I just started redesigning the Symmetal blog for a more modern look and a responsive design for mobile devices. Right now a lot of posts and elements are a mess, but I’m constantly working on adjusting everything. Until then, sorry for all the bugs. Update: I checked and adjusted all past posts, so everything should
Metal and all its sub-genres are highly influenced by historical, religious and mythological motifs. Mythological references can be found in every single Metal style – from Black Metal, Death Metal, Thrash Metal or Grindcore to Heavy Metal, Pagan/Folk Metal or Power Metal. They are integrated in artworks, songs, lyrics and appearances of bands, scenes and labels all over the world.
Metastazis is a design studio from Paris, France, founded by Valnoir. Even if you haven’t heard of the studio’s name you’ve definitely seen his work. Metastazis has created various artworks for a who’s who of Metal and beyond – among them are Alcest, Morbid Angel, Anathema, As I Lay Dying, The Black Dahlia Murder, Black Anvil (as seen previously on Symmetal), Glorior Belli, Immolation, Paradise Lost, Nachtmystium and a lot more.
Metastazis is also known for unconventional projects like the Watain poster printed with blood or – for the cover artwork of his own band Glaciation – Metal patches sewed to his guitarist’s back: “It’s a nostalgic project about my teenage-hood, when I had an iron faith into black-metal and I was showing it on my metalhead patched jacket. I had that in my flesh. So I wanted to pay a tribute to this age.” (source).
I had the chance to ask Valnoir a few questions about his work. Here’s the interview:
Yeah, +666 on the Symmetal Google+ profile. Thanks!
Bolt Thrower is a Death Metal band (well, legend) from Coventry, United Kingdom, formed in 1986. The band was founded by bassist Gavin Ward and guitarist Barry Thomson in a Coventry pub toilet during a hardcore punk gig (source). Bolt Thrower has released two demos, eight full length and one live album. Their name actually comes from Warhammer, the popular tabletop war game developed by Games Workshop. The band’s lyrics and artworks are also based on the game (the artworks of Bolt Thrower’s albums even were provided by Games Workshop).
Godmachine – born in Cardiff, South Wales – is one of the most impressive rising artists in Metal illustration – yet unbelievably underrated. His artistic style is clearly inspired by comic illustrations (as he states on his website he “grew up with a steady diet of … 2000AD comics“) while adding a very morbid, dark atmosphere, grungly elements and an insane amount of details. Another source of inspiration is Jim Philips and Santa Cruz skateboards, famous for their shrill illustrations (like the iconic screaming hand). There are various books available covering Jim Philips’ work, for example Surf, Skate & Rock.