Overview
Passionplay, a chaotic hardcore/screamo band from Providence, Rhode Island, brings a unique blend of intense sounds to the scene. Drummer Matt O'Brien and guitarist Alan Hague formed the band, initially creating a full album's worth of material before recruiting vocalist Paul Turillo. In 2020, Passionplay released their debut album "Dead Hands," recorded, mixed, and mastered at The Chamber Studios in Warwick, RI. Passionplay quickly gained recognition in the hardcore/screamo scene for their chaotic and energetic live performances, which remain electrifying even with a substitute vocalist.
Problem to solve
Passionplay needed a visually striking cover art for their 2022 release, "Sinking," that captured the essence of their chaotic hardcore/screamo sound. The challenge was to design artwork that reflected the band's intense and abrasive style while standing out in the crowded music scene. The cover art had to convey the raw emotion and energy of Passionplay's music, align with their gritty, rebellious aesthetic, and appeal to their hardcore/screamo fanbase. Additionally, it needed to symbolize the album's themes of struggle and depth, inviting listeners to explore its deeper meanings.
Our goal was to create a visually arresting piece that would capture the attention of existing fans and attract new listeners. The design had to make an impact both online and in physical formats, ensuring thematic coherence with the album title "Sinking." By addressing these challenges, we aimed to enhance the visual appeal of "Sinking" and reinforce Passionplay’s presence in the hardcore/screamo scene.
Research & insight
In creating cover art for Passionplay's 2022 release, "Sinking," we actively engaged with their established visual aesthetic and lyrical themes. Passionplay's bold, evocative illustrations complement their intense musical style. For "Sinking," the band sought imagery of someone adrift at sea in a leaky boat, about to be engulfed by a tsunami.
Concept Sketches
Solution
We maintained the band's illustrative style, blending chaos with clarity, ensuring consistency with their brand. Exploring the album's themes revealed metaphors of struggle and impending catastrophe. By crafting visually intense and emotionally resonant artwork, we aimed to captivate the audience and convey the raw emotion and intensity of Passionplay's music.
