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.

coroner

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