Introduction

Being a blog dedicated to the use of gargoyles, grotesques, statues and carvings in album art, especially that of Doom Metal (and related genres). It may also include similar archaic images such as standing stones, monoliths, or mediaeval illustrations.

To my mind Doom Metal (when done correctly) evokes a feeling a great age, spirituality and contemplation, and this is enhanced by the imagery. I have a love of churches and other old buildings, and the two things go hand in hand for me; the images of gargoyles, statues and crosses used by Doom and Doom/Death bands, especially in the early 90s, seemed to perfectly fit the music. Also, the band names like Cathedral, Church Of Misery, Chapel Of Rest, and Castle; all these added to my imagined link between the music and churches and other old buildings.

Sunday, 15 January 2012

Dark Passages compilation





A landmark in Doom Metal history, the first Doom Metal release on Lee Dorrian's Rise Above label (RISE 5 -- the previous 4 releases had been more grindcore/punk related).

The various formats all feature differing images besides the cover. I am currently trying to locate a CD copy to compare.

Cover image, all formats: from the façade of Orvieto Cathedral, Italy, sculpted by Lorenzo Maitani.

LP back cover: Cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral, England.

LP insert: bearded male carving/statue, source unknown.

Cassette inlay inside: Green Man from the Lady Chapel, Ely Cathedral, England.

Interestingly, both the cover image and the Green Man image were also later used on Grave's "Soulless" album

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