Universum - Leto Destinatus (Album)
Universum are bursting into the Melodic Death Metal scene, and this debut, Leto Destinatus, promises big things indeed. From start to finish it’s a wicked-sick ride on the metal coaster. And to top it off they have a cool name (hey, Latin works) and some beautiful (in a metal sense) album artwork. Good stuff all round.
Universum are, amazingly, an Australian band, and even more amazingly, an Adelaide band. Previously I would have said that no Australian band could create convincing European-styled Melodic Death Metal, but Universum have done so easily. Probably most of the reason for this is that Leto Destinatus was mixed and mastered at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden – the studio responsible for much of the best-known metal work today, such as Soilwork, Opeth, and Amon Amarth. There is more than a slight touch of Soilwork about this band; perhaps mostly because the singers’ of the respective bands sound quite similar. Either way, Universum formed up in early 2007 as a 6-piece, and since releasing the debut Leto Destinatus they have been touring around Australia in support; most notably of all, they secured support slots with the uber-huge Dragonforce in their October tour of Australia. Not bad for a new band!
The music of Universum is everything that Melodic Death Metal should be and more; there are elements of heavy rock and even hints of progressive metal in there. A brilliantly cold metal package indeed. The music is driven in the main by flailing distorted guitars, and the screaming of lead singer Adam Soininen (who does indeed sing quite like Soilwork’s singer, albeit with a deeper voice). The drumming is great, alternately fast beats that bring out the vibrant menace in the melodies, and slower, more basic sections that capitalise on the softer bridges, a la In Flames more modern work. The keyboard is background for most of the music, adding a crucial yet subtle part, but spikes up every now and then to take the spotlight briefly.
I have no criticisms of the work. None. That is rare indeed… Perhaps the only thing I would have liked to see is more of an Australian influence in the music. However, it would be hard to do that without destroying the European feel that more or less creates the genre. And who knows, Universum are still a very young band. Perhaps with the confidence of experience we will see some more Aussie flavouring.
The best songs on the album are hard to pick, but opener Leto Destinatus repeatedly sticks in my mind, and so to it I grant the title of tephanis’ winner. Disconnected, False Paradigm and Black Logic are also awesome tracks. However, all tracks are great artworks in their own rights. If you have ever liked metal, buy this album. More-so if you’re Australian. Ignore my words at your own peril.
