Today we’re examining an album from Unwanted Guest, an artist I recently discovered and wrote about earlier this summer. Unwanted Guest offers a unique mix of retro and modern alternative metal sounds. Some readers might recognize the person behind this project as the lead guitarist for UK band Seventh Son.
The new album, titled “Bonedead,” is Unwanted Guest’s second full-length release. It contains twelve tracks and took two years to create. What sets this album apart is that Dave Fox, the creator of Unwanted Guest, handled all aspects of its production. He performed all vocal parts and played every instrument on the record.
Previously, I reviewed a particularly moving track called “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” For those interested, that review is available through the link I provided earlier. However, our focus now shifts to the fresh material on “Bonedead.” Fox’s work as Unwanted Guest stands out due to its distinctive blend of older and contemporary metal elements. This combination results in a sound that’s hard to categorize but awesome to hear. With “Bonedead,” Fox continues to develop this unique style.
The two-year creation process for “Bonedead” suggests a meticulous approach to songwriting and recording. It will be interesting to see how this extended period of work has influenced the album’s sound and themes. Because I know from the single I heard, it was just amazing.
The track, “Six Degrees of Saturation,” kicks off with an incredible riff. I think we’re entering pure metal territory here, and it’s glorious. The song starts strong with that riff in the right ear, while the left carries what sounds like a siren. It’s a creative touch that adds to the overall impact.
I feel a strong connection to this song because of its subject matter. It’s something I see firsthand, especially given my inside look at the music industry. This track speaks to those artists and bands creating wonderful music but feeling like they’re playing into a void.
There’s an old saying that “content is king” or “if you build it, they will come.” While good content matters, I’ve learned it’s not the whole story. Sometimes, it takes a lot of luck to gain traction. I’ve seen countless artists craft incredible songs – ones who should be charting – go unnoticed for years. All their effort seems to go unheard, but I believe it hits someone out there.
I love how this track addresses that struggle. It feels like a dedication to those unrecognized artists, saying, “Hey, I hear you.” As a music journalist who gets to experience these incredible acts, I want them to know I hear them too. I’ll continue to praise their work, just like I’m doing with this album.
The intensity of the music matches the frustration and determination in the song’s theme. It’s a powerful opening in the first half of the album, setting a tone of resilience that I think will resonate with aspiring musicians and fans of underground music alike. In my opinion, he has crafted a song that not only rocks hard but also carries a meaningful message for creators everywhere. It’s a reminder to keep creating, even when it feels like no one’s listening.
After experiencing the raw energy of “Six Degrees of Saturation,” we’re thrown into the psychological turmoil of “Imposter Syndrome.” This track tackles a topic that’s all too familiar for many artists, especially those starting to see some success. As someone who’s been in the music journalism field for a while, I’ve got to say, Fox really hits the nail on the head here.
I remember my own brush with imposter syndrome. There I was, walking through an airport, when I spotted someone reading one of my Folk N Rock articles. Talk about a surreal moment. It’s weird, right? You work so hard for so long, and then suddenly, there’s tangible proof that people are engaging with your work. But instead of feeling accomplished, you’re left questioning reality.
Fox captures this disorienting experience brilliantly in “Imposter Syndrome.” The song’s intro is genuinely unsettling. It starts with this sound that reminds me of a cassette tape being rewound, gradually increasing in volume until the main riff crashes in. It’s disorienting in the best way possible, mirroring that feeling of your reality being turned on its head when success starts knocking.
What really caught my ear was this high-pitched, wavering sound that I’m pretty sure is a theremin. For those unfamiliar, it’s that eerie instrument you often hear in old sci-fi or ghost movies. Whether intentional or not, its inclusion here is genius. It perfectly embodies that ghostly, not-quite-real feeling that comes with imposter syndrome.
There’s this underlying funk in the bassline that keeps your head nodding even as the lyrics go into deeper waters. His vocal delivery has got this swagger to it, this charisma that seems to contradict the song’s theme. But that’s the point, isn’t it? Imposter syndrome is all about that disconnect between how others perceive you and how you see yourself.
I’ve got to commend him for tackling this topic. It’s not easy to write about feeling like a fraud, especially when you’re gaining traction in your career. You’ve got fans buying merch, showing up at gigs, maybe even some licensing offers rolling in. But instead of feeling on top of the world, you’re questioning if you deserve any of it. It’s like you’re living someone else’s life, experiencing a kind of depersonalization where your success feels unreal or unearned.
This song, I think, will resonate with a lot of people, and not just musicians. That feeling of being an imposter in your own life is surprisingly universal. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or in any other field, success can sometimes feel more frightening than failure.What impresses me most about “Imposter Syndrome” is how Fox manages to convey all these complex emotions not just through the lyrics, but through the music itself. The eerie intro, the funky bassline, the confident vocals – they all work together to create this sonic representation of the imposter syndrome experience.
In my view, this track is a standout on the album. It showcases Fox’s ability to blend meaningful, great lyrics with compelling instrumentals. It’s not just a song about imposter syndrome, to me it feels like it’s an experience of it. And that, I think, is what great music is all about.
“Show Yourself” opens with a ticking clock countdown and shuffling sounds before launching into an all-out groove. The sound here veers into groove metal territory, and I really love how it’s executed. Musically, this track exemplifies why this album is so impressive. The lyrics are bound to connect with many folks while the heavy yet danceable metal sound ticks so many boxes. I can’t praise this approach and execution enough.
What’s striking about this song is how it balances weighty themes with such an infectious beat. He really does manage this balance skillfully. The exploration of mental health struggles through lyrics, coupled with engaging music, is really great I feel. And also this track showcases the album’s strengths. It’s firing on all cylinders.Lyrically, he goes into some heavy territory, exploring those moments when mental health issues become overwhelming. There’s an honesty to it that I find compelling, and it doesn’t try to gloss over anything.
The music mirrors the lyrical content effectively. The driving groove of this track feels like it’s pushing against an unseen force, fighting to break free. It’s like a representation of battling one’s own mind. This song, in my view, encapsulates what makes this album so strong. It tackles real, often difficult subjects, but does so in a way that’s musically exciting and engaging. It’s the type of track that can energize a crowd at a show while also providing food for thought afterward.
As the final chords of “Wrap Me Up” reverberate through my headset here, it’s clear that Unwanted Guest has forged something great with “Bonedead.” I think that it’s great that he is carving out its own unique space. This track, like others on the album, has a bit of a retro feel to it. It’s almost like hearing Megadeth if they had access to modern tech, mixed with some early 70s metal vibes.
Musically, this album has been mind-blowing from start to finish. Every track offers standout moments, to the point where it’s overwhelming to write about. Songs like “Future Skeleton” hit hard, while “Beneath the Broken Shell” brings in beautiful acoustic elements. “Bonedead” is one of the most cohesive and well-rounded records I’ve heard this year.
Unwanted Guest has become a welcome addition to my playlist. The way this album blends awesome music with meaningful lyrics is rare and special. Often, you get one or the other, but Fox has delivered one of the best all-around experiences I’ve encountered this year.
“Bonedead” is available on all streaming platforms from September 20th 2024 and on CD from the Unwanted Guest website www.unwanted-guest.com
