As far as illustrating for the metal community, Axel Hermann goes way back. Since the early nineties, we was responsible for the iconic album covers of bands like Morgoth, Sodom and Asphyx. In his own words, his first work for Morgoth was a part of what came to characterize early 90s metal artwork: “Gore, guts, Giger, evil and airbrush.” These qualities are definitely at the heart of what Hermann creates, and his creatures of nightmares glisten with the blood of their prey. Gore is truly an art form in Hermann’s work – the dark pits in the decaying flesh of the undead priest, the rivers of blood swirling around a deranged soldier; the movement in his imagery is effortless. You can hear the atmosphere of each picture, and you feel the warm spray or chilling winds on your skin. He is able to capture the mystical element of darkness as well, and embodies its’ serene, all-encompassing blackness. There is a tribute to Giger here, but instead of a metallic coldness, I feel warmth in Hermann’s work. After the jump, explore the recess of your darkest mind with Axel Hermann.
New Comments