stefan thanneur 10/24/25 stefan thanneur 10/24/25

coroner

Imagine my surprise and excitement when Century Media contacted me in the second half of 2022 to see if I‘d be interested in creating the cover art for CORONER‘s new album.

Yes, the same band that blew my juvenile mind the first time I put the vinyl of “R.I.P.” (their 1987 debut) on my turntable; a memory still very vivid today. This virtuosity at the service of extremely well-written and catchy tracks. A unique style and class, from the very beginning.

While they‘re probably not the most well-known on the scene for the uninitiated, these Swiss pioneers of technical metal can certainly boast a flawless discography and belong to the very select club of cult bands, respected by all and revered by many.

Without forgetting that, in addition to their heightened elitism and musical refinement, they also possess one of the most remarkable, efficient, and relevant visual identities in the genre.

In short, one of the toughest and most exciting challenges I‘ve ever been offered.

*Original Drawing. 2022-2023, Ink on Bristol Paper, 400 × 400 mm.*
*Below: Close Up Video of the Drawing Details*

The art direction, focused on the DNA symbol's deterioration, was previously defined by the band. I didn‘t have any musical excerpts to fuel my inspiration, only these few briefing lines.

The beginning of the creative process and our initial discussions were a bit laborious, but after clarification and more detailed discussion based on the band‘s feedback, I had a better understanding of the flaws in my first draft, and my second proposal was much more relevant, and validated.

The final drawing took me months of work, well over 150 hours.

I also worked on creating the three-part symbol that adorns each of their albums, reflecting the concept developed in each one.

This work was delivered in April 2023.

After that, there was almost no news.

I didn‘t know what was going on, if the album was finished or when it would be released.

I admit that many times during this period of uncertainty, I feared bad karma, that for some unknown reason, the project would change and my work would ultimately not see the light of day.

So I felt a real relief when I learned last spring that “Dissonance Theory” would finally be released in October.

Today, I feel very proud and happy with the work accomplished, with the opportunity I was given to illustrate this new chapter of a band I have always followed and admired, and that everyone can finally enjoy this brilliant new album, more than thirty years after the previous one.

A special and huge thank you to Leif Jensen and Century Media.

*Limited Digibook 2CD Edition with “Death Cult” 1986 Demo as Bonus CD*

stefan thanneur 10/22/25 stefan thanneur 10/22/25

souffle continu record store

New 7-variant tote bag design for Souffle Continu Record Shop, Paris.
Full collection soon available at the store exclusively.

stefan thanneur 10/3/25 stefan thanneur 10/3/25

dead neanderthals

Although I’ve previously collaborated with Rene & Otto on their many other musical projects (GILDED FORM, PLAGUE ORGAN), this is the first time they’ve approached me for their DEAD NEANDERTHALS entity, and I’m therefore very proud and honored to present my work for their upcoming album “Incantations” which will be released on November 7th via Utech Records.

It’s a completely improvised artwork, based on what both the music and the track titles evoked in me.

I wanted to convey the vibes of darkness and oppression that this music can emanate through a color palette that’s almost in contradiction with what it’s supposed to represent. It’s the dissonant harmony of these vibrant colors with the hybridization of elements and organic matter that creates the unease.

The typography, resolutely contemporary and deconstructed, contributes to the sense of disconnect.

I warmly thank Rene, Otto, and Keith of Utech Records for their trust and their invitation to participate in this unique new artistic adventure.

Vinyl edition and download available now.
US: Utech Records
EU: Dead Neanderthals

stefan thanneur 9/16/25 stefan thanneur 9/16/25

tomas lindberg

I had the chance to collaborate with Tomas, for AT THE GATES but especially on THE LURKING FEAR albums, and I was struck from our first discussions by his unwavering passion and humility. I particularly have fond memories of our collaboration on the first album, which was a real pleasure because he had thoroughly studied my style and came up with a very precise concept and ideas, which immediately gave me confidence. It sort of defined our playground, while giving me the freedom to interpret these directions with my own sensitivity.
I am terribly sad today to learn that he has finally lost his last battle, and my thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and friends.
Godspeed, my friend.

stefan thanneur 9/16/25 stefan thanneur 9/16/25

portal paris 2025•09•14

PORTAL was in Paris last Sunday night.
Just as oppressive and suffocating as they were during the few dates we did share with them with CHAOS ECHŒS on the European soil ten years ago.
A truly unique experience not to miss if you have the chance to attend one of their shows.