Band History
Formed in early 2006, their sound was influenced by such bands as Pantera, Death, and Iron Maiden. In 2007, Universum completed an eponymous demo. Soon Liam Brophy and Rachael Madden were added to the line up. Playing a string of Australian shows, Universum entered the Emergenza Battle of the Bands competition where they came away runners up in the South Australian state final, winning 'Best Vocalist' and 'Best Guitarist.' Shortly following, the band recorded their debut album, Leto Destinatus, which was well received by critics. The album was mixed and mastered in Sweden by the renowned Jens Bogren (Opeth, Soilwork, Amon Amarth). The artwork was done by Gus Sazes, and the album featured a guest solo by Tomy Laisto from the Finnish melodeath band Mors Principium Est. Following the album's release, the band were signed by Riot Entertainment. In October 2008, Universum embarked on their first Australian national tour, with the UK's power metal band Dragonforce. They have also secured 2009 shows with Cradle Of Filth, Edguy, Cynic, Dark Funeral and Ensiferum. The band has featured on both the UK's Terrorizer magazine (Jan 2009, issue No. 180) and Metal Hammer's (Apr 2009, issue No. 191) covermount CDs.
On the back of releasing Leto Destinatus, Universum picked up a string of endorsements and in March 2010 Michael Soininen and Stephen Murphy were fortunate enough to be the first Australian guitarists listed on the Ibanez guitars web page artist roster.
Universum have announced they are to commence recording of the follow-up to their debut album Leto Destinatus in the coming months. Due for release on 1 January 2011, the album tentatively titled ‘Mortuus Machina’ will feature guest appearances from vocalist Christian Älvestam (ex Scar Symmetry, Miseration), vocalist Tommy Tuovinen (myGRAIN), as well as guest guitar solos from Nightrage axe men Marios Iliopoulos and Olof Mörck. Jens Bogren of Sweden’s Fascination Street Studios (Opeth, Soilwork, Amon Amarth, Katatonia) will once again be handling both mixing and mastering duties.
In June 2010, the band confirmed on their Myspace page that they had parted ways with their longtime bassist Liam Brophy.
Universum released their second album 'Mortuus Machina' on 1 January 2011.
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