17 May 2024 Universe started in 1982 in Upplands Väsby, Sweden, where hard rock ruled the streets. The members hailed from several different local bands. After leaving the band Moon, lead guitarist Michael Kling, who founded the band WC in the late 70's with John Norum, became one of UNIVERSE’s founding members.
Bassist Hasse Hagman, who played in Joey Tempest's first band, along with drummer Anders Wetterström and guitarist Per Nilsson, all came from the band Twilight. Once UNIVERSE got their hands on keyboard player Fredrik Kriström and singer Kjell Wallen, the band was complete.
They played diligently for a couple of years all over Sweden, opening for Nazareth, among many other gigs. In 1985, the band released its self-titled debut album with songs like "Rollin’ On", "Stories from the Old Days", and "Strong Vibrations". In 1986, Kjell Wallen left the band on good terms following creative differences and was subsequently replaced by Janne Åström. With Janne as the new frontman, the band focused fully on a follow-up to their debut album. Several demos were recorded but never ended up in the right hands. The band dissolved in early 1988 and then had a short reunion for a final show in the ice hall in Upplands Väsby later that year.
The band members went their separate ways, each showing up here and there in different contexts with connections to music. Everyone maintained occasional contact. 2002, all the members met up together for the first time in 14 years. They immediately knew they wanted to play again and became convinced that the old material still had potential. Everyone agreed that a new album had to be released, but also that they were being pulled in different directions. For several years they kept continuous contact, waiting for the time when recording an album became inevitable. At first, UNIVERSE lacked a singer, but suddenly one day he was just there. Andreas Eklund (ex-House Of Shakira) became the new front man, his narrative lyrics and tasteful melodies opening the door to another dimension, so the band could take a bigger step into the galaxy.
UNIVERSE was back as UNIVERSE INFINITY with “Rock Is Alive” in 2018 via Pride & Joy Music, a powerful album that is a tribute to the music of the 70’s and 80's, and to their youth in Upplands Väsby. After the release of "Rock Is Alive", several gigs followed at clubs and festivals, among other venues, where the band mixed songs from the new record with classics from their debut album. Performing live again was glorious and ended too quickly.
The pandemic was difficult for many artists. Most of the band decided early on that they couldn’t imagine isolating themselves from one another and safely continued meeting. Reinvigorated, the members began working on new songs in the rehearsal room with the same vigor they did when creating the debut album. They quickly pounded out 20 songs, style-wise reminiscent of the 2 previous records, and 10 of which they saved for release on a future album. During the pandemic, there was a clear rift between the members for various reasons resulting in Kling and the band going their separate ways. During the phase UNIVERSE III, their third record will be released, with the release date and title to be announced shortly. With a new album locked and loaded, the band is ready to go out and play again. They are thirsty to meet the audience and are planning a setlist with songs from all the records and new material that will not disappoint!
Line-up: Andreas Eklund (Lead and backing vocals), Freddie Kriström (keyboards), Hasse Hagman (bass), Anders Wetterström (drums), Per Nilsson (Electric and acoustic guitars)
1. I Am MASTER 44.1khz 24bit(1) 4:35
2. To Serve And Protect MASTER 44.1khz 24bit(1) 5:35
3. Casa De Los Pollos MASTER 44.1khz 24bit(1) 4:38
4. Why MASTER 44.1khz 24bit(1) 5:40
5. Hanging By A Thread MASTER 44.1khz 24bit(1) 4:23
6. Rise Above MASTER 44.1khz 24bit(1) 5:41
7. Liquid Confidence MASTERr 44.1khz 24bit(1) 4:34
8. Dream Of Better Days MASTER 44.1khz 24bit(1) 4:36
9. Too Late MASTER 44.1khz 24bit(1) 4:36
10. It's Time MASTER 44.1khz 24bit(1)
Universe – Universe III 2024
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