Magazine Analysis: Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer is a UK based music magazine, devoted to heavy metal music. It is currently published by the UK based TeamRock, and other companies in different countries.
A standard issue of Metal Hammer can cost between £4.50 and £5 depending on the issue. This is due to the “free” items offered in with the magazine, as the magazine does not come by itself.
Metal Hammer is published monthly, and is typically put in stores 2-3 days before the start of the month (November edition will go in stores 2-3 days before the start of November). This means the magazine is made of a more durable material, meaning it will last longer than the week. This is compared to the paper that the music magazine Kerrang! is made from, which is very thin and not very durable.
Metal Hammer’s combined total average circulation is 20,961
Main Image:
The main image on this magazine is of the band “KOЯN”
The image appears quite mysterious, as the band is not looking at the reader, but instead something that is not shown on the front cover. This would then bring the reader's attention the magazine, as the main image is creating suspense, making the readers want to know what the band is looking at. The image is also making the reader look up to the band, as the camera is positioned facing up, compared to eye level. This creates a sense of dominance in the band, and fear in the reader. This is then going to make the reader want to read the magazine, to find out more about the band and why they are portrayed as such dominating and important characters. The band are all wearing black, to show coordination and that they are altogether, rather than individuals. The main image is a long shot, and is a staged picture, but not taken inside of a studio. Instead the picture was taken outside in the woods, with professional lighting and camera equipment.
Title:
The magazine's title is Metal Hammer.
The reason for this is due to the magazines genre, heavy metal. The word hammer is used as hammers are perceived as dangerous and destructive, which is also the stereotype of heavy metal fans. The title itself is both formal and informal. The word metal has been “spray painted” inside the H of Hammer, showing informality and vandalism. The word Hammer is in a neat font, with the beginning and last letter pointed down to the edge of the magazine. The title of the magazine is a representation of the readers of this magazine, and appeals to the stereotypes of heavy metal fans.
Cover Lines:
The cover line of this magazine is shown on the left.
The font of these cover lines show mystery, as the font of the word “KOЯN” is like an old cinema font, which shows eeriness and uncertainty. The phrase “metals strangest band find their dark side” makes the reader on edge and encourages them to read on to find out more about the band. The quote pulled from the interview from the band is “There’s been some weird shit going on…” leaves the reader on edge, and wondering what context this sentence is in. The reader would then want to buy the magazine to see what has been going on, as well as to find out more about the band and their experiences to make them the “strangest band” in the heavy metal industry.
