Bio
Hailing from Adelaide - Australia, Universum completed formation in early 2007. Fusing Scandinavian melodic death metal, new wave American heavy metal, old school metal and progressive rock elements, Universum have set forth to create the new brand of Modern Australian Heavy Melodic Metal.
The band was founded in 2006 by guitarist Stephen Murphy, drummer Jaron Soininen and guitarist Michael Soininen and initially began rehearsing as a three piece until soon after when they recruited keyboardist Rachael Madden. While they were faced with the challenge of searching for the two remaining members, the group focused their time and energy toward writing, rehearsing and producing their original material. Jams and test rehearsals with various musicians eventually led to the appointment of bassist Liam Brophy in late 2006 and lead vocalist Adam Soininen in early 2007.
In mid 2008 Universum released their debut full length epic 'Leto Destinatus'. The album was mixed and mastered in Sweden by Jens Bogren of Fascination Street Studios (Soilwork, Opeth, Amon Amarth) and features artwork by Gustavo Sazes of Abstrata (Nightrage, Firewind, Sonic Syndicate). Since the release of the album the band have been signed by Australia's major force in metal - Riot Entertainment and have been enjoying excellent reviews, great feedback, increased media attention, and better than estimated sales figures.
In the last quarter of 2008 the band resurfaced on the live scene playing key shows to promote the album in South Australia and interstate, the highlight of which was supporting UK powermetal giants 'Dragonforce' on their October 2008 Australian national tour, the opportunity they gained as a result of being hand picked by Dragonforce lead guitar wizard Herman Li.
Since the bands inception, Universum have worked tirelessly on publicity and promotion to establish a strong fan base in both Australia and internationally and as a result have received airplay throughout Australia on various radio stations including Triple J radio, international airplay on stations in the UK, US, Europe, Canada & South America and requests to play live in a number of countries around the world.
Universum have also attracted the attention of premier musical instrument and accessories companies Ibanez Guitars, Tama Drums, ENGL Amplification, Ashdown Amplification, D'Addario Strings and Planet Waves and as a testament of their belief in Universum's musical abilities, both live and in the studio, have secured them as endorsees of their products.
Brandishing a hard work ethic and a strong determination to bring their musical vision to metal fans throughout Australia and the world, Universum are emerging as one of Australia's finest metal talents.