This document analyzes and compares the cover designs of two rock music magazines: Kerrang! and Rock Sound. For Kerrang!, the masthead is obscured by the central image of Paramore's Hayley Williams, implying brand recognition. Intriguing text and band names scattered around draw readers' attention. Rock Sound uses a calming color scheme and varying fonts to seem mature yet fun. Its central image emphasizes an above-shot band to appear relatable. Both magazines attract readers through prominent placement of band names rather than extensive coverlines.

1. MAGAZINE COVER ANALYSIS
Kerrang!

2. INTRODUCTION TO KERRANG!
 Kerrang! Magazine is a rock and alternative music
magazine published by Bauer Media Media Group. By
being part of this publishing group, the magazine can
afford to interview larger bands.
 It’s target audience are older teens (15-19) who are
interested in this genre of music.

3. MASTHEAD

The masthead is positioned at the top of the composition, meaning it can be seen when the
magazine is on a shelf. It is also obscured by the central image, suggesting that the brand identity is well
known enough to be recognized, even when the masthead is obscured.

The wording chosen for this splash is the main attraction point for this story. The chosen wording "The
Photos They Didn't Want You to See!", connotes gossip and secrets. By using the word 'they' it is
suggested that they audience should know who these people are. However, the names of some of
these bands are scattered around the composition (which we can tell are related to the splash, due the
the colours and style of the text (white and red)).

4. HOUSE STYLE
 The running theme of
red, yellow, white and black colours
add unity to the magazine.This makes
it look more professional and gives it a
distinctive brand identity. All of the text
is in quite a harsh, bold font, connoting
attitude and power.

5. CENTRAL IMAGE
 The central image is a medium close up of
Paramore vocalist, Hayley Williams. This is appealing
to the target audience, as she is well known to most
of the fans of the rock/alternative sub-genre.This is
a medium shot and, by positioning her sideways
and tilting her head for, Hayley has been positioned
in the typical 'S' shape that photographers use a lot
to connote the elegance and grace associated
with the female figure.

6. SPLASH
 The wording of the splash is very
intriguing for the reader. The
sentence ‘The photos the didn’t
want you to see!” connotes gossip
and secrets. Also, by using the word
‘they’, the splash is tied into the rest of the cover where the artists’ names
and images are dotted around the page, in a similar font and the same
white and red colour theme.

7. COVERLINES
 Because the coverlines are situated at the top and
bottom of the page, it appears that they are framing
the splash and central image, bringing emphasis to
these elements of the cover. The covelines also tie into
the rest of the cover as the house style colours of yellow,
red and white are used.

8. MAGAZINE COVER ANALYSIS
Rock Sound

9. I NTRODUCTI ON TO ROCK S OUND
 Rock Sound is an alternative/hard rock music
magazine that was originally published by French
publishing company ‘Editions Freeway’, until 2004, when
director, Patrick Napier bought the magazine.
 I chose this specific issue of Rock Sound as this
includes the same subject in the central image so
thought that it would be useful for comparison.

10. MASTHEAD
 This masthead is similar to that of the Kerrang!
magazine, in terms of layout, being positioned at the top of
the page, obscured by the central image. However, the
masthead of Rock Sound is more formal connoting
maturity, so attracting an older audience (possibly 18 24, instead of 14 - 20).

11. HOUSE STYLE
 Rock Sound's general colour theme involves
black, white, yellow and sky blue. These colours
are quite calming and connote relaxation. The
text fonts are all slightly varying versions of
similar fonts, keeping it mature and
professional, but still interesting and fun.

12. CENTRAL IMAGE
 The central image here is emphasized by editing. This editing brings a
professional view to the magazine, which connoting modernism. By
shooting from above, the photographer has made the band appear
smaller, which makes them seem more
easy to relate to and less separated from
their fans. This is supported by the fun
stances, which connote youth.

13. SPLASH
 The splash here is very typical for a music
magazine, firstly stating the the name of the band in a
large, bold font to attract attention; and then slight
information on what the article involves. By only being
provided with these lacking pieces of information, the
reader is intrigued to read on.

14. COVERLINES
 There are not so much coverlines on Rock Sound magazine’s
cover, but more band names. This may seem very vague and
counterproductive when trying to attract potential readers, but it is
actually very effective. I know from my own experience that many
music fans will buy a magazine purely for if it features their favourite
artist/band. The article on the band may be quite small, but due to
having the name there, the
magazine immediately attracts
that fan base.