When creating metal album art it is assumed artist will use more black/red than light red/beige. All the darkness, blood and monsters are known as the conventions of metal but taking a closer look to the colour palettes of famous metal albums gives a slight different result. I took some classic metal albums from Black…
The Runes are not merely alphabetical symbols, used in ancient Germanic alphabets. The history of the Runes stretches back quite a distance and while it is true that the symbols themselves likely find their origin in many cultural sources, the inner essence of the Runes is something truly arcane and Otherworldly. The first hint to the…
Swedish sleaze/punk metal outfit SISTER, loud and in your face! SISTER was formed in early 2006. Glam/sleaze enthusiasts like me will probably remember them as a colourful gang of glammed-out teens who popped up almost out of nowhere. These guys were truly underground back then and everyone dug them thoroughly. There was a lot of…
The 14th century was an era of catastrophes. Some of them man-made, such as the Hundred Years’ War, the Avignon Papacy, and the Great Schism. These were caused by human beings, and we shall consider them a bit later. There were two more or less natural disasters either of which one would think would have…
In conversation with legendary Dan Seagrave Dan Seagrave is not your typical, everyday cover artwork designer. Far from being a common illustrator, he’s a true builder of hyper-detailed scenarios and otherworldly atmospheres. Not in vain, Metal artists like Pestilence, Demon Hunter, Gorguts, The Devil Wears Prada, among others have used his talents in more than one…
There are many parts of the soul in Nordic Mythology. The lyke [lik ON, lic(h) OE] is the physical body itself. The hyde [hamron] is the quasi-physical part of the soul which gives shape and form tothe lyke. It can be formed and mutated by human will and what happens to the hyde happens to…
In conversation with France got talent Eths In their native France ETHS are superstars. The quintet from Marseilles has graced about every music magazine cover in their home country. Their success story began with the release of two EPs, which spread like wildfire and gained the young band cult status. “Autopsie” came out in the…
Since we can remember serial killers have been a popular topic in today’s world, dating back all the way to the 1400’s. A simple definition for a serial killer is person who murders usually three or more people with a “cooling off” period between each murder and whose main intention for killing is mainly for…
Tad Morose reveals art direction for “Revenant” After a long recording hiatus, Swedish power metallers, Tad Morose, have returned with their brand new recording, “Revenant”. The album’s cover artwork, features a furious zombie-like creature emerging from a swamp. Somehow, this image seems to work as a metaphor for a band that came back from the…
Heavy Music Artwork’s Andy Starz rolls the dice with Damn Dice Damn Dice are one of London’s many slick rock’n’roll offspring. One of the best things about them, I’d say, is that they’re a motley group of young French, Italian and English musicians which warms my heart, dear reader, because I’m a big fan of…
Anathema – We are because we are here Anathema’s album ‘We are here because we are here’ has a lot of high credentials attached to the project. It was mixed by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree and chosen as the 2010’s “Prog Album of the Year” by Classic Rock magazine. It was inspired by a…
Heavy Music Artwork uncovers the Spirit of Reckless Love! What’s up all you bizarre decadents and lovers of high-energy rock’n’roll? If you’re into hair metal then you probably know Reckless Love by now. They are one of Finland’s many fine contributions to rock music. Their first two albums Reckless Love (2010) and Animal Attraction (2011)…
Interview with Orange County Grind legends Phobia Socio-political crustcore grind veterans Phobia have been tearing up the scene for going on 23 years now. Their smash up noise-fest rhythm section and four chord riffs are carried atop a slew of Shane Maclachlan’s guttural growls and searing screams, and whilst the lyrics and the band’s image…
One-on-one with guitar master of the Quireboys, Guy Griffin The Quireboys are part of a long tradition of English rock’n’roll excellence. Formed way back in 1984 when rock music ruled the world and the demand for hairspray was making Aquanet’s owners filthy rich, the Quireboys have since enjoyed international fame. Their latest album ‘Beautiful Curse’…
Interview with TYR frontman Heri Joensen Valkyrja, the 7 full-length album from the Faroe Islands natives TÝR, is a concept album with a story line based loosely around an nameless Viking age warrior who leaves his woman and goes off to impress the Valkyrie on the battlefield so that she may bring him to Valhalla,…
Animal supremacist Cattle Decapitation speaks to HMA Originally founded in 1996, Cattle Decapitation’s songs protest the mistreatment and consumption of animals as well as the abuse of the environment. Lyrics may also focus on subjects such as misanthropy and genocide of the human race. Much of their music is based on putting humans in the…
Heavy Music Artwork Dark Nouveau Vance Kelly Vance Kelly is an award-winning illustrator, fine artist, printmaker and graphic designer. Born in 1970, he resides in New Orleans, Louisiana. His instantly recognizable artwork can be seen in the industries of music, advertising, apparel, and publishing. With an interest in mythology, symbolism, fantasy, and the occult, Vance uses…
Heavy Music Artwork speaks to Pelle Ahman “It’s time to release our third album, and things have never felt this clear and pervasive before. This is a feeling that has permeated our whole lives during the latest year of writing and recording this album, as well as digesting and dealing with its consequences. And it…
Rivers of Nihil’s debut album, “The Conscious Seed of Light,” will be released on October 14th in the UK. The album was recorded in March of 2013 at Mana Recording Studios in Florida with famed metal producer/musician Erik Rutan. While The Conscious Seed of Light is not necessarily a concept album traditionally speaking, Rivers of…
Interview with Tristania Anders Høyvik Hidle The Norwegian Gothic Metal pioneers revolving around charismatic front lady Mariangela Demurtars have the gift to combine heavy tunes with emotional finesse. This combination was brought to perfection on “Darkest White”, which was produced by Christer André Cederberg (e.g. Anathema). He has certainly given the album a new level…