Album Cover of the Week: Lay Down Rotten – ‘Gospel of the Wretched’

Bjorn over at Killustrations has an extensive portfolio of CD cover art and merchandise design, with hard rock bands as a client base. The body of his work are illustration photocollages that feature some extensive Photoshop work, using the human form and the extreme lyrical themes as a basis for each work's inspiration and visual focus.

While his design for Lay Down Rotten's 'Gospel of the Wretched' - his third design for the band - isn't as gory as some Bjorn's other covers, what is lacking in sanguine interest is made up in meaning. Bjorn was more than happy to explain to Noisecreep the meaning behind the illustration.

"The ship is filled with tons of skulls," Bjorn continues. "So their task may be pretty senseless. But this image stands for this kind of passion that leads you to doubtful actions. But some things simply have to be done to find your inner peace, even if they may appear meaningless or senseless to others. The rusty ship loaded with skulls may stand for something precious, for something that may only appear of any value to yourself."

"...And the will to complete this mission is represented by the merciless captain, forcing the slaves to go on. Of course the whole scene has a pretty wretched and tragic vibe, but we´re talking about death metal, so beauty may appear in strangest forms."

Bjorn connects the art with album title nicely: "Pulling this ship out of its misery is something like the slaves´ gospel, their mission, their religion. And the album offers their soundtrack."