Yesterday we posted a sneak peek of Mastadon's badass cover art for their
upcoming album which inspired us to make a list of some of our favourite album cover art from the underworld.
10.
Lamb of God - Ashes of the Wake, From their 2004 album this album cover fits thematically with the highly politicized antiwar sentiments expressed throughout the album. Fairly explicit symbolism make this an emotionally charged visual.
9.
Children of Bodom - Relentless Reckless Forever (2011) CoB's most recent album takes our #9 position as it presents the architypal death metal cover art. Everyone loves a reaper.
8.
Iron Maiden - Run to the Hills, Our next sleeve comes from a single off of the LP Number of the Beast, the cover is in the same style as other Maiden albums featuring the iconic work of artist Derek Riggs (creator of Eddie the Head). This is the second of three Maiden covers by Riggs to feature satan and the theme somewhat consistent with the subject matter of the title track, namely the violence between 19th century Native Americans and settlers.
7.
Megadeth - Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?, Another heavy metal mainstay, this Megadeth cover features another skeleton mascot "Vic Rattlehead' the visual embodiment of the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" mantra. The visuals connote cold war and apocalyptic imagery and have Vic leaning agains a for sale sign in front of the United Nations. Just a long shot but it may be a comment on the commodification of peace. or something.
6.
Cannibal Corpse - Tomb of the Mutliated, if the album cover didn't tip you off this album deals with necrophelia. Not for everyone, this album has been censored in many regions and has been banned in entirety in Germany. Check out the censored cover art below.
5.
Slayer - South of Heaven, Released in 1988 and produced by Def Jam's Rick Rubin South of Heaven marked a musical departure for Slayer with slower tempo and less distortion, which was an aesthetic designer Larry Carroll aimed to match with the cover art. The back cover (below) featured a shot of the band from 1986 (Reign in Blood sessions) by photographer Glen E. Friedman which has gone on to become arguably the most famous photo of the band.
4.
Iron Maiden - Piece of Mind, Though we already have another Maiden album on our list, we had to include this one on our list because it's art is prominently displayed in the CoRE building. Rigg's work has become synonymous with
Maiden Metal Rock. The aptly titled album deals largely with the members of the band's growing interests in literature.
3.
Guns 'N' Roses - Appetite For Destruction, This album has grown to become a near household name recognized by many both inside and outside the world of rock. The cover is minimal featuring a cross with skulls meant to represent each member of the band. This cover however was not the originally intended art chosen to accompany this record. The original cover was of a robot raping a woman (surprised? really? see below.). It was only after pressure from retailers that the cover we are all familiar with was chosen.
2.
Metallica - Ride the Lightning, released in 1984. Largely considered the greatest Thrash metal album of all time and a seminal metal recording in general Metallica's Ride the Lightning cover stands out without feeling out of place. The cover was designed by AD Artists and thought up by the band. French label Bernett Records accidentally misprinted the album cover and 400 copies appeared green, now considered to be a rare collectors item.
1.
Meatloaf - Bat out of Hell, One of the most famous album covers of all time Meatloaf and Jim Steinman's rock epic concept album has the drama of Classical theatre merged with biker/rock tropes. The concept for the cover has been credited to Steinman and was illustrated by artist Richard Corben (of Heavy Metal Magazine fame). This 1977 album cover has definitely influenced the artistic direction of metal/rock albums to follow.
Honourable Mention:
We had to add in the next album cover just because it so captures everything tough and badass that metal truly came to represent. But really it is like looking at a car wreck. Enjoy.
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