Title: An abridged History of painting with metal album covers
Date: 2022-03-21 12:45

A friend of mine did the [École du Louvre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89cole_du_Louvre),
to study [Art History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_history), so she's
*quite* knowledgeable about, amongst other things, paintings. It has become a
habit of mine to send her paintings-looking covers of metal albums, to quiz her
about the inspirations/genres/… This blogpost is a super-set of what I remember
from some of our conversations, chronologically ordered.

Do note that I don't have the faintest idea about [Painting
History](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_painting), so this article will
be full of horrible mistakes: please let me know about them, I'll be happy to
fix them!


## First Millennia


### [Om](https://omband.bandcamp.com) — [Advaitic Songs](https://omband.bandcamp.com/album/advaitic-songs) (2012)

![Om]({static}/images/art_cover/om.jpg)

Looks like a [Byzantine painting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_art)
from about the 7<sup>th</sup> century, with gold and paint on wood;
or maybe something from the [Sienese school]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sienese_School ).


### [БАТЮШКА](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batushka) — [Литоургиіа](https://batushka.bandcamp.com/album/litourgiya) (2015)

![Batushka]({static}/images/art_cover/batushka.jpg)

[A Russian Icon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_icons),
on [wood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panel_painting),
close to [Byzantine Art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_art).

### [Eluveitie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eluveitie) — [Helvetios](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helvetios) (2012)

![Eluveitie]({static}/images/art_cover/eluveitie.jpg)

[Celtic Art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_art), more precisely from the
[Helvetii](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helvetii).

### [Bring Me the Horizon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bring_Me_the_Horizon) — [Sempiternal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sempiternal_(album)) (2013)

![BMTH]({static}/images/art_cover/bmth.jpg)

This one looks like [Islamic geometric
patterns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_geometric_patterns), in the
form of [overlapping circles
grid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overlapping_circles_grid), as [could been
seen](https://collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/53355/cl010144627) on in the
threshold of the palace of Assyrian king
[Aššur-bāni-apli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%C5%A1%C5%A1ur-b%C4%81ni-apli)
in [Dur Šarrukin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dur_%C5%A0arrukin).


## 15<sup>th</sup> Century


### [Gojira](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gojira_(band)) — [Magma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magma_(Gojira_album)) (2016)

![Gojira]({static}/images/art_cover/magma.jpg)

Created via [Intaglio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intaglio_(printmaking)),
like [Schongauer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Schongauer) would have
done it, but in a moderner style, by [Miyazaki](https://www.hibikimiyazaki.com).

## 16<sup>th</sup> Century

### [Monarque](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarque_(groupe)) — [Blasphèmes et cultes morbides](https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Monarque/Blasph%C3%A8mes_et_cultes_morbides/271680) (2010)

![Monarque]({static}/images/art_cover/monarque.jpg)

A [Danse Macabre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danse_Macabre) inspired from
[Hans Holbein's
woodcuts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danse_Macabre#Hans_Holbein's_woodcuts),
but with inverted colours.


### [Dopelord]( https://dopelord.bandcamp.com) — [Sign of the Devil](https://dopelord.bandcamp.com/album/sign-of-the-devil) (2020)

![Dopeloard]({static}/images/art_cover/dopelord.jpg)

[Wood engraving](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_engraving), in the same
vein than the work of
[Dürer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albrecht_D%C3%BCrer) for example. 
Or maybe one of two centuries earlier, since it seems to be depicting the
[Black Death](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Death).

### [Cradle of Filth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cradle_of_Filth) — [Existence is futile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existence_Is_Futile_%28Cradle_of_Filth_album%29) (2021)

![Cradle of Filth]({static}/images/art_cover/cradle.jpg)

A cover directly inspired from the [Garden of Earthly Delights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Garden_of_Earthly_Delights)
by [Hieronymus Bosch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hieronymus_Bosch).

### [Stav](https://stav.bandcamp.com) — [Mediate to kill](https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Stav/Meditate_to_Kill/364882) (2012)

![Stav]({static}/images/art_cover/stav.jpg)

Oil on paper, with [Bosch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hieronymus_Bosch) vibes here as well,
with a touch of [Bruegel the Elder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pieter_Bruegel_the_Elder),
by [Paolo Girardi](https://heavymusicartwork.com/paolo-girardi/). A very
organic painting, with way too many eyes, slimes, tentacles, helpless human bodies coming
out of a vagina to get eaten by insects, … an unsettling melange between
[Arcimboldo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giuseppe_Arcimboldo) and
[Lovecraft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._P._Lovecraft).

### [Ghost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_(Swedish_band)) — [Prequelle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prequelle) (2018)

![Ghost]({static}/images/art_cover/ghost.jpg)

[Bosch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hieronymus_Bosch) again,
and [Bermejo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartolom%C3%A9_Bermejo) as well,
with an insane amount of details. The human excreting gold (on the left)
is also present in [The Garden of Earthly Delights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Garden_of_Earthly_Delights).
The central figure is a disfigured [Portrait of Innocent X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portrait_of_Innocent_X)
from [Velázquez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diego_Vel%C3%A1zquez).

Amusingly, the 3 crosses on the right, the grim reaper on the left, and the big
red wings are surely a nod to
[Sepultura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepultura)'s [Bestial
Devastation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bestial_Devastation).


## 17<sup>th</sup> Century


### [Haggard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haggard_(band)) — [Awaking the Centuries](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awaking_the_Centuries) (1999)


![Haggard]({static}/images/art_cover/haggard.jpg)

Clearly a [Vanitas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanitas).


## 19<sup>th</sup> Century


### [Killswitch Engage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killswitch_Engage) — [Atonment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atonement_(Killswitch_Engage_album))

![killswitch_engage_album]({static}/images/art_cover/killswitch.jpg)

This one could have been done by [Bewick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Bewick),
if we was into [Japanisme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japonisme),
and bright [ink wash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ink_wash_painting).

### [Sigh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigh_(band)) — [Heir to Despair](https://www.discogs.com/master/1455073-Sigh-Heir-To-Despair-) (2018)

![Sigh]({static}/images/art_cover/sigh.jpg)

This one looks like one of [Valodon's
interiors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A9lix_Vallotton#Interiors) from
the 1980s-1900s, with subject painted in a characteristic realistic style. 

### [Cosa Nostra Klub](https://thecnk.bandcamp.com) — [L'Hymne à la Joie](https://thecnk.bandcamp.com/album/lhymne-la-joie) (2007)

![Hymne a la joie]({static}/images/art_cover/hymne_a_la_joie.jpg)

It looks like a [lithography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithography)
in the [Art Nouveau style](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Nouveau_posters_and_graphic_arts), from the late
19<sup>th</sup>
could have produced by [Mucha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphonse_Mucha)

### [DVNE](https://songs-of-arrakis.bandcamp.com/) — [Etmen Ænka](https://songs-of-arrakis.bandcamp.com/album/etemen-nka) (2021)

![DVNE]({static}/images/art_cover/dvne.jpg)

Another example of [Art Nouveau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Nouveau),
that could have been a draft of [Toorop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Toorop),
late period.

### [Venom Prison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venom_Prison) — [Erebos]() (2022)

![Hell will come for us all]({static}/images/art_cover/erebos.jpg)

Strong vibes of [van Looy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacobus_van_Looy)
and [Verster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floris_Verster),
from the 19<sup>th</sup> century [Amsterdam Impressionism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Impressionism),
with its bold brush strokes. Maybe a hint of [Kokoschka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskar_Kokoschka)
and [Füssli](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Fuseli) as well.

### [Eldamar](https://eldamar.bandcamp.com/) — [The Force of the Ancient Land](https://eldamar.bandcamp.com/album/the-force-of-the-ancient-land) (2016)

![Eldamar]({static}/images/art_cover/eldamar.jpg)

While it could amusingly be seen as a reverse [Weltlandschaft](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_landscape),
it's more from the [Hudson River School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_River_School),
a landscape painting, but with
[Romanticism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanticism) aesthetic. It could
have been painted by [Thomas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cole)
or [Bierstadt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Bierstadt).

### [The Omnific](https://theomnific.bandcamp.com/) — [Escapades](https://theomnific.bandcamp.com/album/escapades) (2021)

![Omnific]({static}/images/art_cover/omnific.jpg)

Clearly [impressionism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impressionism),
with the emphasis on movement and lighting.

### [Havukruunu](https://havukruunu.bandcamp.com) — [Kelle Surut Soi](https://havukruunu.bandcamp.com/album/kelle-surut-soi) (2017)

![Kelle Surut Soi]({static}/images/art_cover/kelle.jpg)

[Charcoal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charcoal_(art)) drawing, in the style
of late 19<sup>th</sup> century, early 20<sup>th</sup>.

### [Der Weg einer Freiheit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Der_Weg_einer_Freiheit) — [Noktvrn](https://derwegeinerfreiheit.bandcamp.com/album/noktvrn) (2021)

![Der Weg einer Freiheit]({static}/images/art_cover/Noktvrn.jpg)

[Monochrome]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monochrome_painting ).


## 20<sup>th</sup> century


### [Jinjer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jinjer) — [Cloud Factory](https://jinjer-jinjer.bandcamp.com/album/cloud-factory) (2014)

![Jinjer]({static}/images/art_cover/jinjer.jpg)

Critical [line art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_art) with
[hatching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatching), like what [Kollwitz](
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%A4the_Kollwitz ) could have done, with
strong [Western](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_lifestyle#Art) vibes.


## 1900s


### [Heaumemortal](https://heaumemortal.bandcamp.com/) — Solstice (2019)

![Solstice]({static}/images/art_cover/solstice.jpg)

A big fat grim version of [Fauvism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fauvism)?


## 1910s

### [Nine Inch nails](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Inch_Nails) — [The downward spiral](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Downward_Spiral) XXX

![NiN]({static}/images/art_cover/nin.jpg)

A [mixed media](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_media) (plaster, acrylic,
oils, rusted metals, insects, moths, b=blood, wax, surgical bandaging on a
wooden panel) [collage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collage),
that could have been produced by [Frank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Frank)
if she were heavily depressed.


### [Explosions in the Sky](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explosions_in_the_Sky) — [Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Live Forever](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Those_Who_Tell_the_Truth_Shall_Die%2C_Those_Who_Tell_the_Truth_Shall_Live_Forever) (2001)

![Explosions in the Sky]({static}/images/art_cover/explosions_in_the_sky.jpg)

Likely a mix of [pastel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastel) and paint,
depicting the [Angels of Mons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angels_of_Mons),
a bit in a [primitivist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primitivism) style.

### [PORTA NIGRA](https://portanigra.bandcamp.com) — [Kaiserschnitt ](https://portanigra.bandcamp.com/album/kaiserschnitt) (2015)

![bss]({static}/images/art_cover/porta_nigra.jpg)

A modern take on [collage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collage)
and [old-school newspaper
satire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satire#20th-century_satire).

### [Architects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architects_(British_band)) — [All our gods have abandoned us](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Our_Gods_Have_Abandoned_Us) (2016)

![Architects]({static}/images/art_cover/architects.jpg)

This one looks like Russian [Suprematism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suprematism)
focused on fundamentals of geometry with a limited range of colours,
and could have been painted by [Malevich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazimir_Malevich).

### [System of a Down](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_of_a_Down) — [Steal This Album!](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steal_This_Album!) (2002)

![SoaD]({static}/images/art_cover/soad.jpg)

[Duchamp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcel_Duchamp)
could have done this one, with his [readymades](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Readymades_of_Marcel_Duchamp).

### [Vildhjarta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vildhjarta) — [Thousands of Evils](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousands_of_Evils) (2013)

![Thousands of Evils]({static}/images/art_cover/vildhjarta.jpg)

Like a moderner and darker version of the late
[collages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collage) from
[Cubist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubism) artist
[Braque](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Braque).


### [VOLA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vola_(band)) — [Applause of a Distant Crowd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vola_(band)#Applause_of_a_Distant_Crowd_(2018%E2%80%932019)) (2018)

![VOLA]({static}/images/art_cover/vola.jpg)

Definitely [Fauvism]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fauvism ) from the 1900s,
with the emphasized painterly qualities and strong color over the
representational or realistic values retained by Impressionism.
Major contributors to this movement include [Braque](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Braque),
[Matisse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Matisse) and [Derain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9_Derain).

### [God is an astronaut](https://godisanastronaut.com/) — [Origins](https://godisanastronaut.com/album/origins) (2013)

![Origins]({static}/images/art_cover/origins.jpg)

This one could be be Russian [Rayonism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayonism)
from the 1910s, one of the first abstract art movements in this country,
under the impulse of [Larionov](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Larionov)
and [Goncharova](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natalia_Goncharova),
depicting movement and speed.

### [Asphodèle](https://www.discogs.com/artist/7480263-Asphod%C3%A8le-2) — [Jours Pâles](https://ladlo.bandcamp.com/album/jours-p-les) (2019)

![Asphodèle]({static}/images/art_cover/asphodele.jpg)

[Aquarelle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watercolor_painting),
also know as *watercolour*, is a painting method using water-based paint.
This one in particular is a bit in the vein of [Schiele](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egon_Schiele)'s landscapes
from the 1910s.


## 1920s


### [Spheron](https://spheron.bandcamp.com) — [A clockwork universe](https://spheron.bandcamp.com/album/a-clockwork-universe) (2016)

![Spheron]({static}/images/art_cover/spheron.jpg)

Clearly [surrealism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrealism).

### [Ethereal Moon](https://theetherealmoon.bandcamp.com) — [Ethereal Moon](https://theetherealmoon.bandcamp.com/album/ethereal-moon) (2022)

![Ethereal]({static}/images/art_cover/ethereal.jpg)

Another example of [surrealism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrealism).

### [Mississippi Bones](https://mississippibones.bandcamp.com/) — [ 2600 AD: And Other Astonishing Tales ](https://mississippibones.bandcamp.com/album/2600-ad-and-other-astonishing-tales) (2016)

![Pulp]({static}/images/art_cover/pulp.jpg)

An obvious homage to the 20s [pulp magazines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulp_magazine).


## 1930s


### [The White Stripes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_White_Stripes) — [De Stijl ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl_(album)) (2000)

![White Stripes]({static}/images/art_cover/white_stripes.jpg)

This cover is inspired from the [De Stijl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Stijl) Dutch art movement,
from which [Mondrian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piet_Mondrian) might be the
most famous example.


### [Car Bomb](https://carbomb.bandcamp.com) — [Mordial](https://carbomb.bandcamp.com/album/mordial) (2019)

![Car Bomb]({static}/images/art_cover/car_bomb.jpg)

[Geometric abstraction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geometric_abstraction)
and maybe some touch of [Glitch Art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glitch_art).


### [Neurotech](https://neurotech.bandcamp.com) — [The Decipher Volumes](https://neurotech.bandcamp.com/album/the-decipher-volumes)

![neurotech]({static}/images/art_cover/neurotech.jpg)

More [geometric abstraction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geometric_abstraction),
but minimalist this time.


## 1940s

### [Converge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Converge_(band)) & [Chelsea Wolfe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelsea_Wolfe) — [Bloodmoon: I](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloodmoon:_I) (2021)

![Bloodmoon]({static}/images/art_cover/bloodmoon.jpg)

[Drip Painting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drip_painting), 
part of [action painting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_painting)
popularised by
[Pollock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_Pollock) and [Sobel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Sobel),
where the paint if thrown, dribbled, splashed, … at the canvas,
putting the emphasis not only on the aspect of the finished work, but
on the physical act of painting itself as well. This is associated with 
[abstract expressionism](Abstract expressionism).
There is also a snake skin [motif](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motif_(visual_arts)),
which is definitely more contemporary.

### [Alluvial](https://www.alluvialofficial.com/) — [The Deep Longing for Annihilation](https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Alluvial/The_Deep_Longing_for_Annihilation) (2017)

![Alluvial]({static}/images/art_cover/alluvial.jpg)

The character on the front, in a suit and without his head gives
strong [Magritte]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9_Magritte ) vibes.

### [Orbit Culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbit_Culture) — [Nija](https://orbitculture.bandcamp.com/album/nija) (2020)

![Nija]({static}/images/art_cover/nija.jpg)

This one is close to the [American Figurative Expressionism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Figurative_Expressionism),
since it looks like [Abstract Expressionism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abstract_expressionism),
but, … figurative!

### [Obscura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obscura_(band)) — [A Valediction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Valediction) (2021)

![A Valediction]({static}/images/art_cover/obscura_a_valediction.jpg)

Again, [Expressionism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expressionism):

> Its typical trait is to present the world solely from a subjective
perspective, distorting it radically for emotional effect in order to evoke
moods or ideas.

### [Haken](https://hakenmusic.com/) — [Restoration](https://hakenmusic.com/music/restoration/) (2014)

![Haken - Restoration]({static}/images/art_cover/haken.jpg)

Clearly inspired from [Maurits Cornelis Escher](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._C._Escher)'s
[Drawing Hands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drawing_Hands) lithograph.


## 1950s


### [MsDrift](https://msdrift.bandcamp.com) — [the deep](https://msdrift.bandcamp.com/album/the-deep) (2020)

![Deep]({static}/images/art_cover/deep.jpg)

This looks a bit like the [abstraction lyrique](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyrical_abstraction) style,
maybe drawing inspiration from to work of [Kline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Kline) and [Motherwell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Motherwell)
who were part of the [abstract expressionist movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abstract_expressionism).

### [Polyphia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyphia) — [New Levels New Devils](https://www.discogs.com/master/1439652-Polyphia-New-Levels-New-Devils) (2018)

![New levels new devils]({static}/images/art_cover/new_levels_new_devils.png)

Some [Neo-Dada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Dada) from the 1950s vibes,
as well as some early [UK pop art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_art)
from the [Independent Group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Group_(art_movement))'s
collages.

### [Mother Engine](https://motherenginerock.bandcamp.com) — [Muttermaschine](https://motherenginerock.bandcamp.com/album/muttermaschine) (2012)

![Mother Engine]({static}/images/art_cover/bd.jpg)

Franco-Beligan Bande Dessinée, close to the style of the [Marcinelle school](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcinelle_school),
and even closer to [Uderzo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Uderzo)'s one.


## 1960s


### [Necroblaspheme](https://necroblaspheme.bandcamp.com/) — [XXVI : The Deeper - The Better](https://necroblaspheme.bandcamp.com/album/xxvi-the-deeper-the-better) (2021)

![bss]({static}/images/art_cover/necroblaspheme.jpg)

[Pop art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_art), maybe in the vein of [Lichtenstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Lichtenstein).

### [Deadline](https://deadlinehmc.bandcamp.com) — [Cathedral Point](https://deadlinehmc.bandcamp.com/album/cathedral-point) (2020)

![Cathedral Point]({static}/images/art_cover/cathedral_point.jpg)

A clear homage to the [Bronze Age of Comic Books](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_Age_of_Comic_Books),
with its [aplats](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aplat), and lighting effects
made of dots, denoting the usage of [Halftone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halftone),
or maybe [Ben Day process](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Day_process),
since they were used for comics between the 1950s and 1970s.

### [The Wicked Ones](https://thewickedones.bandcamp.com) — [Ain't got a shelter](https://thewickedones.bandcamp.com/track/aint-got-a-shelter) (2020)

![Bloodmoon]({static}/images/art_cover/wicked_ones.jpg)

This one wouldn't have feel out of place in the 1960s, 
when the [psychedelic posters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_art#In_1960s_counterculture)
were all rage:

>  Richly saturated colors in glaring contrast, elaborately ornate lettering,
strongly symmetrical composition, collage elements, rubber-like distortions,
and bizarre iconography are all hallmarks of the San Francisco psychedelic
poster art style.

### [Baroness](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baroness_(band)) — [Purple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_(Baroness_album)) (2015)

![Baroness]({static}/images/art_cover/purple.jpg)

Another example of [psychedelic art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_art) inspiration,
but with strong [Art Nouveau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Nouveau) influences.
All the covers of Baroness are in this peculiar style.


## 1970s


### [Paradise Lost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradise_Lost_(band)) — [Shades of God](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shades_of_God) (1992)

![Shades of God]({static}/images/art_cover/shades_of_god.jpg)

Looks a lot like the late work of [Basquiat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Michel_Basquiat),
from the [Neo-expressionism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-expressionism)
movement from the late 1970s.

### [The Algorithm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Algorithm) — [Compiler Optimization Techniques](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Algorithm#Brute_Force_and_Compiler_Optimization_Techniques_(2016-present)) (2018)

![Compiler Optimization Techniques]({static}/images/art_cover/compiler_optimization_techniques.jpg)

This could could have been done by [Vasarely](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Vasarely) in his 1970's period.

### [Zeal and Ardor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeal_%26_Ardor) — [Zeal and Ardor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeal_%26_Ardor_(album)) (2022)

![Zeal and Ardor]({static}/images/art_cover/zeal_and_ardor.jpg)

An example of [photorealism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photorealism).
The fact that there are two different [hand of benediction and blessing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_gestures)
with one pointing down leads is likely inspired from traditional [Baphomet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baphomet)
representations, related to the "[as above, so below](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/As_above,_so_below)" paraphrase.


## Contemporary


### [Maha Sohona](https://mahasohona.bandcamp.com) — [Endless Searcher ](https://mahasohona.bandcamp.com/album/endless-searcher) (2021)

![Maha Sohona]({static}/images/art_cover/maha_sohona.jpg)

Modern take on [psychedelic posters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_art#In_1960s_counterculture) from the 1960s.

### [TesseracT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesseract_(band)) — [Polaris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polaris_(Tesseract_album)) (2015)

![Arcturian]({static}/images/art_cover/polaris.jpg)

[Fractal Art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractal_art),
close to [Kerry Mitchell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerry_Mitchell)'s
[Block Party](https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/kerry-mitchell) serie.

### [Upon a Burning Body](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upon_a_Burning_Body) — [Straight From the Barrio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straight_from_the_Barrio) (2016)

![Straight from the Barrio]({static}/images/art_cover/uabb.jpg)

Clearly taking inspiration from [contemporary spray-paint graffiti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graffiti).

### [Linkin Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linkin_Park) — [Hybrid Theory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_Theory) (2000)

![Hybrid Theory]({static}/images/art_cover/lp.jpg)

[Contemporary spray-paint graffiti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graffiti)
again, but this time via [stencilling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stencil_graffiti).


### [Violet Cold](https://violetcold.bandcamp.com/) — [Empire of Love](https://violetcold.bandcamp.com/album/empire-of-love) (2021)

![Violet Cold]({static}/images/art_cover/empire_of_love.jpg)

Obviously [protest art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protest_art),
by superposing the [rainbow flag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_flag_(LGBT))
with the [crescent and star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbols_of_Islam).

### [Ruins Of Yith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polaris_(Tesseract_album)) —  [en cyklus af fortabelse og skabelse](https://ruinsofyith.bandcamp.com/releases) (2020)

![Ruins of Yith]({static}/images/art_cover/yith.jpg)

This one has the characteristic touch of American style [airbrush](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbrush).

### [Sarah Longfield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Longfield) — [Disparity](https://sarahshreds.bandcamp.com/album/disparity) (2018)

![Disparity]({static}/images/art_cover/longfield.jpg)

Modern [Face Painting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_painting).

### [Voïvod](https://www.voivod.com/) — [Synchro anarchy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchro_Anarchy) (2022)

![Voidvod]({static}/images/art_cover/voivod.jpg)

Looks like [chalkboard art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalkboard_art) on a
[blackboard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackboard).

### [Serj Tankian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serj_Tankian) — [Harakiri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harakiri_(album)).

![Harakiri]({static}/images/art_cover/harakiri.jpg)

This is a mix of several things:
While the colours are screaming [Warhol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Warhol),
the drawing looks like [stencil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stencil),
the beard done via [collage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collage),
some [Drip Painting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drip_painting) in the
background, [fat marker pen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marker_pen)
for the title, …

### [Alcest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcest) — [Spiritual Instinct](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_Instinct) (2019)

![Alcest]({static}/images/art_cover/alcest.jpg)

This one is looking a lot like a modern xylography (also known as [woodcut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodcut))
or a [Linocut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linocut), but with a black
background.

### [Rammstein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rammstein) — [untitled](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Untitled_Rammstein_album) (2019)

![Rammstein]({static}/images/art_cover/rammstein.jpg)

A [minimalist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimalism) [found
object](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Found_object), tainted of of
[surrealism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrealism). It could even be
compared to [anti-art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-art).
The fact that the album doesn't have a title is another hint at
minimalism: the cover features a single matchstick on a white background, yet
says and invite for so much.

### [Perturbator]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perturbator ) — [New Model](https://perturbator.bandcamp.com/album/new-model) (2017)

![Pertuabartor]({static}/images/art_cover/perturbator.jpg)

A modern take on [geometric abstraction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geometric_abstraction).

### [Spiritbox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritbox) — [Eternal Blue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_Blue_(album)) (2021)

![Spiritbox]({static}/images/art_cover/spiritbox.jpg)

Possibly a colourised picture from an [electron
microscope](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_microscope).


### [Behemoth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behemoth_(band)) — [I loved your at your darkest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Loved_You_at_Your_Darkest) (2018)

![Behemoth]({static}/images/art_cover/behemoth.jpg)

Painted by [Nicola Samori](https://www.artsy.net/artist/nicola-samori),
clearly [Baroque](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baroque_painting)
and likely [Tenebrist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenebrism)
in [Ribera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jusepe_de_Ribera)'s style,
but with purposefully physically destroyed part.

### [KoЯn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korn) — [See you on the other side](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/See_You_on_the_Other_Side_(Korn_album)) (2005)

![Korn]({static}/images/art_cover/korn.jpg)

This one screams [Surrealism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrealism),
albeit with a more modern (and gloomy) touch.

### [Leprous](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leprous) — [Malina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malina_(album)) (2017)

![Leprous]({static}/images/art_cover/leprous.jpg)

Strong
[1980s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980s#Electronics_and_computers)/early
[1990s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_computing_1990%E2%80%931999)
aesthetics, with vector-like write-frame rendering, a bit of noise,
and washed up/[patined](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patina) paint.

### Pensées Noctures — [Nom d'une Pipe !](https://penseesnocturnes.bandcamp.com/album/nom-dune-pipe)

![Pensées nocturnes]({static}/images/art_cover/pn.jpg)

Likely drawn with a mix of [Conté](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cont%C3%A9),
[Charcoal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charcoal_(art)) and maybe [Pastel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastel),
along with [collages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collage).

### Uneven Structure — Paragon

![Arcturian]({static}/images/art_cover/paragon.jpg)

A [geometric abstraction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geometric_abstraction)
take on what looks like [stained glass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stained_glass#20th_and_21st_centuries).

### [Funereal Presence](https://funerealpresence.bandcamp.com/) — [Achatius](https://funerealpresence.bandcamp.com/album/achatius) (2019)

![Funereal Presence]({static}/images/art_cover/funeral_presence.jpg)

Definitely [Pastel]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastel),
could have been done by [Clemente](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francesco_Clemente)
if he was depressed and under drugs I guess.

### [Diablo Swing Orchestra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diablo_Swing_Orchestra) — [Swagger & Stroll Down the Rabbit Hole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swagger_%26_Stroll_Down_the_Rabbit_Hole)

![Diablo Swgin Orchestra]({static}/images/art_cover/dso.jpg)

Contemporary take on [aquarelle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watercolor_painting).


### [Arcturus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcturus_(band)) — [Arcturian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcturian_(album)) (2015)

![Arcturian]({static}/images/art_cover/arcturian.jpg)

This is a really weird piece: black ink on paper, with some digital processing,
definitely some [surrealism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrealism), 
[Pop Art](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_art)
[aplats](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aplat) and [textures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texture_(visual_arts)),
hints of [collages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collage), and [concrete](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete)-like reliefs.

It's Arcturus first album after their 10 years long hiatus,
and while the cover looks nothing like the previous ones,
it's still an obvious nod to them: the jester-like mask and stars from 
the [Sideshow Symphonies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sideshow_Symphonies),
the geometric circular patterns from the [Sham Mirrors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sham_Mirrors),
the theatrics of [La Masquerade Infernale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Masquerade_Infernale) and
the motifs from [Aspera Hiems Symfonia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspera_Hiems_Symfonia).

<!--

## TODO: Covers to associate to a genre/style


### [Fear of Domination](https://www.fod.fi) — [VI: Revelation](https://www.fod.fi/album/vi-revelation) (2021)

![VI: Revelation]({static}/images/art_cover/fod.jpg)

### Hellheim — WoduridaR

![Hellheim]({static}/images/art_cover/hellheim.jpg)

### [Katatonia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katatonia) — [The Great Cold Distance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Cold_Distance) (2006)

![Katatonia]({static}/images/art_cover/katatonia.jpg)

-->

## Bonus


Some albums are using famous paintings/statues for their covers, can you recognize them?

### [Thumos](https://thumos.bandcamp.com/album/the-republic) - [The Republic](https://thumos.bandcamp.com/album/the-republic) (2022)

[![Thumos]({static}/images/art_cover/thumos.jpg)]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_School_of_Athens )

### [Heaven Shall Burn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven_Shall_Burn) — [Veto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veto_(album)) (2013)

[![HSB]({static}/images/art_cover/hsb.jpg)]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Godiva_(painting) )

### [Parkway Drive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkway_drive) — [Reverence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverence_(Parkway_Drive_album)) (2018)

[![HSB]({static}/images/art_cover/reverence.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fall_of_the_Damned)

### [Black Mass of Absu](https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Black_Mass_of_Absu/69770) — [Complete Discography 1995-2000](https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Black_Mass_of_Absu/Complete_Discography_1995%E2%80%8B-%E2%80%8B2000/683031) (2018)

[![absu]({static}/images/art_cover/absu.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89mile_Bayard)

Also used for [Nuit](https://crocnoir.bandcamp.com/album/nuit) by [Croc Noir](https://crocnoir.bandcamp.com)

### [Ulver](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulver) [The Assassination of Julius Caesar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Assassination_of_Julius_Caesar_(album)) (2017)

[![Ulver]({static}/images/art_cover/ulver.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rape_of_Proserpina)

### [Abigor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abigor) — [Channeling the Quintessence of Satan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channeling_the_Quintessence_of_Satan) (1999)

[![Abigor]({static}/images/art_cover/abigor.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight,_Death_and_the_Devil)

### [Black Sabbath](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Sabbath) — [Greatest hits](https://www.discogs.com/master/5754-Black-Sabbath-Greatest-Hits) (1977)

[![Black Sabbath]({static}/images/art_cover/black_sabbath.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight,_Death_and_the_Devil)

### [Candlemass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candlemass_(band)) — [Nightfall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightfall_(Candlemass_album)) (1987)

[![Candlemass]({static}/images/art_cover/candlemass.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Voyage_of_Life#Old_Age)

### [Atlantean Kodex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantean_Kodex) — [The golden bough](https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Atlantean_Kodex/The_Golden_Bough/282885) (2010)

[![Kodex]({static}/images/art_cover/kodex.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_the_Dead_(painting))

### [Be'lakor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Be%27lakor) — [Stone's Reach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone%27s_Reach) (2009)

[![Belakor]({static}/images/art_cover/belakor.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseus_with_the_Head_of_Medusa)

### [Emperor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_(band)) — [Emperor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_(EP)) (1992)

[![Emperor]({static}/images/art_cover/emperor.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustave_Dor%C3%A9)

### [Abduction](https://abductionfr.bandcamp.com) — [À l'heure du crépuscule](https://abductionfr.bandcamp.com/album/lheure-du-cr-puscule) (2018)

[![Abduction]({static}/images/art_cover/abduction.jpg)](https://collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/53355/cl010057269)

### [Antestor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antestor) — [Omen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omen_(Antestor_album)) (2012)

[![Antestor]({static}/images/art_cover/antestor.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zdzis%C5%82aw_Beksi%C5%84ski)


## Music as part of visual art movements


Some artists and albums directly part of
movements, like [Laibach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laibach), whose covers
are part of the [Neue Slowenische Kunst](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neue_Slowenische_Kunst).
Or [Emerson, Lake & Palmer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerson,_Lake_%26_Palmer), whose [Brain Salad Surgery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_Salad_Surgery) (1973)
album got a cover made by [Giger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._R._Giger).

![bss]({static}/images/art_cover/bss.jpg)


## Sources and credits


Thanks to the `#guy-art` crowd for their ideas and support, to Louis from
[navidrome](https://navidrome.org), to [Thomas
Brovelli](https://thbrovelli.com) and tlundin for the suggestions,
to rugan from [DS](http://drk.sc) for his enthusiasm, to *Zozo
Kraken Kiljoy* for her patience answering all my dumb questions about art, to
the Wikipedia contributors for having written so many articles about painting.


## Resources

Notable album cover artists:

- [Arthur Berzinsh](http://www.berzinsh.lv)
- [Costin Chioreanu](https://twilight13media.com/design/)
- [Denis Forkas](https://www.denisforkas.com)
- [Eliran Kantor](https://elirankantor.com/index.html)
- [Martin Kvamme](https://www.unitdeltaplus.com)
- [Kristian Wåhlin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristian_W%C3%A5hlin)
- [Mariusz Lewandowski](https://www.mariuszlewandowski.pl)
- [Metastazis](https://cargocollective.com/metastazis) (more
  [here](http://start1g.ovh.net/~metastaz/home2007.htm)). By the way, feel free
  to gift me [Fire work with
  me](https://metastazis.bigcartel.com/product/fire-work-with-me) if you can
  find it.
- [Nightjar Illustration](https://nightjarillustration.bigcartel.com)
- [Rickey Beckett](https://www.richeybeckett.com)
- [Sylwia Markris](https://sylwiamakris.com/)
- [Trine+Kim](https://trineogkim.no)
- [Zbigniew M. Bielak](https://zbigniewbielak.bigcartel.com)
- and more [here](https://heavymusicartwork.com/art/)

Anthologies and publications:

- [And justice for art](https://andjusticeforart.bigcartel.com/products)
- [Getting Medieval: Signifiers of the Middle-Ages in Black Metal Aesthetics](https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/978-1-78756-395-720191005/full/html?skipTracking=true),
  taken from [Medievalism and Metal Music Studies: Throwing Down the Gauntlet ](https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/doi/10.1108/9781787563957)
- [Heavy Music Artwork](https://heavymusicartwork.com/publications/)
- Tangentially related: [genre guessing via the logo of bands]( https://guess.cosciug.com )