Daniel Denis' musical career started in 1971, when he formed the band ARKHAM. In 1971 they supported MAGMA on stage, and Denis played with them a few times on stage. Keyboard player Jean Luc Manderlier left to join MAGMA, and in 1973 the nucleus of the legendary UNIVERS ZERO came together. Denis emerged as the main composer, and UZ released a series of acclaimed albums over the next few years. In 1979 co-founder Roger Trigaux split to form PRESENT, and Denis has since played in both bands.