UNIVERSAL THEORY

By Sonia Fonseca on May 14, 2013 in Exclusive Interviews | 0 comments

Universal Theory is a Spanish band formed in 2011 which now presents its debut album “Mystery Timeline”.

The mentor Jesús Pinilla, in collaboration with vocalist Maria Jose Martos, tries to understand the cosmos and time through obscure and simultaneously atmospheric melodies in a fine blend of rock and metal. Riff-Mag talked to Jesus to find out more about this project.

Universal Theory

Universal Theory is a musical studio project created in 2011 by JesúsPinilla Hoyas that counts with the collaboration of Maria José Martos. How did the idea of forming such a project come up?

After many years playing in different bands and different styles of music, the difficulty of maintaining these bands were the main reason why I decided to create Universal Theory, a personal project – a musical studio project, for now-, where any reason, idea or style is welcome.

Does the name of the band somehow reflect an intention to understand the cosmos and all that surrounds us?

That´s the idea and I reflect this in songs like “Timeline or Grand Mystery.” However, it doesn’t just reflect an intention to understand the cosmos scientifically or spiritually, because there are many universal theories. These include emotions of life in terms that are at the same time both personal and universal, and in songs like “Conversations With Myself, What Dreams Hide, Enchantment or Maybe” I try to reflect that.

Universal Theory is based on one idea: “The Pleasure of Searching”… what are you searching for?

I love reading and learning new things and particularly I usually read Science books. When I´m reading these books I realize how they are continuously searching and as some scientists say “Happiness is in the anteroom of Happiness”.


The music is composed from lyrics inspired by personal experiences and thoughts… what do the lyrics deal with? How much time and thought do you put into them?

I believe that before you write a song, you need to have a reason for writing it and in Mystery Timeline each song tells a story, a thought, desires, one day or one experience in my life and I try to transmit it through the lyrics and music.

I´m constantly thinking about the lyrics, melodies, sounds, while I´m going to any place, at night or before I go to sleep, in short, all the time.

You recently released a promo video for the debut full length “Mystery Timeline”. What have the reactions been like so far?

The reactions have been good so far. People who have heard it leave us fantastic comments and messages in our social networks.

What is the meaning behind the title?

The mystery of time – or it would be better to say “Timeline” or “the arrow of time”- flowing without a break from the past to the future through the present, showing a clear asymmetry and that is an important feature: Irreversibility.

This may mean that time only exists now.

The cover features a kind of time machine/clock with numbers and symbols. What’s the meaning of it all?

The cover is the Prague Astronomical Clock and the meaning is once again the mystery of Time and for a long time it has already shown us much detail.

*The Prague Astronomical Clock is composed of three main components: the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; “The Walk of the Apostles”, a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures—notably a figure of Death (represented by a skeleton) striking the time; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months.

*Wikipedia.org

Who conceived the cover? Why does the cover basically only have one colour?

The Cover was conceived by Josh Cook (Metal Hell Records), Sandra Herranz and me and the idea of one color is in direct relation with the title –Mystery Timeline– Time has only a “one-way direction”

The music is described as atmospheric, melancholic, romantic, passionate with dark passages. Musically speaking, what bands/sounds inspire you?

Tiamat, Anathema, Blackfield and other styles of music like

Pat Metheny Group, Akira Yamaoka & Mary Elizabeth Mcglynn (OST Silent Hill) and many others.

Considering that you’re a fairly recent band, to which bands can you be compared in terms of sound?

These bands would be Tiamat, Type O Negative, Anathema, to name just a few.

What are your main sources of inspiration?

Emotions, mysteries, secrets, experiences, desires of this life.

Has the Spanish economic crisis and desperation of society had any impact on you and the project?

Luckily for me it hasn’t, and for the project it’s too soon to tell.

The Spanish people are known for being too proud and mainly consuming national products and music. Do you believe your music will be well accepted by the Spanish community?

The Spanish people don’t just consume national products, it would be better to say that commercial music is the main trouble in Spain. The media does not opt for spreading other styles of music.

I believe that Universal Theory will be very well received by people who like this genre.

How long did it take to find a label interested in your project?

About one year. This was, of course, fantastic news.

Have you got any plans to tour in order to promote “Mystery Timeline”?

There aren’t any plans for a tour to date, at the moment Universal Theory is just me and Maria Jose Martos. For now Universal Theory is a musical studio project but hopefully later… in Spain, It´s hard to find People who like and play this style.

All the best for your debut album! Share a final message with the readers.

Now invite you to listen to “Mystery Timeline”.

8 highly memorable tracks of Atmospheric-Gothic-Rock – Metal with

Psychedelic – Progressive overtones and featuring dynamic male-female vocals.

Thanks so much!

It´s been a great pleasure talking to you.

Jesus Pinilla

Universal Theory

By: Sonia Fonseca