Publisher: Octopus Books
Released 2021
A sumptuous, illustrated guide to the symbolism of heavy metal, told through 300 of its greatest album covers
Metal music has consistently offered some of the most gnarly artwork to accompany its equally hardcore music, this book is a celebration of just that! More than any other genre of music, metal is steeped in a rich world of symbolism. From death and the devil to mythology and fantasy, its record covers are awash with iconography that carries a complex deeper meaning.
In Codex Metallum, more than 80 of these visual themes are explored and explained, accompanied by 300 of metal’s most incredible album covers, including Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Rammstein and more. With bespoke illustrations from Rammstein collaborators Førtifem, this unique guide decodes the genre’s imagery, ranging from serpents and demons to sigils, castles, zombies, dragons and more.
Packaged in a stunning leather-effect case with foil finishes, Codex Metallum is a beautiful object in its own right, and essential reading for any metalhead.