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 song that was first heard across the Allied trenches during WWI. Hoile and Cavanagh are responsible for the album’s beautiful cover: a man at the center of light and space. Conceptually it seems to illustrate man’s enlightenment and possibly the light one sees before dying, the last great mystery of life.
Cover: Vincent Cavanagh
Photo: Jamie Cavanagh
Porcupine Tree – Coma Divine
The cover art for ‘Coma Divine’ has a distinct surreal vibe and a dark atmosphere of grandeur. Porcupine Tree wanted the cover art to feel like Rome even though all the images were shot in Denmark. The effect achieved by Lasse Hoile is an ambiguity been the holy and ill, the sacred and the profane. It is a throwback to religious art with a distinct twist to it.
Artist: Lasse Hoile
www.lassehoile.com
The Pineapple Thief – All The Wars
Album art can be subtle and reflect the essence of music in thought-provoking ways. This is definitely what Scott Robinson achieved here. The lyrics to the album retain a certain mystery that can be interpreted differently by different listeners. It is for that reason that Robinson wanted the cover of the album to reflect the quality of the music while keeping it abstract. He wanted a thought-provoking image that gave little away. In searching for that created a cover that represents beauty and harmony. The colors work together to form a delicate synchronized whole. If you closely though, the image conveys conflict as well: color and light surrounded by darkness representing war.
Artist: Scott at Kscope
Photo: Mark Mawson
Bruce Soord with Jonas Renkse – Wisdom of Crowds
This project was created by Bruce Soord, frontman of British progressive rock band The Pineapple Thief and Jonas Renkse, lead vocalist of Swedish metal band Katatonia. The album art is once again by Scott Robinson. This is a beautiful, atmospheric and hypnotic cover. With a song like ‘Frozen North’ among the album’s tracks it comes off as being a bit obvious in its conception. Regardless it boasts an interesting silver mirror effect on the print. This is a very interesting project for Jonas Renkse to take on as it fits well with Wisdom of Crowds.
Cover: Scott at Kscope
Photo: Devin Campbell
Ulver – Wars Of The Roses
The album cover doesn’t have to be flashy or very detailed. Sometimes the minimalist approach has proven to be more successful. This particular cover is a simple and elegant affair. There are no unnecessary distractions in it and it is almost like an invitation to the listener. The design is very clean and precise, the excellent work of Trine Paulsen and Kim Sølve, whose style is unpretentious, yet highly sophisticated…. especially in conjunction with Ulver’s music.
Artist: Trine Paulsen, Kim Sølve
www.trineogkim.no
