Pegah
Art has always been a profound means of expressing introspective feelings, and artists describe their emotions through their chosen forms. Among these, music stands out for its unique bond with visual arts. A well-crafted music project not only focuses on sound but also represents its music through cover art that complements its essence. Therefore, the album cover becomes the visual representation of the album’s themes and emotions. In this exploration, we’ll dive into some of my favorite cover arts from 2024 Metal album and their subgenres, showcasing the synergy between music and visuals.
Gaerea’s Coma features a striking cover art that uses only two colors to powerful effect. At its center is an eye, symbolizing the gateway to the soul and unseen realms, as well as light and truth. The eyelid forms a bridge, with building-like eyelashes representing a connection between heaven and earth or the inner and outer worlds, perhaps emphasizing a passage to reality. Below, a waterfall signifies the process of release and the flowing energy of life (implying being alive while in a coma). Finally, the birds evoke wisdom, freedom, and peace, completing a visual narrative rich in meaning and introspection. As a whole, the purple-blue hue conveys serenity and wisdom, echoing the themes already expressed through other elements of the cover art. The use of white symbolizes beginnings—perhaps hinting at a state of renewal or awakening after a coma—and purity, adding another layer of depth to the visual narrative.
The next cover art belongs to My Dying Bride’s latest album, A Mortal Binding, which is rich in symbolism and layered with emotional depth. The fractured mirror at the center, with a dark silhouette surrounded by red light, symbolizes broken realities or unexpected events. The use of herons—traditionally associated with balance, reflection, and rebirth—adds a sense of grace and serenity tinged with melancholy. The water at the base suggests emotional depth and the subconscious, while the darkness and twisted branches emphasize themes of despair and inner turmoil. Finally, the morning glory flower, a symbol of strength and resilience, suggests being strong during hard times. Altogether, this haunting artwork perfectly complements My Dying Bride’s music and lyrical introspection.
Joy, the latest album by Witnesses, features a surreal cover art—my favorite style—that signals the multi-layered nature of the album. It depicts a sleeping woman dreaming, inspired by Natale Schiavoni’s neoclassical painting The Sleep of Innocence. Elements like doves, white flowers, and even the woman in white symbolize innocence, purity, and peace, while the butterfly represents love, freedom, and beauty. Together, they harmonize with the tranquil young woman and her dream. The silkworm adds depth, symbolizing life’s cycle—birth, death, and the soul’s return. This composition reflects the emotions and complexities residing within us.
Tethra’s cover art captivates with its minimalistic yet impactful design. Dominated by black, the artwork conveys mourning, power, and strength, aligning with the album’s title. Golden yellow adds a layer of enlightenment, contrasting beautifully with the dark tones. At its core is a heart, the most important element, symbolizing emotion as the central point. Surrounding it are ravens, representing prophecy, insight, and loss, while a dahlia flower atop the heart signifies inner strength. A feather at the heart’s base suggests trust, wisdom, freedom, and power. Ultimately, these elements create a cohesive visual that emphasizes resilience and emotional strength.
Pegah wrote no outro, and I feel lazy today. So, deal with it! Keep an eye out for our next artsy article. It’ll be special!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 