Once Human’s Brilliant Creature Designs: A Refreshing Dish in the Big Bland Survival Soup of Fantasy Metal

Once Human’s Brilliant Creature Designs: A Refreshing Dish in the Big Bland Survival Soup of Fantasy Metal

Once Human, an American power metal band from Los Angeles, California, is known for its intricate and imaginative lyrics, which often revolve around science fiction and fantasy themes. However, the band’s music videos and album art have just as much to offer in terms of eye-catching visuals. One of the most striking aspects of Once Human’s creative output is their brilliant creature designs, which add a welcome dose of fantasy and whimsy to an otherwise serious and often dark genre.

Dragons and Griffins

The use of classic fantasy creatures such as dragons and griffins is a staple in power metal, but Once Human manages to make these creatures stand out with their unique designs. For instance, in the “Evil and Divine” music video, the griffin is depicted as a magnificent beast with shimmering gold feathers, piercing blue eyes, and sharp talons that seem capable of tearing through steel. The dragon in the “East” music video is equally impressive, with its fiery red scales and menacing gaze.

Aliens and Robots

Once Human also explores the use of more science fiction-inspired creatures in their work. In the “East” album art, we see a futuristic cityscape with towering buildings and advanced technology, but amidst it all stands a colossal robot with glowing red eyes and intricate mechanical designs. The band’s 2018 album, “Opus Mar,” features an alien creature on the cover art, with long, slender limbs and large, expressive eyes. The creature’s design is both eerie and beautiful, adding to the sense of wonder and adventure that permeates Once Human’s music.

Fairies and Demons

Last but not least, Once Human also incorporates more traditional fantasy elements into their creature designs. For instance, in the “East” music video, we see a group of fairies with delicate wings and mischievous smiles, dancing around a bubbling cauldron. Conversely, in the “Evil and Divine” album art, we are confronted with a terrifying demon, with glowing red eyes, sharp teeth, and horns that curl menacingly. Despite their contrasting appearances, both the fairies and the demon add to the band’s overall theme of good versus evil, light versus dark.

A Visual Feast for Power Metal Fans

In summary, Once Human’s creature designs offer a refreshing and visually stunning addition to the power metal genre. With their intricate details, imaginative concepts, and beautiful execution, these creatures are sure to delight fans of the band and newcomers alike. Whether it’s a majestic dragon soaring through the sky or a mischievous fairy dancing in the forest, Once Human’s creature designs are a testament to the band’s creativity and their commitment to bringing their music to life in a visually compelling way.

I. Introduction

Once Human is an American metal band that has been making waves in the music industry since their formation in 2013. The group, spearheaded by lead vocalist Lauren Hart and guitarist Ryan Provencher, is known for their unique blend of fantasy and heavy metal genres.

Brief Overview of Once Human

The band’s unconventional sound and image sets them apart from their peers in the metal scene. Once Human‘s music transcends the ordinary, immersing listeners into a world where heavy riffs meet captivating narratives. Founded in 2013, the group consists of Lauren Hart on vocals, Ryan Provencher on guitars, Daniel Davison on drums, and Max Toussaint on bass.

Formation

Once Human was born out of the shared vision between Hart and Provencher to create something distinct within the metal genre. Their fusion of fantasy themes and heavy music has proven to be a successful endeavor, attracting fans from both worlds.

Unconventional Sound and Image

With Lauren Hart’s powerful, ethereal voice juxtaposed against the raw energy of their heavy sound, Once Human challenges the boundaries of what is typically expected in metal music. The band’s visual image, complete with intricate fantasy-inspired wardrobe and makeup, further adds to their unique allure.

The Importance of Engaging Visual Elements in Music

When it comes to fantasy and heavy metal genres, engaging visual elements are not only desirable but essential. These genres often rely on intricate world-building and immersive environments to transport fans into new realms.

Fantasy Themes

The use of captivating visuals is crucial in bringing these fantastical worlds to life, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the narrative. Fantasy themes frequently incorporate mythical creatures, magical lands, and epic adventures that require a visual representation to truly resonate with audiences.

Eye-catching Creature Designs

Moreover, eye-catching creature designs can greatly enhance a fan’s experience and add to the overall narrative. In the context of Once Human, their fantastical imagery not only adds aesthetic appeal but also serves as a visual representation of the themes explored within their music. This immersive approach engages fans on multiple levels, making their music an unforgettable experience.

Once Human’s Creative Vision and Inspiration

Once Human, an American metal band, is not just known for their powerful music but also for their visually striking concepts. Lead vocalist Lauren Hart, with a background in art and graphic design, plays a significant role in shaping the band’s visual aesthetics.

Lauren Hart’s Artistic Influences and Role in Once Human

Lauren’s artistic journey began early, influenced by the whimsical, dreamlike works of Mary Blair, a renowned Disney illustrator, and the imaginative anime by Hayao Miyazaki. These influences shaped her unique artistic style. In Once Human, Lauren balances both musical and visual creativity, bringing her art to life through the band’s album covers and music videos.

Early Influences: Mary Blair and Hayao Miyazaki

Mary Blair’s vibrant, colorful illustrations captured Lauren’s imagination, inspiring her to experiment with bold hues and dreamlike concepts. Hayao Miyazaki’s intricate anime stories ignited her passion for storytelling through art.

Creature Designs and Creative Process in Once Human

In interviews, Lauren and guitarist Ryan Provencher discuss their creative process behind the band’s visually impressive creature designs. They draw inspiration from various mythologies, folklore, and personal experiences to craft unique creatures that stand out while maintaining a sense of realism.

Drawing Inspiration from Mythologies, Folklore, and Personal Experiences

Once Human’s creatures are a testament to their diverse influences. They pay homage to various mythologies like Norse and Greek, and weave in elements of folklore and personal experiences to create truly unique beings.

Balancing Impressiveness with Realism

The band’s visual concepts are visually impressive, yet they maintain a sense of realism. This balance ensures that the creatures remain relatable and engaging to fans, enhancing their musical experience.

I Showcasing Once Human’s Creature Designs

In-depth examination of specific creature designs featured in the band’s music videos, album covers, and merchandise

Once Human, an American metal band known for their unique sound and striking visuals, has captivated audiences with their intriguing creature designs. These designs can be seen in the band’s music videos, album covers, and merchandise. In this section, we will delve deep into three of Once Human’s most iconic creatures: “Ghost,” “The Witch,” and “The Creature.”

“Ghost” – A hauntingly beautiful spectral entity that appears throughout the band’s music videos and album art

“Ghost,” a hauntingly beautiful spectral entity, is a recurring design in Once Human’s music videos and album art. Its origins can be traced back to the band’s 2015 EP, “Evolution.” This spectral entity is believed to symbolize transformation and rebirth. Its ethereal design, with flowing white robes and glowing eyes, exudes an otherworldly aura that complements Once Human’s music perfectly. The “Ghost” adds depth to the visual narrative of Once Human’s music, creating an immersive experience for fans.

“The Witch” – A powerful, malevolent creature that represents transformation and rebirth in Once Human’s lore

Another captivating design from Once Human is “The Witch.” This powerful, malevolent creature represents transformation and rebirth within the band’s mythology. With her long, flowing robes and piercing gaze, she exudes an air of mystery and power. “The Witch” often appears in Once Human’s visuals as a reminder of the band’s themes of transformation, growth, and overcoming adversity. Her presence in the fans’ imagination serves to fuel their creativity and inspire them to embrace their own transformations.

“The Creature” – A monstrous entity that encapsulates the raw power and intensity of Once Human’s music

Lastly, there is “The Creature,” a monstrous entity that embodies the raw power and intensity of Once Human’s music. Its origins can be traced back to the band’s 2013 debut album, “The Life I Renounce.” This design is a testament to Once Human’s unique sound and style. The creature’s menacing appearance, with its sharp claws, piercing teeth, and glowing eyes, perfectly encapsulates the intensity of the band’s music. Its significance lies in representing the raw emotion and power that Once Human conveys through their music, leaving fans in awe of their creativity and musical prowess.

The Impact of Once Human’s Creature Designs on Their Fanbase and the Music Industry

Once Human, an American metal band known for their unique blend of heavy music and captivating visual concepts, has left a significant mark on both their dedicated fanbase and the music industry at large. The impact of their creature designs can be seen in various forms:

How Once Human’s Creature Designs Have Influenced Their Fans

Fan Art, Cosplay, and Fan Fiction: Once Human’s intricately designed creatures have served as a source of inspiration for their fans. Countless pieces of fan art, cosplay, and fan fiction showcase the band’s imaginative concepts, allowing fans to engage with the music on a deeper level.

Building a Sense of Shared World-Building among Fans and Fostering Creativity: The band’s creature designs have fostered a sense of shared world-building among their fans, creating a community of artists and imaginative thinkers. This has led to a rich exchange of ideas and collaborations within the fanbase, further enhancing the band’s artistic vision.

The Influence of Once Human’s Creature Designs on Other Bands and Artists

Inspiring a New Wave of Visual Creativity in Heavy Metal: Once Human’s integration of music and art to create immersive experiences for fans has inspired a new wave of visual creativity within the heavy metal scene. Bands are now paying closer attention to their visual concepts, recognizing that engaging visuals can significantly enhance the fan experience.

Setting the Bar High for Future Bands: The success of Once Human’s creature designs has set a high bar for future bands looking to make a mark in the genre with captivating visuals and imaginative concepts. The impact of their work serves as a reminder that music is not just an auditory experience but also a visual one, and both elements should be given equal importance in creating a memorable artistic expression.

Conclusion

As we reach the end of our journey into the fantastical world of Once Human, it’s important to reflect on the unique blend of heavy metal music, intricate fantasy themes, and visually engaging creature designs that make this band a standout in the genre. The harmonious marriage of these elements creates an immersive fan experience that transcends the boundaries of mere music, transporting listeners to a realm of mythical wonder and sonic intensity.

Balance Between Music and Visual Concepts

Once Human‘s commitment to maintaining a balance between their music and visual concepts is commendable. Their lyrics weave intricate tales of fantasy and adventure, while their album art and music videos bring these stories to life through stunning visuals of otherworldly creatures and ethereal landscapes. This multi-dimensional approach keeps fans engaged on multiple levels, making each new release a thrilling experience.

Exploration and Creativity

As readers, we’ve been given a glimpse into the rich tapestry of lore that surrounds Once Human. But this is only the beginning! I encourage each and every one of you to explore further – dive deeper into their music, art, and lore. Let yourself be inspired by the limitless possibilities that await within the realm of heavy metal and fantasy genres.

Call to Action

Don’t just take my word for it – pick up one of their albums, watch a music video, or delve into the intricacies of their artwork. Embrace the magic that unfolds before you and join the ever-growing legion of fans who have been captivated by the enchanting world of Once Human. And remember – creativity knows no bounds, so let your imagination run wild as you continue to explore the vast landscape of heavy metal and fantasy.

Endnote

In a world where entertainment can often feel formulaic and predictable, Once Human‘s unique blend of music, art, and storytelling serves as a breath of fresh air. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible within heavy metal and fantasy genres, they remind us that there is always more to discover – both within their realm and beyond.