Unleashing the Top 10 Death Metal Album Covers: Visual Carnage of a Genre

Death metal, with its aggressive and brutal sonic assault, is a genre that embraces darkness, morbidity, and extreme expressions. The album covers associated with this relentless genre often depict gruesome and visceral imagery, showcasing the genre’s fascination with the macabre. In this blog post, we delve into the world of death metal album covers and reveal the top 10 visually striking and iconic artworks that have come to define the genre. Join us as we explore the raw power, intricacy, and morbid beauty captured within these intense visuals.

Cannibal Corpse – “Tomb of the Mutilated” (1992)

The cover of Cannibal Corpse’s “Tomb of the Mutilated” showcases a gruesome scene featuring a decaying corpse surrounded by explicit and graphic imagery. This shockingly explicit artwork, created by Vincent Locke, perfectly encapsulates the band’s uncompromising and brutal approach to death metal.

Morbid Angel – “Altars of Madness” (1989)

Morbid Angel’s “Altars of Madness” album cover is a terrifying and surreal depiction of an otherworldly creature emerging from a dark abyss. The intricate and detailed artwork, created by Dan Seagrave, sets the stage for the band’s groundbreaking and influential brand of death metal.

Death – “Symbolic” (1995)

The cover of Death’s “Symbolic” album presents a haunting and thought-provoking image created by Rene Miville. Featuring a skeletal figure holding a globe, this symbolic artwork reflects the band’s introspective lyrics and philosophical themes, adding a layer of depth to their progressive death metal sound.

Entombed – “Left Hand Path” (1990)

Entombed’s “Left Hand Path” album cover is a dark and foreboding visual representation of the band’s crushing death metal sound. The artwork, designed by Nicke Andersson, showcases a haunting graveyard scene, evoking a sense of dread and darkness that perfectly complements the album’s sonic intensity.

Deicide – “Deicide” (1990)

The cover of Deicide’s self-titled debut album features a striking and provocative image of a demonic figure impaled on a cross. Created by the legendary artist René Miville, this iconic artwork became synonymous with the band’s blasphemous and ferocious brand of death metal.

Obituary – “Cause of Death” (1990)

The cover of Obituary’s “Cause of Death” album showcases an eerie and atmospheric artwork created by Michael Whelan. With its haunting portrayal of a skeletal figure holding a scythe, the cover perfectly captures the foreboding and relentless nature of the band’s death metal mastery.

Suffocation – “Effigy of the Forgotten” (1991)

Suffocation’s “Effigy of the Forgotten” album cover features a grotesque and visceral artwork crafted by Dan Seagrave. This horrifying depiction of a decaying corpse merges with surreal elements, reflecting the band’s brutal and technical approach to death metal.

At the Gates – “Slaughter of the Soul” (1995)

The cover of At the Gates’ “Slaughter of the Soul” is a captivating and minimalist artwork created by Kristian Wåhlin. The striking image of a skull impaled by a sword embodies the album’s themes of inner struggle and existential turmoil, cementing its status as a death metal classic.

Carcass – “Heartwork” (1993)

The cover of Carcass’ “Heartwork” album, created by H.R. Giger, showcases a surreal and intricate image of a mechanical heart. This stunning artwork perfectly complements the band’s blend of technicality and brutality, creating a visually captivating representation of their music.

Bloodbath – “Nightmares Made Flesh” (2004)

Bloodbath’s “Nightmares Made Flesh” album features an eerie and sinister cover, designed by Wes Benscoter. The artwork showcases a decrepit creature emerging from a pool of blood, capturing the band’s old-school death metal aesthetics and horror-inspired themes.