THEIGNS & THRALLS
The Keep & The Spire
Dark, surreal, nouveau, space, ludic visuals for a new audio universe.
While the english band Theigns & Thralls were preparing new songs for their second album, their fontman Kevin Ridley (experienced guitar player, vocal and producer of the legendary Skyclad) contacted me to create the cover artwork. During the briefing, some of his ideas were: 'maybe using something that is Anglo-Saxon based. Something like a tapestry or a book cover. The second album is, I think, darker, heavier and more historical than the first'. I used this to capture some key concepts while listening to a few preliminary versions of the songs.
I think the end result is a representation of several aesthetic influences that I have and that I have been developing over the years. Something I could call 'psycho ornamental dark sci-fi comics victorian ars nouveau' with hints of Klimt, Mucha, Jack Kirby and something brazilian that is in my roots. Working with Kevin is always a huge pleasure and an honor, something that has been happening for years, ever since I did my first cover for Skyclad. Our professional relationship is part of my maturation as a graphic designer and is something visible in the covers I have made for him over the years.
The Keep & The Spire was released in september 20, 2024 by Rockshot Records in CD, LP and streaming formats.
Here are some prelimary sketches. The original concept was very different. I still like it. Might return to it soon.
THANK YOU!
