Kerrang front cover analysis

The masthead, Kerrang is very effective as it is onomatopoeia for the sound of a guitar, this automatically connotes the genre of the magazine, which is rock. Kerrang also uses dark imagery to indicate this. The guitar is an instrument mainly used in rock music so the reader can identify the genre of the magazine just by looking at the mast head. The typography of the title is done in a font which looks like shattered glass. Some rock artists smash their guitars after performing and this type of font may represent that. The mast head is covered up by a large image of the band, Biffy Clyro. This tells the reader that this is a well known recognisable magazine because the publisher feels comfortable enough to sell it when the addressees cannot see the whole title.
The main feature is of Biffy Clyro in a mid shot straight on so the audience can get a full view of the musicians in the centre of the page. It is an overpowering image which dominates the cover and is very “in your face”. The picture is very intimidating as their stance is threatening as the image is made to look like it is coming off the page and is about to jump out at you. The two back up singers are dressed in black and the lead in white, this makes him stand out and seem more significant compared to the others. They all have long hair and beards which tells the audience that they want them to focus on their music and not their appearance. The long hair on the central band member seems to be blocking his face which may symbolise that he is insecure. It also suggests that he has something to hide or that there is another side to him which know one knows about. The musician’s clothing is closed, barely any skin is revealed which shows that perhaps they are self-doubting or possibly that their faces are supposed to be the core focus as they are looking directly at the audience and they don’t want any distractions. By looking at the audience, this makes them feel more involved with Biffy Clyro and that they are being looked at individually which makes them feel important. The tattoo on the central band member is there maybe to portray something that the band stands for/believe in.
Kerrang applies dark deep colours to the magazine, using the reoccurring theme of black, red and white. The cover line contrasts with the background as it is white against a black background. The lighting is dark and dim on the front page and shadowing is used around the smaller articles and pictures below the main feature which are all of rock groups. This links in with the target audience, obviously the magazine is designed for those who like rock music but we can tell it is for males as the colour scheme uses dark colours which are associated with masculinity.
The front cover is very organised and structured which makes it look like a more high class and expensive magazine. Most of the typography is done in bold which makes words such as “free” and “plus” stand out. They are also done in block capitals which highlights the text to make it even more eye catching.