3 cover stories in our archive
Behind the Covers' archive includes 3 album covers documented under the "diy" design theme, spanning the 1980s, 2000s, 2010s. These covers sit within the alternative, indie, folk, hip-hop, electronic, metal tradition and feature work by Neko Case, Death Grips, Metallica. Each entry below includes the cover artwork, the designers and photographers behind it, and a short story about the visual choices that defined the release.
Neko Case shot this haunting self-portrait in her own bathroom, creating one of indie rock's most striking covers with just natural light and a vintage Polaroid camera. The intimate DIY approach perfectly captured the album's themes of vulnerability and transformation.
Death Grips' breakthrough album features a stark black-and-white photograph of drummer Zach Hill's erect penis, creating one of the most controversial and confrontational cover images in hip-hop history.
Metallica's electric chair artwork was created by band members themselves after their record label couldn't afford professional designers. The stark, hand-drawn imagery became one of metal's most recognizable covers despite being born from budget constraints.