Interview with Fredrik Holmlund from THE UNGUIDED

Interview with Fredrik Holmlund from THE UNGUIDED

Today we are talking to Fredrik Holmlund, bass player since 2023 for the band THE UNGUIDED from Sweden. Due to technical problems, we can just release it today…THE day of the gig. Read through and come over TODAY to see the band perform live in Duisburg at the RAGE AGAINST RACISM festival!!

Here we go…

Hi Fredrik. I´m Amir from the German music magazine www.metal-heads.de – we are based in the Ruhr area, in Duisburg to be precise and that is, where you will be playing the RAGE AGAINST RACISM festival in June. We are the official meadia partner and we are trying to introduce the bands playing that event in advance. 

First of all, I´m always interested to see, what kind of different bands and musical genres the organisators get to play in Duisburg.

1.) So I´d like to begin with the question, what attracted you, to travel to this town in a metal region (talking about the industry around and the music style people around there like a lot)?

FH: Duisburg has a strong industrial legacy, and that energy fits well with our sound. Playing in a region, where metal is part of the DNA, feels natural to us, and we’re here to turn that into something unforgettable.

Metal is for everyone

2.) Why do you feel, have they picked you to represent the spirit oft he festival under the subject of RAGE AGAINST RACISM?

FH: We’ve always stood for individuality and defiance, both in lyrics and in attitude. THE UNGUIDED doesn’t follow trends, and we don’t tolerate division or hate. Metal is for everyone. We think the message of this festival lines up perfectly with who we are and what we represent.

3.) Have you done a similar thing before or do you get involved in other charity activities?

FH: As a band, we haven’t – not in any official capacity. But the core of THE UNGUIDED has always been about standing strong in the face of adversity. Being part of something with a bigger purpose like this feels right.

Interview with Fredrik Holmlund from THE UNGUIDED

4.) Let´s talk about music! You have around 15 years of existance already in the books. Can you describe the development of the band from the beginning and then in the past years? Where do you see yourself now and what ar the goals for the future?

FH: The band started as a continuation of a musical vision after SONIC SYNDICATE but has evolved far beyond that. Over the years, THE UNGUIDED has grown in every aspect. The lineup has shifted, but the core message has remained. „Hellven“ marks a new peak – not just technically, but as a band. With this release, we did everything ourselves for the first time – no label, no financial backing – nothing. Who knows where this adventure will take us?

Now, that is an interesting mix…

5.) How would you describe your style of metal music and where do you see your position in the global scene? In which country to you have the strongest fanbase?

FH: We mix melodic death metal, metalcore, and big synths with aggressive riffs, big choruses, and a clear storyline. All our albums are concept records, built around a connected universe. Germany is – and has always been – a big deal for us.

6.) How are the jobs divided, when you write and record new material?

FH: „Hellven“ marks my first album with THE UNGUIDED, and coming in, it was such an easy birth. In other bands, egos and passion usually collide. Here, we don’t have egos – we do what’s best for the song. It’s a team effort from start to finish. I personally focused on locking in the low end and making sure everything hits as hard as it should.

7.) As you have released your sixth studio album named „Hellven“. What do you like most about it and in how far will the new songs dominate your set at the festival in Duisburg?

FH: „Hellven“ is straight to the point – heavy and tight. No filler. Just solid tracks from start to finish. Working with Jacob Hansen was a great experience. Yeah, we’ll play a good chunk of it live, but we’ll bring older stuff too.

An individual approach to new material

8.) How do you start to write new material and when/how to you decide, that the songs are „ready for recording“?

FH: This is really individual. We start with riffs or a theme and build from there. If the passion dies along the way, the song is dropped. A song is ready when it sounds like THE UNGUIDED. No second-guessing, no polishing it to death – if it slams, it stays.

9.) I´m interested to see you perform live on stage in Duisburg soon. Do you have a final message for our readers out there?

FH: Bring your voice, your fists, and your friends. We’re ready to tear it up with you. Metal doesn’t need permission – and neither do you. See you in the pit.

Thanx for your time and see you soon!

Amir