Former, Current SONIC SYNDICATE Members To Release THE UNGUIDED Debut Single

THE UNGUIDED — the new project featuring former SONIC SYNDICATE members Richard Sjunnesson (vocals) and Roland Johansson (vocals),along with current SONIC SYNDICATE guitarist (and Richard's brother) Roger Sjunnesson — will release a two-track digital and physical single entitled "Nightmareland" in February. The artwork for the single was created by the very talented graphic artist Kuang Hong from China, Beijing and can be seen below.

Commented Richard: "We already have about ten songs in the pipeline for the album and everything sounds really awesome! I will assure you it sounds nothing like the 'new' SONIC, and the people who liked the classic SYNDICATE will be familiar with the take on these songs, for sure. I don't think we ever wrote this many songs in such a short period of time. And I believe it's the fruit of having creative freedom and loving what we do — it certainly has upped the pace."

Regarding THE UNGUIDED's touring plans, Richard said, "THE UNGUIDED won't be a touring band in the terms of what SONIC SYNDICATE was. We will focus on random gigs and festivals when it comes to live shows. Touring was what made Roland quit in the first place, and I have no intentions of letting history repeat itself."

Richard Sjunnesson left SONIC SYNDICATE late last year due to what he claims was the band's "inability to play decent music." In a lengthy and rambling message posted on his newly launched official blog, Richard stated that his departure from the group was caused by his "being locked up in a band where there is no room to express one's creativity because it's simply not the right format for the band anymore. Being artistically crippled because heavy music is the wrong forum for a 'metal band,' and having to turn the other cheek pretending to like something that I think is garbage will simply not fly for this crow. There are only so many arguments of the 'scary' screaming vocals to be or not to be in various songs I'm willing to take. Seeing how there was even demands to the band (behind my back) of songs without screaming vocals and how they were later obvious downplayed in the mix might very well have been the deathblow to my emotional attachment of the band. On the other hand, that made this decision very easy for me. It allowed me to go on in life with stuff that feels more important, things that actually manage to stir my heart."

Richard Sjunnesson was temporarily replaced on SONIC SYNDICATE's recent European tour by "longtime friend" Christoffer Andersson.

SONIC SYNDICATE's latest album, "We Rule The Night", was released in Europe on August 27, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.