According to the old saying you should not judge a book by its cover and the same goes with albums. But you can judge the cover. That is exactly what I am going to do. Here are some criteria that every good album cover should have.
1. Band name and album title clearly visible on the cover.
2. The cover should give a picture of the albums story (if it has any).
3. If the band has a mascot or emblem that appears on merch, shows and other occasions then it should be in the cover as well (not a requirement).
4. The album should be full with details and extras.
5. The album does not have to be colorful but an album with only one or two colors is not favorable.
No more explanations of what a good album cover is, let us see the best covers of 2012.
15. Battle Beast - Steel
With a slight touch of comic style I really find the cover of Battle Beast's debut "Steel" really appealing. It is something with that lion attacking that robot that just screams metal. Also love the post apocalyptic background.
14. Overkill - The Electric Age
No Overkill album cover would be complete without their mascot Chaly and he looks great. Those electric wings are fantastic and the surroundings fits perfectly with him. But he looked more bad ass on "Ironbound", an attribute I miss here.
13. Accept - Stalingrad
There are two different covers of this album but this one is far more impressive than the other one. Great colors, the twin guitars and the bird on the top is just awesome. Just missing something that will remind you that this album is about communism.
12. Luca Turilli's Rhapsody - Ascending To Infinity
Never quite enjoyed any Rhapsody album that have been made but the band always manage to bring forth great covers. Truly beautiful and epic. The color choices are some of the best in this list as well.
11. Firewind - Few Against Many
Was pretty disappointed with the latest album from Firewind but I cannot complain about the cover for that album. Bright and dark shades here that blend perfectly together and it was a genius move to put their emblem on the banners. Great job.
10. Rage - 21
Even though there is basically one color here I like the lines in this cover. Soundchaser really pops out from the picture and coming at you. You can really tell that they went all in on this one. A straight flush when it comes to covers.
9. Devin Townsend Project - Epicloud
An epic album deserves a epic cover and it does not become more epic than this. You can instantly see greatness just by looking at the logo. Effervescent quality.
8. Mustasch - Sounds Like Hell, Looks Like Heaven
The title is right, it does looks like heaven. I have always been a sucker for skulls and this is just an amazing skull from the heavens. But why did the band not fit in their whole name in the cover?
7. Destruction - Spiritual Genocide
So many details, so much to see, so much carnage. "Spiritual Genocide" may not have the prettiest album cover but it sure does have the one with most gruesome details. And I love it.
6. Black Majesty - Stargazer
Now this is a power metal album. True power in almost everything on this picture and the huntress and lion are, as always, there for the ride that Black Majesty is bringing.
5. Testament - Dark Roots of Earth
This album feels prehistoric and I just love it. Everything from the praying people on the ground the the huge bearded man with moose horns is just well thought out. A cover that fits Testament perfectly.
4. Sparzanza - Death Is Certain, Life Is Not
God and the devil playing chess? Hell freaking yeah. A perfect balance between good and evil, something that you also will find in the music this album is giving. Good enough for the sixteenth chapel if it was to be repainted.
3. Adrenaline Mob - Omertá
Was pretty disappointed with the super group Adrenaline Mob's debut "Omertá" but the cover is great and, once again, I am really weak for skulls. Probably the classiest album cover of the year.
2. Jorn - Bring Heavy Rock To The Land
Love practically everything with this album. The background, the colors, the mist and not least, the crow (name?). He looks so great and really fits as a high priest. This cover shows no weaknesses.
And the winner is drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.......
1. Grave Digger - Clash of The Gods
Why is Grave Digger the winner? Well it is pretty simple, it got everything I want in a perfect album. Great color scheme, the reappearing skeleton, the band name and album title and last, but not least, an clear image of what the album is all about, Greek mythology. Also love the fact that they put Medusa hair on the skeleton. Such a great album cover, without a doubt the best one of 2012.
Which cover is your favourite? And which cover was the worst from 2012?
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