Codex Metallum: The secret art of metal decoded

by Alt236

***

Decode the secret language of metal.Metal music has a rich and powerful visual language like no other genre. From death and the devil to mythology and the occult, the artworks of its greatest albums carry a complex hidden code of deeper meanings.Codex Metallum is your unique guide to these visual themes. Featuring the covers of 250 iconic albums from Black Sabbath to Slipknot and Motörhead to Pantera, as well as bespoke illustrations by Rammstein collaborators Førtifem, this one-of-a-kind book decodes the imagery of metal and unlocks the secrets hidden within.Packaged in an embossed, leather-effect case with metallic foil finishes, Codex Metallum is a stunning collector's item and essential reading for any metalhead.

Genres: Music, History, Art

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2021

Reviews

[Chip Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Well constructed visually and aesthetically. Of course, I feel like a lot of obvious covers were missing, though the identification and leverage of some REALLY obscure bands was quite fun. Spent a lot of time going down rabbit holes (or visiting some long familiar places).

I put together a Spotify playlist featuring nearly all of the imaged albums in the book:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ey...

[Liam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not convinced it adds any deep understanding to the artwork that adorns heavy metal albums, but it is pretty and very nicely presented.

[Alexandru · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in metal albums cover art and the history behind the creation of some of the most iconic covers in metal, then this is the book for you. It's a fast and enjoyable read that can expand your metal music knowledge with fun facts and pictures.

[Chad Manske · Rating 3 out of 5]

Visually stunning, historically diverse and I really enjoyed the illustrations, themes and narrative histories of the metal rock genre.

[Brett buckner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

[Michael Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A celebration of excellent art within the world of Metal, along with great details about why certain themes have been part of the genre for half a century and why they most likely will stick around for another 50 years.