The Art of Metal: H.R. Giger

 

Giger's true form, by HR Giger himself 

Due to too many posts waiting in the queue, I decided to release them this week in the global language only - Polscy czytelnicy wybaczcie!

I don't think Giger needs any introductions, but just in case you were born today, he's the guy who designed the infamous Aliens. Born in 1940 in Switzerland, this genius artist did not only painting, but sculpting, and designing. This deserves its own article, but given it's a Metal blog, I would prefer to focus on our side of the equation.

Instead of my usual recounting, just look here:

Metal Archives Profile Page 

This page doesn't mention numerous examples of art used by thousands of Metal bands without permission (because probably nobody updated the pages). Here are some proofs (only three, because I don't have all day for searching them):

Miracle demo 

Horrified debut album 

And Necromancer debut album as well (same cover) 

Not to mention examples of being "inspired" by Giger, like here:

That cover that reminds me of "To Mega Therion" cover 

But the bands that are probably the most known for the usage of Giger's art, are the bands associated with Tom Warrior (Celtic Frost, Triptykon). It's even cooler if you know the story behind it. Apparently, Giger simply being a great person, just allowed young Tom to use his works, just like that, as a show of support, in contrast to general treatment of Celtic Frost, who weren't as respected as today in a Metal world, quite the opposite, they were mocked. And Giger stood behind them, against all odds. What a man.

Giger's art is notorious for mixing erotica with Nietzschean abyss. To paraphrase an internet opinion, it would be the abyss which would blink first, if it ever dueled with Giger. 

Giger died 2014 in a spectacularly frustrating way, namely, he suffered mortal injuries from a fall. It was possible to save his life, but Swiss medical services failed him.

Let him Rest in Piece then.