Universum

Universum is an Australian melodic death metal band from Adelaide. They are currently signed to Riot. Formed in early 2006, Universum originally were a three-piece before recruiting additional members. They fuse European metal, American alternative metal riffage and old school elements. They have released one album to date Leto Destinatus with their follow up "Mortuus Machina" planned for release in early 2010.

Band history

Formed in early 2006, their sound was influenced by such bands as Pantera, Soilwork, Death, andKillswitch Engage. 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 metalband Dragonforce. They have also secured 2009 shows with Cradle Of Filth, Edguy, Cynic (band), Dark Funeral and Ensiferum. The band has featured on both the UK's Terrorizer magazine (Jan 2009, issue #180) and Metal Hammer's (Apr 2009, issue #191) covermount CDs.

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 in early 2010, the album tentatively titled ‘Mortuus Machina’ will feature guest appearances from vocalist Christian Älvestam (ex Scar Symmetry, Miseration) 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.

Members

Current members

Name	Instrument	Membership	Additional information
Adam Soininen	vocals	2007–present
Michael Soininen	guitar, vocals	2006–present
Stephen M Murphy	guitar	2006–present
Jaron Soininen	drums	2006–present
Liam Brophy	bass	2006-present
Rachael Madden	keyboards	2006–present

Guest musicians

Name	Contribution	Band	Additional information
Christian Älvestam	guest vocals	ex Scar Symmetry, Miseration	Vocals on the album "Mortuus Machina"
Marios Iliopoulos	guest guitar	Nightrage	Lead solo on the album "Mortuus Machina"
Olof Mörck	guest guitar	Nightrage	Lead solo on the album "Mortuus Machina"
Tomy Laisto	guest guitar	Mors Principium Est	Lead solo on the track "Ignite the Subconscious".

Discography

Studio albums

Date of Release	Title	Label	Peak	Sales
July 15, 2008	Leto Destinatus	Riot
January 1, 2010	Mortuus Machina	Riot

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universum_(band)

Universum
Universum live in Australia.
Background information
Origin	Adelaide, Australia
Genre(s)	Melodic death metal Alternative metal
Years active	2006−present
Label(s)	Riot
Associated acts	Mors Principium Est,Hateform
Members
Adam Soininen Michael Soininen Stephen Murphy Jaron Soininen Liam Brophy Rachael Madden