Research - Album Covers (IV)

This album cover is by a band named Stratovarius and their album named: Polaris. The album's title is a reference to the binary start system polaris which is situated towards the north pole of earth, also known as the 'North Star'. The album cover displays a high angle shot over the earth, looking down at it from above, the earth is obstructed by metallic forms in a star shape, which are beaming white streams towards the earrh, perhaps another reference to Polaris, the fact the metallic objects are shaped like stars. Metallic and natural debris is found loating above earth and is possibly a reference to both the metallic nature of the bands sound and the natural influences of nature. The band's name is connected with the main image in that in the centre of the name a metal conducter type object, possibly the band's logo, intercepts both the band's names and the title of the album, the fact the streams are going from the metallic stars to the logo is a reference to them possibly absorbing the power of their song, and that they believe themselves to be significant. The high angle shot shows either the band recognizes its otherworldly success or that they believe themselves to be above everything. That they have reached their pinnacle. The image could also have religious conceptions as a woman's face is decending from the metallic star towards earth, with a trail of bright light behind her, she is seen as angellic. Could be percieved as a Archangel decending towards earth, as either a bastion of knowledge,power or divinity. As the north star is both considered the highest and the brightesr, and was used to help people navigate throuhout the ages, it could be a reference that the band now believe themselves to be both a driving force and a band to be followed by other similar artists, that they should both be looked up to for guidance and inspiration. The mystical nature and otherworldly nature of the front cover is unconventional for heavy rock, perhaps focusing more on gritty reality for inspiration.