Destinity, ‘XI Reasons to See’ — Album Art of the Week

French thrashy death metal band Destinity return with their fifth release, 'XI Reasons to See,' on Lifeforce Records. Graphic designer Mirfin, who is actually Destinity guitarist Zephiros' roommate, did the design for this release, and he had plenty so say regarding his work.

With regards to the cover's representation of the album's theme: "In the center of the artwork is this big reptilian blue eye," Mirfin told Nosiecreep. "Which represents the vision in itself. Below are standing three skeletons, representing the real nature of what is to be seen in the human race ... One has a normal face but is enslaved by a metallic mask, a way of showing how our true self can be shut down by everything that's around us. Another one has an animal face, expressing the primal aspects of our nature, and another one bears short horns, kind of a discreet yet ironic way to represent the little demonic part we all have inside of us."

Mirfin utilizes paint and ink as he has an interest in "liquid environments and matters" as something dynamic that can be used to express a wide variety of meanings and moods. "The background in itself is more of an abstract support, because for me, the notions to be presented had to be timeless and to expand to each one of us," Mirfin explained further. "I think that going for a textured, tortured and blending background is what works the best for that. Showing figurative places only tightens the meaning and sets limitations."

Given equal importance are the pictures of Destinity's band members inside the CD booklet, as they represent the lyrics to one of the songs on the album.

Gab, from the band Benighted, at a party had suggested using a fly's eye to represent the idea of a vision. When that didn't seem to work, Mirfin used a "spiky circle" that he had previously created for the eye that is now on the cover. Zephiros then saw images of the skeletons on the cover, on Mirfin's laptop screen, and liked them. They both presented their ideas to the rest of the band.

"A few adjustments later," Mirfin added, "and the adding of this peculiar eye, we had our cover. I did a lot of different stuff before that, because they couldn't fix their minds on what they wanted, but they instantly agreed for this one when they saw it, and as I was already involved in creating their artwork before doing this piece. It highly influenced me, so ... I guess it was meant to be!"

Most graphic designers have good things to say about their client. Or, if they do not, they don't mention the quality of the relationship at all. Mirfin is friends with the band, so he had no problems being honest. "Still," Mirfin began. "It was a pain in the ass working with these guys, their minds change like all the time, but they are very good friends of mine, so it kinda was fun in the end and I learned a lot about how to deal with idea-less people."

Destinity has a European tour planned in June with Darkane and Nightrage to support the release.