The Art of Metal: Five Decades of Heavy Metal Album Covers, Posters, T-Shirts, and More

by Malcolm Dome (Editor), Lemmy Kilmister (Foreword)

Since the late 1960s, the imagery of the heavy metal genre has been closely connected with the music itself. Classic albums evoke memories of famous cover artwork; metal bands have become forever synonymous with their iconic logos; and landmark live shows have led to instantly recognizable gig posters that embody the time, place, and passion of the events. It’s even possible to trace the genre’s evolution by examining a continuum of its art. In The Art of Metal , renowned music journalist Malcolm Dome offers a beautifully presented chronological collection of the colorful, outlandish, and sophisticated album covers, posters, T-shirts, and more that span decades of heavy metal music. More than 400 gorgeously reproduced works of art are complemented by in-depth features, including quotes from the graphic artists and musicians responsible for them. Dome also spotlights the metal genre’s most influential artists and photographers and delves into other topics that include metal merch, magazines, fashion, and tattoos. In the process, The Art of Metal illustrates and explores the close-knit relationship between those timeless riffs that thunder from Marshall stacks and the images that have come to represent the songs, anthems, and sheer nature of headbanger culture—a must for any true thrasher’s bookshelf.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Art, History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2013

Reviews

[Florin Pitea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice presentation. Well-documented content. Disturbing images here and there. Recommended, but not safe for work. Review available here: http://tesatorul.blogspot.ro/2017/09/...

[Julian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of photos of metal albums through time, including some stories around them and good commentary about the genre in general. Fans might find it interesting, others will only see the reinforcements of certain metal stereotypes and the cheap and easy shock value through disturbing imagery.

[James Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pictures of albums from many of the metal genres and some interesting stories and facts about them!

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredible art book filled with album art from metal bands past and present. Awesome articles and interviews throughout. 10/10

[Karl · Rating 2 out of 5]

An ok book.

[Gregory Dewaegheneire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for those interested in album covers. The metal genre does have some really interesting layered covers.