbor countries only. And if you will come to Finland could you come to Seinäjoki Rytmikorjaamo because every band that comes to Finland to play a gig always comes to Helsinki that is 5 hour drive from where I live and the gigs are always k-18 and I’m only 16 years old so I cant go to see those bands. And another question is that will you make full length album with 7-10 songs in it cause that live performance that you made in that festival had already 5 songs if I’m right I’m not sure.
A: Tell me; are you some kind of booking agent? There is no tour planned, and if we play in Finland, we’re most likely to play in Helsinki. Why? Because that’s what bands do! It’s solely a convenience question. Of course it’s all depended on what offer we might get. Everything is possible. It’s just a matter of enough money and/or promotion to make it worth our while. If we got a great offer from a venue in Seinäjoki Rytmikorjaamo (How am I even going to be able to pronounce that from stage?) we would go there instantly, of course. We are already currently recording the full-length album, and we have 7 songs out of 11 ready.


Seinäjoki Rytmikorjaamo

Q: After reading that you probably won't be able to perform any of the old SS material I was wondering if you are planning on creating a song with a message comparable to Jailbreak. Jailbreak helped me a lot in the past years and still is my number one played song on last.fm. From lots of comments on different platforms (myspace, youtube, last.fm, ...) I've seen that there are many people who especially liked this song and listened to it a lot to just shout out their feelings about a lost love. For me not only great lines like "and when two rivers run together..." 
or "I can't reach my mind..." but also the fast and heavy type of the song was what made it perfect. You could just turn the volume up and scream all the pain and sadness away. I sure hope for another song for the heartbroken (and not some kind of slow ballad please ^^)! Keep up the awesome, awesome work, I can't describe how much I love the new songs!
A: Why should I write lyrics about broken hearts when I’m simply not heartbroken? I want to write lyrics about relevant matters in my life. And regarding my love life, I haven’t been happier. Now I want to write songs about vampires, dungeons & dragons and hello-kitty. That’s ALWAYS topical! Hehe. 


Hell-o Kitty

Q: hi rich...are you still in sonic syndicate?...I haven't saw you last time on tour in Milan...so...anyway great work with the unguided, what about the drummer?, sounds like john!
A: Are you for real? Read this. 


...

Q: My favorite song from you and Roland has always been My Escape but I don't think you guys performed it at all. Can't find any fancams or anything like that, is there any chance of you guys maybe performing this song in the future? I'd love to have a live audio rip of it.
A: Because of this. We won’t be able to play Sonic Syndicate songs. And even if we were, we would never look into playing ballads.

Q: Who will be doing the artwork for the album upcoming? What will be the name of this album? When can we expect this album? Or is it too soon for the latter two Q’s?
A: Kuang Hong has already done the artwork for the upcoming album, and the name is yet to be announced. Hopefully, we can expect it this winter.


.the.colossus. by Kuang Hong

Q: Hey rich. I bought my betrayer package but it has not arrived to Denmark yet kind of weird :S do u know why? :D
A: info@despotz.se, I think a lot of people missed the fact it would be shipped out week 27/28 when they pre-ordered it. Read what you buy, damn it! Hehe.

Q: Will there be any making-of video for The Unguided or Faithful Darkness with the coming albums?
A: Nothing planned. And as we record both during different sessions it would be weird to start with the behind scene recording now. For the TU album, we have fours song left to record instrumentally, vocals for seven songs, and then it’s done. For the Faithful Darkness, we’re done with the drum and bass, and they are recording guitars as we speak. Clean vocals are close at hand, and then I’ll put my vocals on it.

Q: As I would really like to hear/see The Unguided at some festivals in Germany, I just got the idea to ask some of them if they'd "invite" you to play there. Just like Wacken, WFF, Summerbreeze, Rockharz and so on. So, is THE UNGUIDED in general able to come to Germany for some festivals? ;)
A: If you get any of those festivals for us, I can guarantee you that we’ll be very available.


TU on Wacken 2012? YES PLEASE!

Q: Was watching some YouTube clips and found this clip. personally I think Nathan can’t do the song justice, but Christoffer does really good job with it! He should have done it alone. My question is, what do you think about the performance? And why did they all of a sudden decided to play a Eden Fire song? A: I think it sounds confusing with bad vocal separation and clean vocals; I like Christoffer’s performance though. And I’ve touched this matter before here.

Q: There seems to be quite a lot of confusion as how to pronounce your name. Solution? Post a YouTube video of you saying your full name three times, Accent and all. Please? :D
A: I'll do a soundclip, when I find some time.

Q: I’m just curious as to whether or not you are planning on coming back to the US on vacation like you did when you went to New York City. You seemed to enjoy yourself there, at least from what the pictures showed anyway haha. I wish I could’ve made my way to NYC to possibly meet you because lets face it; you’re a god among musicians, at least in my book. If you do decide to visit here again, you can bet I’m going to make any effort to make it there hopefully you can find the time soon!
A: Nothing planned, but of course I’d love to come back to the US on vacation. Next time, however, I’m possibly looking into going to the west coast, though.


"I'll be back"

Q: We need an army of the unguided t-shirt. Something that you get only if you’re a member. It should include name and rank. That would be so awesome!
A: Free stuff rulez! We’ll see what we come up with for the coming designs. We don’t have the economy in the band to do it free, however.

Q: Sorry if this is a stupid question, but is Henric your official bassist now? A real member so to speak?
A: He’s our official live member. But I think we all see both John and Henric as perma-members as of now.

Q: Is it true that all the girls in Sweden are very hot? If so, moving to Sweden!!:D
A: ALL girls from Sweden are far from hot. I just happened to obtain a very unique specimen.

Tja!

The Getaway Rock Festival and the very live premiere of The Unguided on 7/7 was a glorious event indeed! It was utterly grand to share the stage with Roland again for the first time since 2009. It was equally beautiful to once again rock out with my brother and good ol’ John (even if it has only been roughly half a year since our last endeavours together.) I also give a warm heartily welcome to our new friend, Henric Carlsson, on board to the unguided live machinery, who perfectly kept them low frequencies at bay with surgical precision. GOOD JOB TEAM!


The Unguided LIVE machine

The Unguided GRF 7/7 LIVE Setup:
Richard Sjunnesson – Harsh Vocals
Roger Sjunnesson – Guitars
Roland Johansson – Clean Vocals / Guitars
Henric Carlsson – Bass
John Bengtsson – Drums


The Unguided Tour manager <3

The Unguided GRF 7/7 LIVE Set list:
Pathfinder
Phoenix Down (New unreleased song)
Serenade of Guilt (New unreleased song)
Betrayer of the Code
Iceheart Fragment (New unreleased song)
Green Eyed Demon
Inherit the Earth (Fallen Angels revisited unreleased song)


Photo by: Soile Siirtola

On three occasions we found the time to rehearse for the gig. Something that obviously became even more stressful with the recent events and the hysterical writing of three new songs. I won’t lie; the gig was 45 minutes of panic blended with chaos. But we made it through, even if twice as many rehearsals would have been in its place. We, indeed, ran into some errors that will be addressed and eliminated at upcoming gigs, so it was an extremely useful experience. And arrangement-wise from the festival it was flawless! Everything was very pleasant and convenient for the band. I’d like to thank Jonas Kjellgren who did the FOH sound for us, Getaway Rock Festival, and Tomas Jernberg for giving us the slot (Alexi Front for helping us out with that as well!), The 616 army for defending the front row, our live crew, and those who helped us out practically before, during and after the show, 2k2bt for dressing our asses in the latest thing, and of course everyone at the festival that checked the gig out. YOU GUYS ROCK!


Photo by: Soile Siirtola


Photo by: Soile Siirtola


Photo by: Soile Siirtola


Photo by: Soile Siirtola


Photo by: Andreas Carlsson


Photo by: Soile Siirtola


Photo by: Soile Siirtola


Photo by: One of the 616


Photo by: Andreas Carlsson

Let me do a little resume of my festival experience, seeing that it was the first festival in my life I stayed for more than one day to actually experience as a civilian:

Getaway Rock Festival Day I (7/7):
Ella and I got up crazy o’ clock for our trip from Stockholm to Gävle, trying our best to avoid the morning rush hour. Gentlemanly, I made her the designated driver. I was the designated drinker obviously since I had to memorize some lyrics before the gig, and the two hour drive would be a perfect time for this. In Gävle, I was meeting up with our giant friend Magnus who generously had offered us roof over our heads during the entire festival.


Designated driver

The ride there was smooth! I spent more time sleeping than looking at lyrics, however. We met up with the giant and got the key to his apartment. Apparently, he had sorted the master bedroom for us as well, which was blatantly not necessary, but still much appreciated. He drove us to the festival area where we picked up our AAA passes, handed in the merchandise and reported in our arrival to the stage manager.


The Giant 2008


Bandit Rock Stage, about to get destroyed

I was there safe and sound, and in time for once, but my fellow band members were nowhere to be found. They were travelling from Pärbly to Gävle to gather our sound guy, Jonas Kjellgren. This was apparently more of a mission than they had expected. The night before Jonas and the Raubtier guys had done Ludivka and tried to break the world record in White Russian drinking—something they obviously succeeded with. So Jonas refused to leave before 08:00. Load in for us was at 10:00, Showtime at 12:15 and the drive from Pärlby to Gävle was about three hours with a trailer. Something didn’t quite rhyme here!

In a nice manner, I prepared the stage manager for the situation, but systematically left out the part with a drunken sound guy, hehe. It was starting to feel somewhat stressful, but eventually they showed up with band and entourage intact. Jonas (still drunk) began to raise hell immediately in his own effective way—kicking up dust and sorting everything just in time for the show.


The arrival


Loading out


"Helping out"


Kicking up dust


The chauffeur dad and TM Ella


Jonas charging Roland prenocephale style


Stage perspective


Hooking up the bass with the iPhone? Good thinking!


"Nice premiere weather!"


Adjusting monitor sound


The Pick of Destiny


Rogeo opening Pandora's box


"Where does the cooling water go?"


Manly brothers


Some final very crucial tweaks

The show went well! Beautiful weather and nice turn out even if we played shamelessly early. Ran into some problems with the wireless systems for Roland and Henric, spiced with a few musical errors from everyone. The last song was a disaster when it came to backtrack alignment but other than that it was a pretty… well? Even terror experience!? Guess you always kind of take that into account when we’re dealing with a premiere. For the second song “Phoenix Down,” we finished the vocals one day before the gig, so that was interesting. It was extremely good to see the entire front row consisted of people in “I’m one of the 616” shirts, beautifully done! (Special thanks to the people that travelled far and even from other countries to attend.) It was like the seven songs we played were almost over before it started, and after the show everything just felt a bit surreal. Have to say; to go on the virgin voyage with The Unguided and actually find our way back in to the port again, after a lot of weeks of stress, some drama and the extremely intense last week, freed us all from a lot of tension when it was finally done. So, after the gig it was time for something we’re really good at; celebrations!


The Unguided Army at the front line


Fluid inspection 


Jonas on Fire


Celebrations


Passion...


...resulting in a twin-tattoo and possible lovechild?

We had our dressing room next to the Papa Roach guys, so we traded some supplies between our band riders to get us all set and then we all could just solely attend to our beers and whiskey. I, however, got myself some Evergrey action after our set. Spent most of the time in the VIP bar or in the Monster tent outside the festival with old friends during the day, but also got to see our label colleagues Rocknroll allstars tearing up the Gasklockan stage.


Yankee neighbours


Evergrey


Rocknroll allstars


Swedenmetal interview


Monster business

Ella generously bought us a uniform love gift! More precisely, two “Dark Funeral” necklaces. She noticed I eyed it out the entire day and gave it to me as a surprise, now how sweet isn’t she?


I'm digging the Christian cross & Dark Funeral pentagram combo

Other bands I checked out the first day were good ol’ Blowsight, Turisas, Papa Roach, Bullet for my Valentine, and finally Alice Cooper. Have to admit Alice Cooper kind of blew everything that day out of the water. I mean who can measure oneself against; impalement, decapitation, a 15ft tall monster and ehm.. colourful balloons?


Blowsight


Turisas


Papa Roach


BFMV


Alice Cooper


15ft tall monster

After Cooper, we retired to the giant’s lair to get some well deserved sleep after what seemed to be a never-ending day.


Lucky throw on the way home


Safley and happy back in the giant's mound

Getaway Rock Festival Day II (8/7):

Woke up and tried to shake my headache off. The giant had gone up early to hunt breakfast for us and make coffee (nicest giant ever!) We feasted on the prey and then came to realize we got some heavy rain coming in today. I hate rain. I hate rain so much I once bailed to watch Metallica (for the first time) because of it… But there was NOTHING standing in my way of the giant’s lair and Heaven Shall Burn this wet day. I got myself into a trusty hooded shirt and shielded my face from the moisture before we rushed out in the rain.


Dresscode day II: Unguided


A StarWars character?

When we arrived at the festival area they just began to play “Endzeit,” which is my favourite song from them, and the weather was becoming more stable. The gig was fucking mental!


HSB


Festival area

Before we retired to our home from home (VIP bar) I also caught a song by Sonata Arctica, which were my youth heroes. Felt a bit nostalgic, must been at least a decade since I last saw them. At the VIP bar again we rendezvoused with Andreas Bergh who honoured the festival with his presence, solely to see Danzig, I believe. I spent bigger parts of this day drinking FrEQuency (Anders Friden and David Mortimer-Hawkins new beer series) which was a glorious experience for both body and soul.


Sonata Arctica


Whip!


FrEQuency IPA

Drunk on ale, I got to watch Amorphis, which was something I had really looked forward to. I have not yet laid my hands on the latest album, but “Skyforger” is a masterpiece! Good performance. As far as I recall, no one got injured due to head banging with vicious dreadlocks either, which is fortunate.


Amorphis


Being political

Last band we saw that evening was Danzig. It looked like Glenn recovered well from this. But he could still possibly rank in as the angriest person alive. With his stage entrance, he instantly raged at the monitors, kicking and falcon punching them. Then Glenn swiftly turned to the monitor guy, in all his rage and made various; “I WILL KILL YOU” signs. Very entertaining, I must admit. The stage hands nervously removed the monitors altogether (but spared the monitor guys life, thank god.) and then Glenn was all happy and the show continued. During the song “Mother,” I called my own mom, so she could take part of the concert via my cell phone. She was very confused. “Tell your children not to walk my way.”


Danzig

Straight after the Danzig show there was really nothing I wanted to see that evening (The Darkness.. meh?) except possibly “Pleasure to Kill” with Kreator. So we ventured to the Monster Tent again and stayed their bigger parts of the evening, hanging out with friends and forging future plans. After getting ourselves uniform new glasses, some free burgers and beer, we relocated to the VIP bar, which was our permanent starting position during the weekend. We got ourselves even more FrEQuency (Good job, Anders!) and when we later looked up, we realized our party was the only people left in the area, and the sun was well on its way up. We decided to call it a wrap and take a cab back to the giant’s mound.


The Unguided Monster


Babsan


A happy giant with his tiny, tiny beer


Uniform glasses


Mushas Metal Ted


Last men standing in the VIP Bar


The Kings of Metal, coming to town

Getaway Rock Festival Day III (8/7):
I started the day shaking off yet another hangover. There was nothing on the festival I was really itching to see until 16:45, when Scar Symmetry was to destroy the Gasklockan stage. We decided to chill in the giant’s mound a while before that, tearing some carefully selected music for the neighbours instead. Only big achievement I did before popping the first beer was to collect The Unguided merchandise from the festival, with my car whilst it was still legal to drive. I came across The Poodles briefly crossing the festival area. That was a horrid experience indeed, but I’ll survive.

Before Scar Symmetry, we warmed up in the sun with beer in the good company of Andreas, his girlfriend, Per & Buffalo from Raubtier, Soile and Takashi (who had travelled all the way from Hiroshima to be on the festival!!! And I thought the west coast of Sweden was far away from Gävle hehe). Good times!


Good times, with equally good people


Buffalo and Elin


Hulkoff where in a good mood ;)


Soile was there taking care of hear advanced weaponary


If I had this tattoo dad, would you be proud of me? WOULD YOU!?


Spreadin love

Scar Symmetry was awesome! A bit misplaced, in my opinion, seeing that Gasklockan stage was so stuffed with people they had to close the doors and there was a huge line waiting outside. I’d say they could have swapped with Adept on the Bandit stage, who went on stage at the same time. Then again, that’s a band I’ve never really been bothered with, so maybe I’m not neutral.


Scar Symmetry


We got your covered here by the FOH Jonas!


Takashi headbanged to much on the gig...


Devil horns and... the gun?

After Scar Symmetry it was time for another highlight. And probably what I’ve been looking forward to most on the festival; Dia Psalma! This band is where my eternal childhood legends began, and this was the first time I came across them live. It was magical! A friggin hit parade from “Gryningstid”, just like I so much had hoped for. It was like I was thinking for myself what song would have been awesome to hear and, BAAAAAAM, it was what they played next basically. Best gig ever, my head was overloaded with nostalgia!


Dia Psalma


Dia Psalma


The giant flexing his Sonic tattoo


Leonardo and April O'Neil on location

Late the second day it was announced that next year’s headliners on Getaway would be Manowar. That means you’ll see my ass there next year as well. To represent Ella and I bought Manowar merchandise for the last festival day. Hail & Kill!!!


"Grinding their bones into the dust of the past"


Hail & Kill


"Their blood is our seal"


Hanging out with the general


Hadouken!


Crystalball

We kind of took an early night the last day since we were driving home early the day after. But I got a glimpse of Accept and Entombed as well before we retired, which was all cool. All together, it was an awesome festival and I’ll definitely be back next year.


See you next year. For the Black wind, Fire and Steel!!!


Entombed


Drove by Takashi's house on the way home

Here’s the new stuff I obtained at the festival:


1. Necklace: Dark Funeral Pentagram
2. Glasses: Very fashionable
3. T-shirt: Manowar shirt
4: Music: Pain - You Only Live Twice and Arch Enemy - Khaos Legions
5: Action figure: Didn't by it on the festival, but still... NEW!

There have been a lot of questions about “Betrayer of the Code,” since the single release, and I’ll address some of them here, and others in the Q&A section. BOTC is indeed a revisited Fallen Angels song, which was originally written back in 2002. It has been rewritten and heavily refined. The lyrics back then were written after the movie “Queen of the Damned.” However, for the new version I kind of rewrote all the lyrics and based them after the book (with the same name) by Anne Rice. The artwork for the single was made by the Spanish artist, J.A.Aranguren, who has made a comeback just recently, after a few years away from art. He’s the same artist that did the illustrations for Sonic Syndicate’s “Eden Fire” and Fallen Angels demo “Extinction”, he also did the layout design of the jewel case version of “Nightmareland”.


Signing posters for the Betrayer Package

I’d like to thank everyone that did an excellent job with this single release! The first couple of days the single bombed in on iTunes – Sweden at position: 8. Breathing Veronica Maggio heavily in the neck! And it hit position: 1 on the ROCK chart, which is amazing. The Betrayer package (New shirt, signed posted + MP3) did really well and is now sold out, and you should have received them as I write this or in the coming days. Thank you so much for the support! It’s starting to look really good for the album recording.


Excellent job everyone!


The Betrayer Package SOLD OUT!!!

The song also made its way to Spotify. If anyone missed out on it still, you can find it here. Roger and I did an interview at Wake-up here in Falkenberg, which is tied to the single release. Roger also did a Crank It Up blog (In Swedish) regarding the single, Getaway gig, and his recent Egypt trip (Coincidence that we released a song with lyrical origins in ancient Egypt and Roger spends his vacation there? Of course not!) Check it out here.


Roger getting himself some durka-durka action in Egypt


Radio Wake-up interview

In between two beers, Roger and I also did a interview with Swedenmetal.se at Getaway Rock festival.  Check it out here (Swedish).


Question?

The insanely skilled WOW player Adouken (Warlock) released his new video Adouken 3 including “Pathfinder” in it. I got almost 200k views as we speak, check his mad ass out here. After watching the initial rogue gangbang, I have to admit I’m ashamed of playing the same class… Thanks for the promotion, Adouken!


R.I.P Rogues :,(

There has been a new tattoo champion again in Cameron Marshall, who tattooed the three solar symbols from “Eden Fire”, and “Nightmareland”. Looks very sweet! This is the very first of this particular tattoo I have seen. How does it feel to be a pioneer? He got rewarded with a rank on the forum and his very own @the-unguided.com mail, congratulations!


Cameron, Champhion of the Unguided Army

There’s also a crazy fan from the other side of the pond that crafted his very own The Unguided belt buckle! So on King Leonidas profession question Max Hacker from Canada can confidently answer; I’m a blacksmith! Good work, I’ll try not to blame Canada anymore.


Skillfully done

In camp Faithful Darkness there has been stuff going on as well in the progress towards “Black Mirror’s Reflection.” In our recent drum recording session in The Abyss with Jonas Kjellgren, the mentally handicapped drummer, Jocke, nailed 12 melodic death metal songs in 4(!!!) hours. Everyone was utterly amazed and we came to the conclusion it must be his hereditary retardation that made it even physically possible. Nevertheless, very impressive! I was suppose to scream in the vocals for the album after the Getaway weekend in The Abyss but Jonas was busy with his country side project “Bourbon Boys,” which he has started together with the Raubtier dudes. Sounds very promising! We’ll reschedule the vocal recording to later in time. If you want to view the upcoming artwork for “Black Mirrors reflection” you can check it out at www.faithfuldarkness.com. Also, be sure to not miss the upcoming gig at Helsingborgsfestivalen (29/7). Check the event out here for further information.


Touched down in our home from home Pärlby once again


Setting up drums


Always present in Pärlby


"Helping out"


Done!


Pregnant with Ella's face


Mice that shit up


Recording supervisor


Killing spree


Done for the day, Good job Jocke!

I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank 2k2bt clothing for dressing us up at the Getaway gig. Before the clothes arrived, we were basically naked! Now we can walk the streets of Falkenberg again without being charged for disorderly conduct. Thank you very much 2k2bt! Still here? Go in and like their Facebook page!


"This is 2k2bt!!!"

I got to watch the new Transformers movie the other day. I was well impressed! Dark of the Moon crushed Revenge of the Fallen without doubt. Didn’t miss Megan Fox what so ever, even though Rosie’s character was awfully uninteresting. But then again that’s easy for me to say when my own girlfriend is hotter than both. What I did miss however was the absence of Dinobots!? Why couldn’t they realize what’s best for them and just introduce them already? Sorry for the ending spoiler on Facebook, I was just impulsive, hehe.


I want to see Ella in Transformers 4 and Dinobots, make it happen!

Other than this we’re just having “Imaginations through the Looking Glass”  DVD running in the background at home everyday to get in the right state of mind for Tuska Open Air and Blind Guardian. We’ve also worked our way through all the Alien movies, Predator 1&2, both AVP and Predators to warm-up for next years most anticipated movie Prometheus (prequel to the original Alien from 1979) and also to give my love some necessary sci-fi education. We’ll move on to StarWars next, I’m the best boyfriend ever.


AvP

---

Q&A XX:
Send your questions to: richard@the-unguided.com

Q: What has happened at UnguidedTV? Latest new video are 3 months behind and I want to see what kind of stuff you have done throughout the spring :P. The main issue is when we can se a new unguided videos? Hopefully you understand my question and we (I) see new video tomorrow :P.
A: Good question! What happened to it? Well Robin happened... Since his little power play, I’ve not been able to focus on anything else than writing, pre-prod and rehearsing new songs. I’ll revisit the idea after the Getaway gig.

Q: Will you release any new The Unguided songs on Getaway?
A: We will play new songs, yes. However, we won’t officially release any new material. That is, if you don’t count amateur video footage of live songs as some kind of release. They can be watched at YouTube. I believe a lot will change on the songs before the final production, however.

Q: Do you enjoy the euphoria of waking up one day and thinking about all the support of your fans?
A: When I’ll eventually wake up, I’ll consider this. Honestly, I love my fans and their immense support and I show it to them everyday interacting back as much as possible. Rewarding them with hearts and such! Here; you have a heart too <3


Support

Q: How talented do you think your fans are? Scale of 1-10.
A: Depends! I think fans that after several months of answering questions in this blog, still can find qualified, unique and interesting inquiries are definitely 10. People that misuse my generosity and in their utter laziness just slap questions on me that have been answered a million times (if not more) before I’ll rate as 1.

Q: The Unguided Army is yours to command....if tacos were in danger...would you embark will a substantial force to rescue tacos?
A: All tacos must be saved; human loss is a sacrifice I’m willing to take. Pizza Must Fall!

Q: If you were granted the power to freeze time and do as you willed, what do you think you would do?
A: Make Robin sign the contract by forcing his frozen hand, and probably replace his frozen heart while I’m at it.


"Sign here, here and here."

Q: Ever had stage fright?
A: No.

Q: I've started screaming a little bit and I've recorded a cover of song by Parkway drive. If I uploaded it to YouTube would you be able to critique it? I understand if you don’t have the time but I would really appreciate some top advice from a boss such as yourself.
A: Sure, mail me the address and I’ll humiliate you in the next Q&A.

Q: Do you have any tips on how you prepare your voice for screaming and how you protect it?
A: This question was addressed in this blogs FAQ.

Q: Some people including me thinks that Sonic Syndicate(Old) was one of the creators of Modern Melodic Death Metal. What is your comment about this? Do you agree?? xD
A: That was the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. We never invented anything, we just copied what was already there, and did it better, hehe. Modern Melodic Death Metal… These stupid boxes drive me crazy, is there even storage space for them all!? Must certainly be a fulltime job to figure out silly names of sub genres, and if I ever met the guy in charge I’d fire him. Fire him with fire... AND ICE!


Attack!

Q: Isn’t it true that you live in Falkenberg? If so.. I’ve just been at vacation.. In Sjönevad.. really close to Falkenberg.. Just wanted to know if you have been in/at Sjönevad! If you have.. I'd be happy to say I have been at same place as you.
A: I’ve been in Sjönevad plenty. There’s an annual fair going on there where I regularly visited when I grew up. Haven’t been to the fair in a couple of years now though, but I drive through Sjönevad every time I visit my grandma and uncle. In the Sjönevad crossing, I even wrote an autograph to a cop that stopped me for a breath test, apparently he was a huge Only Inhuman fan, hehe.

Q: I don't know why but every time I see a Sonic Syndicate music video that has Roland in it and every time I see the Daily show with Jon Stewart, I don't know why but I get the feeling they're the same people.........maybe it's the face structure or something, but I can't help but say they look alike. What do you think?
A: Hmm I don’t know about that, maybe some facial expressions. But nothing fundamental, from what I see. I’d say the little guy from Despicable Me is more similar! They could be twins.


Roland?

Q: I was looking up some music and I came across an article by metal sucks, now me being the curious person I was decided to see what they thought of Sonic Syndicate. Needless to say the new sonic syndicate was thoroughly bashed, but even the old Sonic Syndicate was torn apart in one of their reviews. They cited sonic syndicate and said the song Hellgate Worcester, (the link here and another one here) was about how the audience booed you off the stage at the Amon Amarth concert.

I mean the way I see it the metal community is divided into factions were on one of the side there's the extremists who only like straight up death metal and any progression towards individuality is met with harsh retaliation, has the metal community always branded metalcore as emo? Or am I simply misinterpreting everything horribly? What’s your experience with this?

On a Side note the logo for the That's Not Metal Website is:
“You are inferior. Your taste in music, the actions you take, and the way you present yourself all make you an inferior person in the eyes of True Heavy Metal. That's Not Metal is here to tell you why, and what you can do to better yourself and grow out of your unmetal ways in the pursuit of achieving True Metal Redemption”

I've only been listening to metal for about two years, but I always thought it was about what appeals to you and not some religious cult convinced to make you see the error of your ways and trying to christen you towards salvation via “True Metal”. Sorry about the long question and my incessant ramblings, but I’m just trying to understand the community a bit better and I thought since you’ve been in the field a while you might be able to provide some insight
A: As always, sad people will be sad. Unfortunately, I can’t give much credit to individuals, or their articles, for that matter, which are based on lies fabricated on their own twisted confined version of reality—which ironically enough, has nothing to do with reality. If they were spiced up with at least a fibre of hard facts I’d be the first to say; bash all you want! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and freedom of speech to go with it. Sadly there’s not so much of a trace of facts in those articles.

Here are some facts:
We laughed our asses of leaving the stage in Worcester. The only ones embarrassed was the crowd (and the stoned monitor guy, possibly.) Doing a six-week tour with close to no days off, there were maybe two or three gigs that we weren’t appreciated. The rest were fine and we had a great time with Amon Amarth. Now why the song exists was simply for the fact of the peculiar behaviour we got the honour to imbibe that evening. It was exotic to us! Meaning; what happened in Worcester would NEVER happen in Europe. Not saying we have more manners or higher pain thresholds over here to ENDURE the 20 min of “horrible” support-band-music without crying about it, but at least that’s not what we do. We appreciate music; we appreciate the facts there’s hard work going on behind the curtains and that bands travel far to entertain us. Even if we are not down with the music there are very few selected people that would do huge fuzz about it in similar ways. In some cultures this is called humaneness. Feel free to look the word up!

There’s elitist bullshit in every community, and the metal community is not an exception by any means. But let’s face it, metal is not exactly majority. In my book, we should stick together and don’t let the small differences embark us into some kind of ridiculous civil war. There are always bands that bridge people to even harder music. Sonic Syndicate was such a band; the community should be grateful for how bands like that convert people to the right side of the force, instead of some bullshit which-hunt that does nothing but undermine the community, and scare people away from it.

But by all means, let them have their little sexist hate society in peace. They won’t achieve anything worth mentioning in the duration of a lifetime anyway. At least our achievements and hard work took us all around the world, while they were busy jerking off to their 2-channel tape recorders in their mom’s basement. I can understand their jealousy, as we got handpicked by their favourite band to tour with them.


Humaness

Q: Have you ever played a show on playback?
A: We have played two shows sing back. Meaning, the vocals are live, while everything else is play backed. We did it because they wouldn’t let us do the gig fully live hence dB limits. It was the Leipzig Games Convention, and we were the supporting band for the release of Guitar Hero. The year after we played there again and took for granted that it wasn’t the same conditions. So, I guess we were the only band that year that played sing back. Kind of embarrassing but I doubt the crowd noticed much of a difference since we’re tight as your sisters ass anyway!

Q: And what kind of legal copyright issues you three had to pass to remake FA stuff and live perform SS stuff? Did it need only literal permission from the SS team or some kind or official things through label?
A: None. “Fallen Angels – Fall From Heaven” demo does not belong to any label, and is entirely owned by Roger and myself. The SS stuff didn’t work out, as you could see in the last blog. But there was no label permission necessary, only Roland’s license from the band. Roger and I are still free to play Sonic Syndicate songs of course, and still own our share of the rights to them.

Q: My questions are, is there a link between 'Rebellion in Nightmareland' and 'Pathfinder'? Other than the fact that they both use Nightmareland in the lyrics?
A: This was explained in this and this blogs FAQs.

Q: My second question is, how do you come up with the imagery you use in your lyrics? Your style is a great inspiration for mine, but mine never seem to be anywhere near as good.
A: You can read more about this in the FAQ here and here.


Imagination

Q: How do I fix that Unguided badge on my Facebook profile?
A: There’s a few now! Here’s one, here’s another and here’s the brand new BOTC one!

Q: I wait to heard from you about the new In Flames album (I know that today started the sale in Sweden) I heard it today (by an unusual channel) and I like it! My favourite is 'A new dawn' really an atypical song (with a particular fusion of styles)!
A: I like it! It does not touch Clayman, Colony, TJR or RTR but I have to admit, I enjoy it.

Q: I want to know, what do you think about Basshunter? ._.
A: Not my cup of tea when it comes to his music. I have no personal opinion about him since I never met him. My friend dated him, though, and she thinks highly of him, so I have no reason to doubt that he’s a good guy.

Q: And to my little question...Will Roland do any harsh vocals at all in the Unguided?
A: No. There will be differences in sound of The Unguided and Sonic Syndicate. This is one of them. We have decided that he’ll focus on his clean vocals and take good care of them. And I’ll handle all the screaming vocals. We brought it up after Nightmareland, and we both thought it was a good idea.

Q: Awesome news regarding your debut album! And even a new shirt and signed Posters! Sweet! ;)
So now I have the 616 shirt and the new stuff as well, bought two times, shipping and taxes to Germany that makes about 150€ :D I never spent so much for a band before, but let’s face it, I just love you! *g*
A: Only thing certain in life; Death & taxes ;) Thanks for the support, we’re proud to have you in the unguided army!


Death

Q: I know you can't change taxes and shipping costs but promise you guys at least try and get to Germany somehow.. please? We'd love to see you live again :)
A: We’d love to come back to Germany. But logistically, it’s hard. Best shot is a Festival gig offer, I assume, which would have the revenue to bring us in.

Q: The Betrayer of the Code artwork is truly amazing, it reminds me a bit of Eden Fire, does it have any connections? Argh, in other words.. What’s the story behind the picture? The stone thing, the grieving person etc.
A: It portrays the Queen Akasha of Kemet (the stone figure) and the vampire; Lestat de Lioncourt (grieving person). The pyramid and desert is to symbolize Egypt as it’s her origin. Read the book “Queen of the damned” by Anne Rice and it will make more sense. It has no connection with Eden Fire, except it’s the same artist that drew them and there’s the triple solar symbol. Well, thinking about it, I think I gave J.A.Aranguren a reference picture of Akasha back when he was to draw the Eden Fire artwork as well, actually.


Wolfkiller

Q: The Betrayer of the Code made me think of Dimmu Borgir's artwork, any inspiration maybe?
A: Not really, it’s just the style of J.A.Arangurens art that’s similar to their artist stuff.

Q: Is there anything you can tell us about the upcoming album which we doesn't know already? Really, anything! Working titles, official titles, release date, artwork, track listening, name? Or even just a day when you will reveal something more? Super excited!
A: I could answer all these questions, but I rather don’t. I’ll give you an album title / cover artwork / track listing when the Facebook hit 10k fans hehe, WORK IT SOLDIERS!

Q: Will there be a physical version of the Betrayer of the Code single?
A: Not at this point. There are some plans on printing the artwork to the album booklet or have unique artwork for every song. Whether or not it will be doable in the end, I can’t answer at this point. It would be extremely cool if J.A.Aranguren could find the time to do what he did for BOTC for every song on the album, though.

Q: Music video, if there's coming any, what song? BotC, PF or GED? Or maybe a new one?
A: There are plans and we have people in stand-by for this but as of late we haven’t found the time to work the magic, so-to-speak. I think we’ll be focused on unreleased material and push the album with it.

Q: Is Betrayer of the Code more a promotional single, or is it actually the lead single for the upcoming album?
A: It’s a digital promotional single and not the lead single for the upcoming album. We just couldn’t waste that amazing date 2011-06-16, now could we?

Q: Who made the artwork for the upcoming album?
A: Kuang Hong, same guy that did “Nightmareland”. Actually the “Nightmareland” artwork is just a piece of a bigger illustration. Another part of the illustration will be used as the album artwork. Check more of his art here.


.end.of.godliness. by Kuang Hong

Q: Have you heard the new In Flames and Arch Enemy albums? What did you think? I personally think they were both excellent, especially the In Flames album, IMO their best album since Clayman.
A: Answered the In Flames question above, I don’t think it’s the best since Clayman though, that title goes to RTR for me. And I bought Arch Enemy’s album as well, and I dig it a lot! It’s going hot in my car right now.

Q: When you were with Sonic Syndicate, were there ever talks about a live album? Is that something you might do with The Unguided?
A: We actually recorded our show at Summer Breeze 2008 for a live DVD. I think they kind of had the final product for that (and it was quite good!) But Roland informed us that he was to leave early 2009 so the idea got scratched. We never talked about just a live album without any visual rendering.

Q: You mentioned in one blog that there are radio edits of Pathfinder and Green Eyed Demon, is there any way I could listen to them without needing to wait forever and hoping to get a listen to those versions? Any way you would upload them for free download or anything since you aren't "selling" those versions?
A: There’s just a radio edit of PF. But it’s nothing different from it except the solo part and outro is cut out. There’s not any radio edit of GED. I think Bandit Rock play the PF radio version so if you’d like to hear it go to this site and wish for it, and then tune into their web radio!

Q: The red and curved version of the Unguided logo, is that the "new" one, or is it simply another version of it? Witch one is the OFFICIAL and real logo? The one on Nightmareland or BotC?
A: The curved one is J.A.Aranguren’s version of The Unguided logo, and the normal one is Leah Eropkin’s original one. The curved one is not the “new” logo in any sense, it’s simply just a version of it and we’ll use both. They work equally well for different purposes.

Q: when you create your album!? May you open your secret!? And I’ve interested in position of drummer in your band.. .what is his name?!
A: We are creating our album as we speak! John Bengtsson is the drummer for our upcoming live shows.

Q: Is there anywhere that I could buy an HQ download of the new single? Or likewise a place where I could DL where you would get more of a cut? Anyways... guess I'm buying off iTunes soonish, preview sounds great and I'm looking forward to more!
A: Buying our music from iTunes is a great way to support the band! 256 kbps is not enough for you then?

Q: Freelancer is one of my favourite Sonic Syndicate songs, I bought all the old albums, but the song is not on any of them?! How come? And btw what is Freelancer about? Sounds like someone could have changed your life allot or something?
A: Freelancer is a bonus track of Only Inhuman. You can find it on this edition for example. The lyrics are about starting over and how certain events in your life could throw possible shadows for long periods of time.

Q: If I wanted to make a PvP video for my lvl 49 warrior "twink" would you let me some of either Green Eyed Demon, Pathfinder or Betrayer Of The Code? Would be awesomely awesome and badass.
A: We wouldn’t have a problem with you using clips of the songs in your PvP video on YouTube. We would, however, prefer you to use parts over full songs. But there are exceptions, of course. If you are really talented and are great at video editing, you’re bound to pull a lot of views, which would be promotion for us. It’s like the Adouken 3 video. 200k views and Pathfinder in it, we support that full-hearted!


PVP

Q: could you publish this link in your blog? It’s my review blog and I've given TU good marks. I reviewed Deliver Us and I will find other things. I’m trying to gain some support so I would really appreciate the help.
A: Done.

Q: When do you think the new Faithful Darkness album will be released? If there's no set date yet do you have an idea of when about.
A: Hard to tell! Towards fall 2011, I assume.

Q: How many emails do you go through every week that features questions for your blogs?
A: Too many.

Q: Do you consider yourself a celebrity? Like if you're walking down the street, do you expect people to shout "Hey look it's Richard Sjunnesson".
A: No and no.


Celebrity?

Q: How do you pronounce your last name? Just want to make sure I'm saying it right haha.  I think you already answered this before with "Sevenson" but I just wanted to make sure because I don't understand how Sjunnesson is pronounced like Sevenson.
A: It’s tricky indeed, but that’s the truth and nothing but the truth. I promise.

Q: I know you said you don't have your Xbox anymore but I was just curious as to what your gamer tag was and your favourite game.
A: I still have it since the stupid bastard won’t sell. FIX ME! My game tag is/was “lestatharbinger” and my favourite game for Xbox is probably Halo.

Q: Do you have facebook? Because I searched your name (Richard Sjunnesson) but all I got was your page but no profile.  Maybe you spell it differently or something but it would be awesome to have you on my friends list :)
A: I have a private one and one official where fans / foes can add me.

Q: Does the song Betrayer of the code have anything to do with old Sonic (Fallen Angels) song with the same name?
A: /Facepalm


HADOUKEN!!!

Q: What you think about Brazil?
A: I don’t know. I’ve never been there. Ronaldo is a great tennis player.

Q: I been pondering and looking at a lot of the artwork and thought of some shirt Ideas and was wonder if you would mind if I made some up out of my own pocket and not to reap any cash reward or sell. Just to show some creative interest in the Unguided project and maybe hopefully you'll like a idea and want to use it for an actual Unguided merch shirt also if I were to come to Sweden would it be possible to meet up with you and shake your hand to thank you personally for what you do for your fans, I do expect sarcasm in your reply LOL
A: If you have any ideas, you are, of course, free to do your own design and mail them in. If they are good enough, we might end up printing them. If you make a visit to the west coast of Sweden I’ll salute you with a red carpet and homemade taco pie.

Q: In BOTC, what do you say between: "I AM TO LIVE TO THE END OF THE WORLD" and "AND I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT I AM"?
A: The screaming part there is “I am to live”, “End of the world,” and “Never forsaken.”

Q: In BOTC, “Be my angels in a new world order”, Is it kind of speech or something or why did you set this: "......"?
A: The whole lyrical content is written out from Lestat’s perspective, while that line is Akasha’s speech to the surviving vampires.

Q: I read yesterday that the Unguided are not allowed to play Sonic Syndicate songs live and that you have to write new songs now. I have an own written song text and if you want to have it you can get. It’s only an offer :-) If you want to have it writes a mail to me.
A: That’s a very generous offer, but I think I’m very capable of writing my own song texts after 12 years in the field. I, however, enjoy reading your lyrics and they are in some cases rather inspiring indeed.


Capable

Q: If/when we have a contest; it should be a lyric writing contest. Maybe the winner(s) lyrics could be featured in a song by TU. Or just the normal prizes. Or maybe the winner does a collab with you? Like the first prize is something along these lines and the others get the standard. You just decide which lyrics sound like yours the most. Maybe it’s a special thing that you do in your home studio just for that fan only.
A: Same answer as above, really. I already have a new contest in mind. We’ll get to it when things are less busy. For future contests it could be fun to have an award that revolves around us putting vocals on a homemade song and lyrics, sure. I’ll revisit that idea once we’ve done the upcoming contest.

Q: You made your own version of Miles Apart. And I saw the making of WRTN stuff and I hear some kind of pre-made of the songs (or what, when someone listened the songs on his laptop). May I hear them? (pls pls...with pretty eyes)
A: There are no eyes that pretty! Or well, possibly my girlfriend’s then. You can’t hear them, because that’s against the law! And you don’t want to be a criminal do you? Read more about the issue in the FAQ here and here.

Q: Are you and Karin still friends or are you going difficult ways? I read that Karin will not join into your new metal band. So I asked you because you and your old band had a long time together. I think it is not easy to have a relationship with different opinions of music isn’t it?
A: Last time I bumped into her at the pub, we were still good. As far as I know, nothing changed since then. She will not join The Unguided, that’s correct. We have already appointed the post with Henric Carlsson (former: Nightrage, Dead By April, current: Lavett, Cipher System and The Unguided). He’s an awesome dude and a hell of a good bassist!


No boobs, still works!

Q: I was wondering if you guys could release an instrumental version of Betrayer of The Code. I know you guys are busy and all and I don't expect you to say yes but I think people would buy that version too which would make more money for the band, just my opinion. Love the song! Keep it up.
A: We’ll consider this.

Q: Where was J.A.Arungen hiding when you were planning for Nightmareland artwork? Wouldn't he have been a good guy for that?
A: He was hiding, indeed. I tried to reach him when we started to plot in favour of The Unguided but he was nowhere to be found. Besides, I hadn’t heard from him in five years (but all of a sudden he reappeared, luckily.) I had him in mind for Nightmareland, but since I didn’t know how to reach him, I looked into other options. I always wanted to work with Kuang Hong in the past as well (the artist who did Nightmareland artwork and the upcoming album artwork.) I saw this as a golden opportunity for that. They have a very different style than each other, and I’d like to incorporate both in the future.

Q: The blog handles some questions according screaming vocals, but any tips for those really high pitched screams? Like in Plans are for people and Break of day. This is really new for me of you, and something I really love. Pure, brutal scream.
A: Sorry, but you’ll have to examine the other blogs where I’ve touched the subject.

Q: Have you ever played The Game?
A: If you are referring to The Game issued in the book The Game, the answer is no. I never needed to.


The Game?

Q: Now since you are not allowed, at least legally, go for SS songs at your premiere or maybe any gig, you have to make new songs in enormous tempo. Does the quality of the songs suffer from this?
A: No, we handled them in the exact same ways as we would have handled them if it was only for the album and not for live usage at this point.

Q: This with Robin is a real pity. Can’t you play Crowned In Despair or EF songs at least? Or can’t Roland play guitar either?
A: No, he would have to leave the stage for us to do it, according to the contract, and we wouldn’t want that.

Q: Will The Unguided tour through Germany this/next year?
A: No plans as of yet. I’m optimistic we could do random gigs there on weekends or festivals. But it needs to be beneficial for us.

Q: How will Robin's unhelpful attitude affect the Getaway show?
A: You got the answer to this in the last blog entry.

Q: Have you heard the most recent efforts from your former label-mates Amorphis, Scar Symmetry, In Flames and Soilwork (though Soilwork's was released last year)? Apart from you guys, these are my favourite bands.
A: I’ve heard Scar Symmetry’s, In Flames and Soilwork’s latest releases and I think they are all good. My favourite of the three are Scar Symmetry’s ones. I haven’t got my hands on the Amorphis album yet but I’m getting it asap! I really liked the previous Amorphis album, so I have high hopes for this one.

Q: Have you already listened to the new In Flames album "Sounds of a Playground fading"?
Do you like it? And which songs do you like most?
A: I have not listened to it enough to do a very fair judgment but the songs that struck me the most the first couple of listening is: Sounds of a Playground Fading, Fear Is the Weakness and Ropes.

Q: I was wondering why most of the guitar solos from the Fallen Angels demos were removed when Eden Fire was recorded.  And you also said the both Robin and Roger were uncomfortable with solos.  Who did the solos in the Fallen Angels demos?
A: Because they were out of scale and tone, Slayer style. Robin recorded them.


Slayer solos

Q: Also, do you plan on recording some breakdowns like for future releases like found on most of Eden Fire or Aftermath?
A: I guess you just have to wait and see what the album has to offer.

Q: Where can I get hold of the t-shirts you have on your official promo pictures on Facebook? Store / Website?
A: The Affliction t-shirt Roland bought on our US tour back in 2008 so I doubt it’s still in their catalogue. You can find Affliction shirts at here through. I’m wearing a Sullen shirt called; Mother Roses. Roger is wearing a Billabong shirt that I bought as a birthday gift to him on Times Square.

Q: What were the other options you guys had in mind when deciding a name for The Unguided (your band)?
A: There was none.

Q: What will happen with sixonesix.se?
A: It will be kept for future usage.

Q. I wanted to give you some feedback on the recent Unguided songs and hope you can use some criticism: First of all, all 3 songs are amazing of course. But instead of telling you this for the like 2000th time, I want to give you constructive criticism: What I was kind of missing a bit were the clear chorus parts from Roland. Not surprising then that I like Pathfinder the most, where Roland plays the biggest role in the chorus I think. Don’t get me wrong man, I love your voice and I think you deserve more space for your screaming after WRTN. But what I always loved about Sonic Songs was the combination of "typical" metal instruments, awesome synthesizers (good job to Roger btw, the Synthesizers are fucking psycho so far!), the raw power of your voice and the way Roland sings (most of the?) chorus.
A: I know a lot of you are expecting to hear "old Sonic" in The Unguided. But kwwp in mind we are NOT "Old Sonic" we're The Unguided with all the properties that comes of that. We will not customize our sound after with someone else’s opinion, only our own. This will mean there will be a broad perspective on the take of our music. The three songs we have released so far is just how we wrote these songs, it's not a formula; it's not a set border at all. It’s simply just how we wrote these songs and what we considered was best for them. We are not doing this for anybody but ourselves, to satisfy our own musical needs and views and with the three last songs all the three of us are completely satisfied with what we have archived. Roland gets to do his solos and play guitar, which is his passion over his voice. Roger got to compose his songs without boundaries (plus synths, of course) and I get to scream my ass off, arrange vocals and write any lyrics I please. We are all happy, and as long as we are all happy with what we achieve that is what we will be doing. I'm not ruling out there will be more clean vocal oriented songs on the album because it will. I'm just saying we will not budge for anyone’s will but our own. And I guess if anyone wants to listen to it, that's great! But it's not a goal for us; the goal is to do music for ourselves and have fun. Hope you understand where we are coming from with this. Besides, until you have heard the entire album, please don’t get stuck too much on details. Come back after the release instead and see if you feel the same way.

Q: What was the intro you used for your live shows during 2007 – 2009?
A: Saw movie theme.


"You failed."

Q. have you ever had the chance to try Chipotle? It is a restaurant chain based in the United States, but there is one in London I think? If you haven't and the opportunity arrives, take it, you will not be disappointed. High five from the USA for making awesome music!
A: Send in recipe, and I’ll try to make it myself, hehe.

Q: Any baby or young childhood pictures you'd like to show us, Rich? If not, show us anyway :D
A: I’ll see what I can find.


Dad sent me two, GO BULLS!

Q: First I want to clarify that I have never uploaded and I will never upload TU songs on YouTube without your permission. With that said I just want some edification about the YouTube topic.
You encourage the fans to spread the word about the band. Perhaps hardcore fans are pleased with a 20 sec preview of a new song, and when they hear about the new band they get excited and buy the songs instantly but what about the new fans? I mean I guess you don’t want the fan base to consist only from the old SS fans. But to get new fans who don’t even know what old SS was like it will take more than a 20 sec preview. I understand your explanation of the financial loss with YouTube download but it’s also a great chance to get reputation. And anyway trust me if somebody wants to support the band, they will pay even if they have the chance to download it and if somebody doesn’t want to pay they will certainly find a way to download it and the source won’t be YouTube primarily. Yes, I know that I’m not an expert in this subject and I shouldn’t act like a smartarse but please make me understand where the errors in my theory are.
A: We’ll take care of this problem when we do music videos with full songs which YouTubers can spread all they want and gain new fans that are not coming from the old community. We don’t want effortless people to steal a picture from the official site and upload a full mp3 to it. Also, on Spotify people can stream the full songs and there’s actually an economical gain to the band from doing so (I know Spotify is not accessible in all countries but it certainly should be and it’s a genius way to work with the problem and not against, like so many other music industrial entities.) YouTube is a great and powerful promotional tool, but it’s also about having material tied to you being presentable and appealing enough so it attracts people indeed. So, let us deal with it officially ourselves. There’s nothing we can/will do against illegal sites but YouTube is a legitimate legal site which labels and bands can control. And we will! Up to date there’s not one single full song on YouTube (except Pathfinder in Adouken 3) because everyone is helpful and report them in and we deal with it. Keep up the good work!

Q: Do you have any information about current SS members listening to TU songs (except Roger of course)? I’m just curious about their opinion :D
A: Guess it’s kind of hard for John not to listen to it since he plays the songs regularly. And I’m pretty confident the rest of them are more initiated in our work more than they dare to admit. I mean, why is there always 3 dislikes on the YouTube clips? Coincidence!? I THINK NOT!

Q: You used the myth of King Midas as a reference for some lyrics: a few lines about it are in ”Power Shift” and the whole ”The Curse of a Gift” is about it. You also mentioned ”the river Styx”, ”the Elysial fields”, ”Pandora’s box” and ”Antichrist” in some Eden Fire lyrics. Do you like Greek Mythology or did you just write those references to show your literacy? Why are there less and less of those references with every album? Greek Mythology is cool, it would be sooo great to read them again.
A: I love Greek mythology, in fact I adore all mythologies and fictional stuff altogether. I guess I used it more during Fallen Angels and Eden Fire since our post Eden Fire albums had a different formula, with a more straight forward concept. But I’m going back to those references for sure and I’ll certainly keep this in mind. Actually, the lyrics to “Icheart Fragment” (new song) there’s a line about Pandora’s box thinking about it, so it’s already started!


King Midas

Q: I was just reading your blog. And said you won't be able to play any old SS songs (to bad:'( ). But I am wondering what happens if you do play those songs. Hoping you could answer this.
A: Nothing I suppose. It’s solely just to keep Roland out of trouble. He’ll do an act of contract violations if he play/sing the songs. Once that’s done, it could result in a lawsuit. Which, I, however, strongly doubt it will since the only one that could start the legal proceedings would be me, Roger, John, Karin or Robin. And it would cost about 50 000 Euros to go to court, which none of us have. And even if we did, I doubt we would ever use it for this ridiculous matter. I think all of you know who the biggest threat (or only threat) here is. And even if he’s not capital strong now, it’s possible he could be one day, so we’re simply not taking any risks.

Q: Ever get sick of everyone asking the same questions over and over to the point you just want to kill someone? Because it seems like you would, hell I get annoyed reading the same question over and over xD
A: Who said I didn’t? ...

Q: So, from what you explained in the last blog and FAQ it didn't become clear to me - are you going to play Sonic Syndicate songs or not? You said something about "songs Robin wouldn't touch", so are we going to hear them live?
A: No, you won’t ever hear Sonic Syndicate songs in The Unguided.

Q: Will the fans be allowed to record and post online a live gig of your are you going to "forbid" that too? Because I personally can't afford to come ALL THE WAY to Great Swedenland in the near 3 years [ x) pwned! ], but am interested in how you will do live...
A: We will not take action against live material on YouTube.

Q: How can I contact Robin? (lol!) And possibly an adress? =]]]]
A: Try his Facebook.

Q: This is a totally NON-UnguidedOrAnythingRelatedToYou question, but - you said you attended the Falkenberg gig of Dead By April in December (around Christmas). Who played the solo on "Stronger"?
A: The only guitarist present was Pontus, so I guess it was him, but Joel Nilsson from A Silent Escape jumped in and did a guest solo somewhere. If it was “Stronger,” I do not know. I know he toured with them when Pontus wasn’t touring or something like that.

Q: May I suggest you take Georg Listing as a bassist for The Unguided. He might be a member of Tokio Hotel (who are quite sissy compared to you) , but he does great bass lines! (OMG? :))
A: We’ve already appointed the bassist slot in The Unguided with Henric Carlsson.

Q: Is your name REALLY pronounced "Sevenson"?!?!
A: No

Q: I love Roland’s voice live & on the record, no matter if he's screaming or clean singing, but also I have a lot of respect for Nathan as a clean vocalist. On the first episode of Sonic TV Season 02 I guess, you introduced Nathan as the new Singer of SS, in an interview you've said that you had never heard the songs this good before. What's your real opinion?
A: This was addressed in the FAQ of this blog.

Q: Which parts will Roland have in The Unguided? Will he be a guitarist and the clean vocalist or will he scream a lot of lyrics too?
A: As said before in this blog, guitarist and clean vocalist.

Q: Who will play the bass and drums live in concert?
A: Henric Carlsson and John Bengtsson. If they can’t attend, or are busy elsewhere, we will have backups for them, but they are the fixed live musicians that we will always return to.

Q: How much was Nuclear Blast involved in the Sonic Syndicate business? Rumours tell that they were even responsible for your long hairs? Did they even tell you guys what haircut and clothes to wear?
A: This was addressed in the FAQ of this blog. And no Nuclear Blast was never involved in what clothes to wear, management did sometimes but we rarely listened.

Q: I have noticed that if I go to www.sonicsyndicate.com I will come to a "entry" page or something where I can choose my destination, the sonic syndicate website or the the-unguided website. And I wonder what the reason is, is it because the fans of SS that don't know about TU should "discover" you :P ? Or something like that?
Personally, I think it is very good :)
A: Looks like a double agent 616 job again. I’m sure good 'ol 616 has his reasons, as always.


616

Q: what microphone model did you use on Eden fire? I love the sound it has, and you can make together. Really brutal.
A: “Eden Fire” was recorded with a Shure SM7 (As said before?). Same model I used for my vocals on “We Rule the Night” and “Nightmareland”, and the upcoming The Unguided album.

Q: Also, was there really any particular PA-stuff back then, you used on practising and recording FA and EF stuff?
A: We had a shitty PA in the rehearsal room yeah. FA – Black Lotus and Extinction stuff and Eden Fire was recorded in Studiomega.

Q: Also, what mixer did you use back then? You have answered about what you now use, yes. I mean stuff like audacity and soundengine and stuff.
A: I’ve used a 12-channeled Mackie board as far as I remember for rehearsals. It’s the one I used back then and it’s the one I use now. It’s an older version of the Profx12 I belive.

Q: Love your dedication to your fans, and I bet these mail storms will come to their end soon, since you have answered almost every question. Let the hope live, right? Hehe..
A: AS IF… haha

Q: you happened to quote some e-mails received from J.A.Arungen into your blog some time ago. It concerned SS symbol, and my question kind of too, except not SS. We have discussed in the forums about what is the meaning of this new symbol. SS was about you, your heart. So is there any particular reason or meaning on this new logo/symbol?
A: This will be revealed in time, as for now it’s just subjective.

Q: Also, do you follow forums?
A: I follow www.armyoftheunguided.com from time to time yeah. Most of us do.

Q: Happen to know who did this sonicsyndicate.com "hacks"?
A: Double Agent 616 happened.

Q: What’s your favorite Blind Guardian album?
A: That’s a tough one, since I love them all! My first BG album was Tales from the Twilight World, so that’s always close to my heart. I’ve spent a lot of time listening to, A Night at the Opera, as well. In my book, they never released a bad album, so I have to say they all are my favorites! The new one, At the Edge of Time, is awesome as well. It’s funny you ask since I have the DVD Imaginations through the Looking Glass playing in the background right now, hehe.


TFTTW

Q: Next Summer I'll spend my holiday in the end of July in Falkenberg, so did you planned some gigs at this time? Then I'm 18 and it would be very great! Love you're music. (=
A: We’ll see what we can do.