Digipak advert analysis – Young Guns (KERRANG: July 2010)

Grey, silver background with a grey/brown colour scheme is simplistic yet gives the image a slightly grungy look to imply what genre the music of the band is (metal). This technique allows the product to reach its target audience.

The “beams” behind the main image add dimension to the way in which the advert is presented which make it appear more interesting and therefore a passer by is more likely to consider this poster.

The image of the lion is central to the poster which draws attention from potential purchasers of the digipak.

The image itself is of a lion adorning a crown of thorns which has connotations of religion (the crucifixion of Jesus) or bravery. The lion is also crying which suggests emotion (heavy rock) yet the mouth is watering meaning he is a predator.

The image is basically ambiguous which could mean it is left to interpretation and not aimed at a specific audience.

The font of the band’s name is stylised and gives off a western feel which could be a clever use of irony as the band’s name is “Young Guns” which could mean the guns used by cowboys.

The way in which the text curls at the ends is similar to the swirly pattern behind the lion, which could represent fire, yet is done so in a way that may invite female attention as well. Therefore the entire image is consistent.

The title of the album is included, as this is important information to the consumer and all of the text is in capitals which could be reflective of the “loud” and slightly overwhelming nature of music of the metal genre.

Information is also included on the release date (to inform potential consumers) and the album’s producers to rightfully credit them.

Tour dates are featured in a banner at the bottom of the advert which are significant as this helps to promote the album by informing fans of when the band will be on tour, allowing them time to book tickets, ensuring that most of the places will be sold.

The band’s website is included for further information as is the logo of the production company of the album to promote their work as well as that of the band and to credit their contribution to the completion of this product.

Digipak advert analysis – Young Guns (KERRANG: July 2010)

Coincidently, as well as having their digipak advertised on the back cover of the magazine, Young Guns also featured on the front cover as part of promotion for the new album.

Their poses in the shots taken of the band themselves could be suggestive of the type of music that they play (and that the album is comprised of). For example, in the image used for the front cover, frontman Gustav Wood shows his fist and has a “wolf-like” expression suggesting aggression. Similarly, in the double-spread feature image, he holds his fist which is associated with the intent of physical violence.

Furthermore, in the single shots of the band, they are all hitting a glass prop which suggests the chaos and disruption that is associated with heavy rock music. Also, the background is red which connotes anger or perhaps simply powerful emotions which are usually present in or the focus of rock and metal songs.

Therefore, both the digipak advert and the images accompanying an interview with the band promote their music and their status as a heavy rock band.

Digipak advert analysis – Iron Maiden (Rock Sound: August 2010)

The name of the band is positioned centrally at the top of the poster and becomes one its main focuses as most fans will be drawn to this advertisement through how it identifies with the band; making it recognisable to those who would be most likely to buy the product.

The bold, red colour and white outline help the title to stand out further. This is highlighted especially as the rest of the poster is dark which creates an effective contrast between the text and the images.

The image itself would be recognisable to fans of this band as seems to be a newer version of their other album art; depicting monsters, blood, death and terror. The image is detailed and grotesque but definitely catches attention because of this.

The image is also significant as the monster holds the bands logo, a metal tool, which is also featured in reference to a sword crossing over the skull images in the corners of the poster to frame it whilst making the metallic and frightening theme consistent.

Synergy is also used effectively as the album seems to have a “space” or astronaut theme as the characters are wearing space suits and the release date of the album is dubbed: “Lift off”.

The colour scheme is effective as red, yellow and white are all of the same spectrum yet stand out from each other.

The album title itself; “The Final Frontier” is one of the few text boxes in yellow and uses a font that can be distinguished from the rest of the text in order for this detail to stand out as it is important for the consumer who may potentially buy this product.

The advert includes phrases such as “The new studio album” to inform the potential audience of what is being advertised. Also the advertisement states which songs feature in this album which may persuade somebody who has previously heard one of these before and liked it to buy the album by advertising this fact.The poster also shows a small inset picture of the digipak itself which may reinforce some buyers of whether or not to buy this album. It also states in smaller font, as institutional information may be less important to the consumer. For example, who the digipak was produced by or that there is a special edition which may appeal to more serious fans.

There is also tour information included at the bottom of the advert, informing fans of the venue and date of the concert so that they can purchase tickets; further promoting the band.

The band’s website is featured alongside the record labels logo on the advert, yet in small font as this information is supposedly less important in advertising the digipak.

Digipak advert analysis – Iron Maiden (Rock Sound: August 2010)

Iron Maiden are also featured inside the magazine itself to accompany the advertisement for the new digipak. However, significantly, this article shows an image of the album cover but the main focus is a shot of the band themselves which is also important in promoting music as the appearance of the band may influence whether or not someone is willing to pa and see them perform at a concert. In the image, most of the band members are not smiling, suggesting that their music is serious and their long hair and dark clothes suggest they play heavy rock/metal compositions.

Furthermore, the band are mentioned on the front cover of the magazine itself which further advertises their new album and acts as an incentive to buy the magazine too; which gives the editors a reason to make an article about them.

Digipak advert analysis – Rock Sound: August 2010

Many other bands are also listed on the front cover of the magazine and also feature in an article simultaneously. This is likely to act as a duel form of advertisement for their new music as well as giving the reader an incentive to buy the magazine, if they catch sight of a band they particularly like.

Therefore, it is only because this is a music magazine that the bands are advertised both on the front and on the inside whereas a fashion magazine, for example, would not mention new album releases on the front cover as it is assumed that the target market for this product would be those who are interested in fashion, therefore the types of albums that may be advertised could be pop, for example, as rock albums are usually only advertised in music magazines as they have a specific target audience.

Digipak advert analysis – KORN (Rock Sound: August 2010)

Interview featuring an image of the band and their logo to identify them.

Digipak advert for their album by HMV. Includes a review from the magazine at the top to further advertise.

Advertisement for the band’s tour. Featuring their logo and similar imagery from their album for the tour – synergy.

Digipak advert analysis – Architects (Rock Sound: August 2010)

Interview featuring an image of a member from the band to present the group to the potential target audience.

The singer “in action” shows they are a heavy metal band.

An advert from HMV shows their digipak as one of the new albums available and contains important information concerning its release.

Digipak advert analysis – Circa Survive(Rock Sound: August 2010)

Interview featuring an image of the band which may be important for the audience as an image of them is not featured in the digipak advert and through this, the audience are able to identify the band.

The digipak advert contains a positive review which further promotes the band and their music.

Digipak advert analysis – 36 CrazyFists(Rock Sound: August 2010)

The band’s new album is reviewed in the magazine alongside their interview which is useful to the consumer and acts to promote the band.

An advert for their digipak is also featured which includes the relevant information on the album’s release, specifically naming their previous singles which may have been successful and persuade an audience to purchase the album.