Metal Sludge Gossip Board

Once in a while, I've seen people refuse to listen to an album due to the artwork/pictures. Have you done this? What albums? What kind of artwork makes you not wanna give it a try?

I didn't refuse to listen because of it, but the cover of Vai's Sex and Religion is just as bad as the music inside, if not worse.

Bono Nettencourt wrote: ↑Sat Sep 13, 2025 6:41 am I didn't refuse to listen because of it, but the cover of Vai's Sex and Religion is just as bad as the music inside, if not worse.

I mean, it was a questionable choice of imagery, but at least it was well done.

Something like these, i've never listened to, and never would, because if that's the effort/creativity/$ put into the cover, the music is probably just as uninspired

HueyRamone wrote: ↑Sat Sep 13, 2025 7:22 am

Bono Nettencourt wrote: ↑Sat Sep 13, 2025 6:41 am I didn't refuse to listen because of it, but the cover of Vai's Sex and Religion is just as bad as the music inside, if not worse.

I mean, it was a questionable choice of imagery, but at least it was well done.

So you're into a naked DT crucifixion image... not that there's anything wrong with that

Interesting question.
Dont think I've ever not listened cause of art. Nowadays don't think I even know amy artwork.

Back in the day, I probably ignored albums with weak art.

Bono Nettencourt wrote: ↑Sat Sep 13, 2025 6:41 am I didn't refuse to listen because of it, but the cover of Vai's Sex and Religion is just as bad as the music inside, if not worse.

One of the worst mis-steps I've ever seen from a well-known artist. He just seemed to jump into a weird, perverted, idiot world for a one record and then right back out again. Don't know what he was thinking. Future Devin Townsend albums also don't have so much of whatever S&R was. There was maybe one or two listenable songs on that album.

Ego run rampant. Can't believe that the label signed off on it.

Bono Nettencourt wrote: ↑Sat Sep 13, 2025 8:22 am

HueyRamone wrote: ↑Sat Sep 13, 2025 7:22 am

Bono Nettencourt wrote: ↑Sat Sep 13, 2025 6:41 am I didn't refuse to listen because of it, but the cover of Vai's Sex and Religion is just as bad as the music inside, if not worse.

I mean, it was a questionable choice of imagery, but at least it was well done.

So you're into a naked DT crucifixion image... not that there's anything wrong with that

Yes. Christ was famously shot with three arrows. And... uhh... "crucified" with his arms at his sides.

Anything AI generated. It gives the impression that the music is worthless and no one cared enough about it to create authentic artwork. Easy pass.

I'm boycotting Metal Church's Hanging in the Balance until they change that disgusting cover.

Bono Nettencourt wrote: ↑Sat Sep 13, 2025 8:22 am

HueyRamone wrote: ↑Sat Sep 13, 2025 7:22 am

Bono Nettencourt wrote: ↑Sat Sep 13, 2025 6:41 am I didn't refuse to listen because of it, but the cover of Vai's Sex and Religion is just as bad as the music inside, if not worse.

I mean, it was a questionable choice of imagery, but at least it was well done.

So you're into a naked DT crucifixion image... not that there's anything wrong with that

I don't think you know what crucification means.

HueyRamone wrote: ↑Sun Sep 14, 2025 3:26 am

Bono Nettencourt wrote: ↑Sat Sep 13, 2025 8:22 am

HueyRamone wrote: ↑Sat Sep 13, 2025 7:22 am

I mean, it was a questionable choice of imagery, but at least it was well done.

So you're into a naked DT crucifixion image... not that there's anything wrong with that

Yes. Christ was famously shot with three arrows. And... uhh... "crucified" with his arms at his sides.

Nope. That was St. Sebastian. Easy mistake.

Ratt - Reach For The Sky

There is some shocking cover art out there and I'm sure I passed up some killer records on that basis, but I wouldn't not listen to something id already bought on that basis.

On the subject of not buying due to cover art, many years ago I remember scouring the racks because a guy I was in touch with in the US wanted an uncensored copy of G'nR Lies. Apparently all the US CD booklets had a bar over the topless woman's nipples, whereas in the UK some did and some didn't. It was a fold-out cover, as you'll no doubt remember, and I had to unfold 3 or 4 before I found the correct one.

Psychobolia.com wrote: ↑Sun Sep 14, 2025 3:51 am I'm boycotting Metal Church's Hanging in the Balance until they change that disgusting cover.

Came here to post that!

Round 13 by Krokus has a terrible album cover. That and the fact that Marc Storace wasn't the singer on it is the reason why i've never listened to it.


Round 6 by Pro-Pain is another horrible album cover (and that photo was their profile photo on Yahoo music for years). The cartoon cover makes them look like guest characters in King of the Hill.

smell the glove. I want the original or nothing

The Nelson album with those two chicks on the cover. I think they might be men.