Textual Analysis Of A Cover

  

This is another cover that I found interesting and giving useful ideas for my project.

 The use of colour is very important, and also when it comes to these types on magazines (for the certain type of music) it is counted as a major way of communicating with the audience. For example the combination of the black colour and an electrical( standing out) one is very common. because the dark represents the other side, the rebellion and the  electrical one the power of emotions, especially those that are hidden. Also very bright colours indicate danger, poison, tell you to go away while you can. That's basically the whole idea of the metal and punk as well.
The other thing that interests me in this cover is the picture. Not typical, isn't it? Usually people are used to seeing pretty girls or successful people...someone they can look up to. But this is a different case, the person is unfriendly and shows his emotions and opinion by throwing a cigarette at the audience. His look is addressed directly towards the audience. The other thing are the small parts of articles which are supposed to grab the audience's attention and make them read what is inside. Only one article is mentioned here and it's the double spread one about the band ''Pantera'', wouldn't there be anything else in the magazine, are people buying it just for that article?  This helps me because it gives me also an idea of what I should add or shouldn't do, not only what my cover should look like.
And finally the masthead and the small writing on top of it that gives the audience further information about what is the magazine about what it is going to contain.
The masthead's colour indicates pain, sorrow and also underlines the spirit of rebellion. Since it contains the word ''metal'' and a skull in the end, that makes it pretty much obvious what will it's content be.

Although KEERANG is a very popular magazine, the thing that grabs most attention to this front cover is the photo of SLIPKNOT. It is unusual, because most artists don't use so many costumes for their photo shoot, whereas here we witness a link between the way they are presented ''SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES!'' and the connotation their costumes give away. The genre ''Metal'' in all it's varieties has always been associated with darkness, death, pain and destruction.  All these are clearly represented by the costumes and make up. In my opinion the most interesting one is the person that has used the prickly wreath, which makes reference to the Christian religion and the death of Jesus and that is unusual, considering that this type of music was, not very long ago, seen as the music of the devil. The other members of the band leave the impression they have come out of a variety of horror movies. This image collaborates with their music and gives a realistic impression to the audience for what to expect.

Leaving the photos for a second and turning to the masthead; the writings above it emphasize on tours, tickets and other bands (AC/DC) which grabs the audience's attention. The colours contrast, which makes them stand out (the black masthead and red writing+white background). These colours are one of the most popular ones when representing ''Metal'' music.

In the lower left corner, two things we find little that presents the content of the magazine; 5 posters of famous bands and a list of artists and bands for which we can find information, articles or interviews. Both of the attract audience and help them decide if the magazine would be worth reading and buying. 

In the down right corner there is a photo of ''Paramore'', who are very famous, and this is either their new album cover or just a photo which indicates that information about them is part of the content of the magazine. Anyways, their photo refers to the movie ''Twilight'', which will attract the movie's fans as well as those of the band.

This cover has a lot less content and connotation that the previous two.

It is emphasizing on the name of the band ''Nirvana''; the interesting thing about this is that it is more eye catching than the masthead itself, which indicates that the band is going to attract more audience than the magazine. This shows that the magazine is popular enough and has created it's authority to let the band stand in front of the masthead. The quality of the photo and the shadow effects used give a 3D effect, which makes the band members and the name stand out. The location and their costumes give them a country look, casual and serious at the same time.  Their costumes are baggy and the colours math the dry grass from the background. A low angled shot is used and combined with the long hairs and glasses gives the impression of authority.