Metal
23 cover stories
Metal album art is a genre unto itself — from the baroque horror of Iron Maiden's Eddie to the stark minimalism of Metallica's Black Album. The genre's visual artists created some of the most detailed and technically accomplished illustration in popular culture.
All Metal album covers
Lateralus
Tool · 2001
Ænima
Tool · 1996
Dirt
Alice in Chains · 1992
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine · 1992
Metallica
Metallica · 1991
Danzig
Danzig · 1988
Hysteria
Def Leppard · 1987
Appetite for Destruction
Guns N' Roses · 1987
Reign in Blood
Slayer · 1986
Master of Puppets
Metallica · 1986
Powerslave
Iron Maiden · 1984
Ride the Lightning
Metallica · 1984
Shout at the Devil
Mötley Crüe · 1983
The Number of the Beast
Iron Maiden · 1982
Ace of Spades
Motörhead · 1980
Back in Black
AC/DC · 1980
Blizzard of Ozz
Ozzy Osbourne · 1980
Bat Out of Hell
Meat Loaf · 1977
2112
Rush · 1976
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin · 1971
Paranoid
Black Sabbath · 1970
Paranoid
Black Sabbath · 1970
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath · 1970
Frequently asked questions
- What defines Metal album cover art?
- Metal album art is a genre unto itself — from the baroque horror of Iron Maiden's Eddie to the stark minimalism of Metallica's Black Album. The genre's visual artists created some of the most detailed and technically accomplished illustration in popular culture.
- What are some of the most iconic Metal album covers?
- Notable covers featured on Behind the Covers include Lateralus by Tool, Ænima by Tool, Dirt by Alice in Chains, Rage Against the Machine by Rage Against the Machine, and Metallica by Metallica.
- How many Metal album covers does Behind the Covers feature?
- Behind the Covers features 23 Metal cover stories spanning 1970–2001, with cover art by designers including Alex Grey, Adam Jones, and Mary Maurer.