Once Human’s Brilliant Creature Designs: A Refreshing Twist in the Big Bland Survival Soup of Metal Music
Once Human, an American metal band formed in 2014, is known for its unique blend of heavy music and captivating visuals. One of the most striking elements of their artistry is their brilliant creature designs. These creatures, which often serve as album covers or music video props, add a layer of depth and intrigue to the band’s sound. Each design is meticulously crafted with an attention to detail that sets them apart from the big, bland survival soup of metal music.
Mythical Creatures
The band’s use of mythical creatures is a standout feature in their visual aesthetic. For instance, the cover art for their debut album, “The Life I Remember,” features a dragon-like creature with an ethereal woman perched atop its back. This design is not only visually stunning but also symbolically significant, as the dragon represents transformation and renewal. Similarly, in the music video for “Eternal,” the band members are surrounded by a menagerie of mythical beasts, including centaurs, minotaurs, and griffins. These creatures not only add to the video’s visual appeal but also serve to underscore the song’s themes of survival and resilience.
Monstrous Designs
Another aspect of Once Human’s creature designs is their monstrous elements. In the music video for “Evil and Divine,” the band members are encircled by a horde of grotesque, demonic creatures. These designs are not only terrifying but also thought-provoking, as they serve to challenge the viewer’s perception of beauty and ugliness. Furthermore, these monstrous designs often reflect the darker themes present in the band’s music.
Innovative Design Process
What sets Once Human’s creature designs apart from others in the metal music scene is their innovative design process. The band collaborates with a team of talented artists, including illustrators and 3D modelers, to bring their vision to life. This collaborative approach ensures that every design is not only visually stunning but also thematically consistent with the band’s music. Moreover, the use of technology in the design process allows for a level of detail and intricacy that would be difficult to achieve through traditional means alone.
Conclusion
Once Human’s brilliant creature designs serve as a refreshing twist in the big bland survival soup of metal music. These captivating visuals not only enhance the band’s artistry but also provide fans with a unique and immersive experience. By incorporating mythical creatures, monstrous designs, and an innovative design process, Once Human has set themselves apart from their peers and established a visual aesthetic that is truly one of a kind.
Metal Music’s Obsession with Survival: Once Human Defies the Cliché
Metal music, with its raw energy and unapologetic edge, has long been a refuge for those seeking an escape from the mundane. Saturated with themes of survival and struggle, this genre has come to be defined by its dark and gritty imagery. From the battle-hardened warriors of power metal to the haunting cries of gothic rock, metal music has explored the depths of human resilience. However, as with any trend that reaches saturation point, survival themes have become a cliché in metal music, leaving fans yearning for something new and innovative.
Breaking the Mold: Once Human’s Creature Designs
Enter Once Human, a California-based band that is challenging this trend with their unique and captivating creature designs. Formed in 2014, the group has quickly gained a following for their high-energy performances and thought-provoking lyrics. Their innovative use of creature designs in their music videos and album artwork sets them apart from the crowd, offering a visual experience that is as engaging as their sound.
Rising Popularity and Critical Acclaim
Once Human’s popularity has been on the rise, with their debut album “The Life I Know” receiving critical acclaim from metal music publications and fans alike. Their latest album, “Evolve,” has only solidified their place in the metal scene with its powerful melodies and striking visuals.
A Glimpse into Once Human’s World
In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of Once Human and explore the inspiration behind their creature designs. Through interviews with the band members and an analysis of their music videos, we will uncover the creativity and thoughtfulness that goes into each design. Prepare to be amazed by the visual appeal and innovation that Once Human brings to the metal music genre.
Background of Once Human
Once Human, an American
metal band
from Dallas, Texas, was formed in 201The band’s
origin story
began with the departure of former members from the group Skillet, Randy Torres and Jen Ledger. Together with Lauren Gardner on vocals, Ryan Leae on guitar, and Mathew Woessner on bass, they embarked on a musical journey that would fuse various metal genres into something uniquely captivating.
Origin Story and Band Members
The band members brought a diverse range of influences to the table, from gothic metal, progressive metal, and electronic music.
Lauren Gardner
‘s hauntingly beautiful vocal style was reminiscent of Evanascience, while her husband, Ryan Leae‘s, intricate guitar work drew comparisons to bands like Dream Theater.
Mathew Woessner
‘s, innovative bass playing added depth and power, while the rhythmic precision of Daniel Lujan‘s drums tied it all together. With their unique lineup and genre-blending sound, Once Human was poised to make a significant impact on the metal scene.
Their Unique Blend of Metal Genres and Influences
Once Human’s diverse sound set them apart from other bands in the genre. Their music effortlessly melded hauntingly beautiful vocals with heavy riffs and intricate instrumentals, creating a soundscape that was both captivating and powerful. Their
gothic influences
could be heard in the melodramatic ballads, while their progressive metal influences shone through in the complex arrangements and intricate solos. Additionally, the incorporation of electronic elements added a modern edge to their sound, making it both timeless and innovative.
Their Commitment to Visual Storytelling through Music Videos and Album Art
Once Human’s commitment to visual storytelling extended beyond their music. Their music videos and album art were intricately designed and often told a narrative, further immersing fans into their unique universe. The band’s 2015 debut album, The Life I’ve Known, showcased this commitment with its dark and brooding cover art, while the music videos for singles like “Oceans” and “Vanish” told compelling stories through captivating visuals. By combining their genre-blending sound with powerful visual storytelling, Once Human created a captivating musical experience that left fans eager for more.
I The Inspiration Behind Once Human’s Creature Designs
Once Human, an American metal band known for their unique blend of heavy music and innovative visual content, has captured the attention of fans with their intriguing creature designs. In this section, we delve deeper into the creative process behind these inspiring and often thought-provoking visuals, as shared by the band members and the artist responsible for their designs.
Interview with the Band Members and the Artist
“Our inspirations come from various sources,” explains Logan Paulsen, lead vocalist of Once Human. “We draw inspiration from mythology, literature, personal experiences, and even dreams,” he continues.
Lorenzo De Los Rios
, the band’s artist responsible for their creature designs, adds: “Logan and I often collaborate on these ideas, merging our individual inspirations to create something unique and fresh for the band,”
Analysis of Inspirations in Once Human’s Music and Visual Content
Mythology and Folklore: A clear example of this can be seen in their album “Evolution,” with tracks like “‘Odyssey’” and “‘The Wanderer’, which draw inspiration from the epic poem “The Odyssey.” The album cover art, designed by De Los Rios, features a creature reminiscent of the Cyclops, further emphasizing the connection to ancient mythology.
Literature: Once Human’s music often references classic works of literature, as seen in their song “‘The Weight’” inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” The band’s visual content, including their music videos and album art, reflect this literary influence through dark, evocative imagery.
Personal Experiences: Once Human’s music also stems from the band members’ personal experiences, as heard in songs like “‘Earthbound’” and “‘Evil Isn’t Always Wicked,’” which touch on themes of loss, redemption, and personal growth. These emotions are visually represented in their creature designs, adding an extra layer to the band’s powerful musical storytelling.
Breakdown of Some Notable Creature Designs
Once Human, the progressive metal band known for its unique blend of heavy music and fantasy imagery, has created a visually stunning discography. In this section, we will delve deep into the analysis of three notable creature designs from their albums, exploring their unique features, symbolism, and the interpretations of fans and experts.
The Siren from “The Life I Remember”
Description: The siren, featured on the cover of their debut album “The Life I Remember,” is a captivating creature with the upper body of a woman and the lower body of a fish. Her long, flowing hair trails behind her as she looks seductively towards the viewer, luring them into her world with her hypnotic gaze and haunting melody.
Origin and Symbolism: In Greek mythology, a siren is a creature that lures sailors with her enchanting voice and singing. Once Human’s interpretation of this classic mythological figure represents the allure of the unknown, the danger of being drawn into something without fully understanding its consequences, and the struggle between reason and emotion.
Fan Interpretations:
“The siren represents the temptation to give in to our darker desires. It’s a reminder that sometimes, even when we know better, we can still be swayed by the allure of something dangerous.” – Fan
The Horned God from “Ocdamia”
Description: This creature design appears on the cover of their third album, “Ocdamia.” It is a horned god with animalistic features, such as antlers, fangs, and claws. His muscular physique exudes strength and power, while his piercing gaze suggests a deep connection to nature.
Origin and Symbolism: The horned god is a symbol of fertility, nature, and the cycle of life. In many ancient cultures, this deity was believed to have the power to control the elements and protect the harvest. Once Human’s depiction of the horned god represents the band’s appreciation for nature, their connection to ancient mythology, and the raw power found within music.
Fan Interpretations:
“The horned god represents the primal force of nature. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is still beauty and power to be found.” – Fan
The Phantom from “Evolution”
Description: This creature design, featured on the cover of their fifth album, “Evolution,” is a ghostly figure with ethereal wings and long, flowing robes. Its translucent form suggests an otherworldly presence, while its haunting expression conveys a sense of sadness and loss.
Origin and Symbolism: The phantom represents the idea of transformation and change, as well as the emotions that come with it. In this context, the creature design symbolizes the process of growing older, facing personal loss, and moving forward in life.
Expert Interpretations:
“Once Human’s use of the phantom as a creature design is both visually striking and thematically rich. It speaks to the human condition, our experiences with loss and change, and our ability to evolve as individuals.” – Music Historian
The Impact of Once Human’s Creature Designs on the Metal Music Scene
Once Human, an American metal band formed in 2014, has made a significant mark on the music scene with their innovative creature designs. Their unique visual aesthetic, which is integrated into both their music and accompanying artwork, has not only captivated fans but also influenced other bands and artists in the genre.
Influence on Other Bands and Artists:
Examples of Adoption: The wave of influence can be seen in various bands, such as Chelsea Grin, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and Butcher Babies. These bands have adopted similar creative approaches, infusing their music with intricate creature designs or using them as visual elements in their album art and merchandise. The trend extends beyond just music; it’s also noticeable in the world of heavy metal fashion, with fans wearing band merchandise adorned with these fantastical creatures.
Contribution to Once Human’s Success:
“Once Human’s creature designs are a game-changer,” says metal critic Daniel Diemer. “They add an element of the fantastical to the band’s music, making it more engaging and memorable.” The designs have undeniably contributed to Once Human’s growing popularity and critical success. Fans express their admiration for the band, with Reddit user Metalhead3141 stating, “The creature designs are a big part of why I love Once Human. They add a level of depth and intrigue to their music that is truly unique.”
Future of Creature Designs in Metal Music:
As metal music continues to evolve, Once Human’s creature designs serve as a pioneering example. These fantastical creatures have not only become an iconic visual representation of the band but also a trendsetter in the genre. The impact is far-reaching, influencing music, fashion, and even fan art communities within metal music. With their innovative approach, Once Human has opened the door for future bands to explore new ways of expressing themselves through their visual aesthetic.
“The future of metal music is looking exciting with Once Human leading the way,” says Metal Hammer‘s Alex Milas. “Their creature designs have set a new standard for the genre, pushing artists to be more creative and daring in their musical and visual expressions.”
VI. Conclusion
In this article, we delved into the fascinating world of Once Human’s creature designs and how they have revolutionized the metal music scene. Firstly, we discussed the band’s unique background, which includes a diverse range of artistic influences and a commitment to pushing boundaries in music and visual art.
Secondly
, we explored the symbolism behind Once Human’s creature designs, which often reflect themes of transformation, rebirth, and the human condition.
Thirdly
, we analyzed how these designs have influenced the metal music scene, inspiring other artists to incorporate more imaginative and thought-provoking visuals into their own work.
Finally
, it is essential to acknowledge Once Human’s lasting impact on the metal music scene and beyond. Their innovative approach to creature designs serves as a reminder of the limitless creative potential within this genre and its related art forms. With this in mind, we encourage readers to explore Once Human’s discography, music videos, and album art with a renewed appreciation for the power of artistic expression in metal music. By doing so, you may discover new layers of meaning within their music or even be inspired to create your own works of art.
In summary
, Once Human’s creature designs have not only captivated fans but also contributed significantly to the evolution of metal music visuals. This forward-thinking band has proven that even in a genre known for its intensity and raw power, there is still room to explore new artistic territories and challenge our perceptions. As we continue to appreciate their impact on the scene, let us also be inspired by their example and embrace the limitless creative possibilities that await us within the metal music world.
