UNIVERSUM25 are back and released the video for their new single „Wenn Roboter träumen“ (When Robots Dream) on January 19, 2026—a dystopian masterpiece in which machines gain consciousness and attempt to eliminate humans as a disruptive source of error. This dark scenario is visually taken to the extreme by a man-made AI video, a last gasp before algorithms sweep away everything handmade. You can watch the video here:
On February 20, 2026, the long-awaited follow-up to UNIVERSUM25’s self-titled debut album from 2023 will be released. Musically, „Die Maschinen wollen leben“ (The Machines Want to Live) seamlessly follows on from its acclaimed predecessor. Hard rock guitars, driving drumbeats, and atmospheric electronica support the astute lyrics of UNIVERSUM25. This unique band consists of singer Michael Robert Rhein (In Extremo), Pat Prziwara (Fiddlers Green / guitar), Gunnar Schroeder (Dritte Wahl / guitar), Rupert Keplinger (Eisbrecher, Antitype / bass) and drummer Alex Schwers (Slime), continues on its path and releases 10 new songs full of energy and enthusiasm. The sextet is completed by the well-known producer and songwriter Jörg Umbreit from Principal Studios.
Thematically, „Die Maschinen wollen leben“ (The Machines Want to Live) once again deals with post-apocalyptic and dystopian issues, this time focusing on the tense relationship between humans and machines, artificial intelligence, and an overly technological world in the not-so-distant future. In addition, the band uses socially critical snapshots and pointed lyrics to reveal exactly which abuses and excesses of the present day form the foundation for high-tech Armageddon.
UNIVERSUM25 present a second album that clearly contains influences from all the bands of the musicians involved, but combines them into their own unique sound.
The album will be released on February 20, 2026, via Vertigo Berlin/Universal Music, and the first edition of the CD/LP will include an exclusive bonus CD/LP with the complete live concert by UNIVERSUM25 at the Mera Luna Festival in 2025.