Universum originally burst onto the international metal scene with the release of their debut full length epic 'Leto Destinatus' in mid 2008. The critically acclaimed album was mixed and mastered in Sweden by Jens Bogren of Fascination Street Studios (Soilwork, Opeth, Amon Amarth) and featured artwork by Gustavo Sazes of Abstrata (Nightrage, Firewind, Sonic Syndicate).
Universum have since released the much anticipated album 'Mortuus Machina' on 1 January, 2011.
The album was again mixed and mastered in Sweden by Jens Bogren of Fascination Street Studios (Soilwork, Opeth, Amon Amarth) and features artwork by Seth Siro Anton (Kamelot, Septic Flesh, Sybreed).
Since their inception Universum have shared the stage with international big guns such as Soilwork (SWE), Cradle of Filth (UK), Unearth (USA), DragonForce (UK), The Black Dahlia Murder (USA), Edguy (GER), Dark Funeral (SWE), Cynic (USA), Ensiferum (FIN), Paul Dianno (UK) (ex-Iron Maiden), Children Of Bodom (FIN), and Amon Amarth (SWE).
Universum have also partnered up with musical instrument and accessory companies such as Ibanez Guitars, Tama Drums, ENGL Amplification, Line 6 Effects, D'Addario Strings, Planet Waves Cables and Seymour Duncan Pickups.
Over the duration of the bands existence, Universum have collaborated with prominent international musicians including Christian Alvestam (ex-Scar Symmetry, Solution .45), Ola Frenning (ex-Soilwork), Marios Iliopoulos (Nightrage), Olof Morck (Nightrage) and Tomy Laisto (Mors Principium Est).
2) German punk band feat. members of Pisse, Eastie Rois, Lötfett, Čorna kruŠwa and Jonny Kurt vs. Hank the Tank
Zero
Universum Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Celestial winds will take me
Floating in between two worlds
Caught in the ethereal
All I have ever said and done
Has let to this point in my life
Now as I reach for the truth
Fire upon me
I will kill you
You'll go down this time
Told what to do
Told what to say
So take it as the truth
What lies?
Screams paralysed by absolution
You are free from nothing
Make the ultimate sacrifice
All you love left behind
You've been called to take the blame
Come on forth and feed the flame
Another pawn in the big men's game
We'll roll this dice, there's no shame
Bloodied heroes on parade
Death and carnage on display
Count the ones who chose to stay
All of this amounts to zero!
Colours splay the sky
Screams paint the night
An eye for an eye
Meet your maker
You're a number
You're not missed
Just a count of the crime
Take a look, we're the walking dead
Transient existence
If I was to die, would you die for me?
If I was to die, would you die for me?
Would you die for me?
Celestial winds will take me
Floating in between two worlds
Caught in the ethereal
All I have ever said and done
Has let to this point in my life
Now as I reach for the truth
It's time to say goodbye
Fire upon me
I will kill you
You'll go down this time
Told what to do
Told what to say
So take it as the truth
What lies?
Screams paralysed by absolution
You are free from nothing
Make the ultimate sacrifice
All you love left behind
You've been called to take the blame
Come on forth and feed the flame
Another pawn in the big men's game
We'll roll this dice, there's no shame
Bloodied heroes on parade
Wounds and carnage on display
Count the ones who chose to stay
All of this amounts to zero!
The song "Zero" by Universum is a contemplative piece that speaks to the futility of life and the unavoidable specter of death. The lyrics depict a sense of disillusionment with the world and the systems that govern it, with the singer recognizing the pointlessness of all their past actions and the sacrifices they have made. The chorus of the song describes the violence and chaos of the world as it continues on, despite the futility of it all.
The verses represent the different stages of acceptance and contemplation that the singer goes through in coming to terms with their place in the world. They recognize the inherent meaninglessness of fighting against the inevitable and instead embrace it as a natural part of existence. The song ultimately is a call to accept life as it is, to fight against the chaos until the inevitable end, and to not give in to despair.
Overall, "Zero" is a thoughtful and introspective piece that paints a bleak picture of the world but ultimately embraces the inevitability of it all.
Line by Line Meaning
Closing in the skies of grey
I'm surrounded by darkness, trapped and unable to navigate through the obstacles ahead.
Celestial winds will take me
I'm hoping for a sign or signal from the heavens that will guide me towards my destination.
Floating in between two worlds
I'm living a life that's neither here nor there, stuck in limbo between my past and my future.
Caught in the ethereal
I'm in a dreamlike state, disconnected from reality and uncertain of what's real or not.
All I have ever said and done
Everything I've ever said or done has led me to this moment.
Has let to this point in my life
I've arrived at a crossroads where my past actions have brought me to where I am today.
Now as I reach for the truth
I'm trying to uncover the truth about myself and my life.
It's time to say goodbye
I need to let go of my past and move forward, leaving behind what's holding me back.
Fire upon me
I'm being attacked and need to defend myself.
I will kill you
If you come after me, I'll retaliate with force.
You'll go down this time
If you try to defeat me again, you won't succeed.
Told what to do
I'm being controlled and forced to follow orders.
Told what to say
I'm being manipulated into saying things I don't believe in.
So take it as the truth
I'm being deceived and lied to, but I'm unable to discern the truth from the lies.
What lies?
I'm questioning everything that's being told to me and trying to find the truth.
Screams paralysed by absolution
I'm trapped and unable to express my feelings or stand up for myself.
You are free from nothing
You're not truly free until you can break free from your fears and your past.
Make the ultimate sacrifice
In order to achieve your goals, you may need to give up something you love or hold dear.
All you love left behind
You may need to sacrifice everything you love and leave it all behind in order to move forward.
You've been called to take the blame
You've been unfairly blamed for something that's not your fault.
Come on forth and feed the flame
You're being asked to take the fall and be punished for something you didn't do.
Another pawn in the big men's game
You're being used as a tool by those in power for their own gain.
We'll roll this dice, there's no shame
We'll take a risk and see what happens, even if it means losing everything.
Bloodied heroes on parade
The people we idolize and celebrate are often those who have suffered and been hurt the most.
Wounds and carnage on display
The scars and trauma that we bear are often visible for all to see.
Count the ones who chose to stay
We can't judge someone for not wanting to leave a situation that's harmful, as everyone has their own reasons for staying.
All of this amounts to zero!
Despite all of our struggles and sacrifices, in the end, it may all be for nothing.
Contributed by Dominic T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.