There a numerous codes and conventions of the metal rock music genre conveyed within in this music magazine cover of Kerrang!, a magazine which specialises in metal music. The theme colours black and white are code for and are related to the gothic cult which shares many aspects of metal music, which is clearly evident on this cover through other codes such as the artists amount of heavy black eye make-up. This heavy eye make-up is out of the ordinary for men and holds a sense of rebellion; however this is not for the genre and is part of the gothic style and image. As the eye make-up rings around his eyes it focuses the audience’s attention on his sincere serious look which is not common in pop magazines such as 'Top of the Pops', however as a close-up of the artist is used this draws the attention to his sincerity attracting fans of the music who are intrigued by his deep emotion. The smoke coming out of his mouth could just show the rebellion within the music as it could be decoded as if he is exhaling from a draw of a cigarette. However this is representing him as devil like exhaling and breathing smoke from hell, another aspect which adds to the idea of him being devil like are his black deep eyes showing no emotion. An addition been his trimmed black beard and moustache commonly related to caricatures of the devil. The word ‘resurrection’ is also present on the cover a complete juxtaposition to the devil imagery being used, as resurrection is a religious reference of god, and this music is far from holy. The font styles used are also code for the genre of metal music. The font used for ‘HIM’ is very gothic as the letters are sharp the opposite of round bubble writing used for the pop genre. The font used for ‘Kerrang!’ is black bold and heavy like the eye make-up on the artist, also is has an effect as if it has been smashed or cracked due to loud heavy noise. The title ‘Kerrang!’ is onomatopoeia for guitar and drum sounds which are part of the music genre. The slogan with it ‘Life is loud’ summarises the music within the magazine.
