Magazine Front Cover Analysis

Magazine Front Cover Analysis

This is a music magazine called ‘Kerrang!’ The magazine covers a variety of different types of rock music. All over the front cover are different rock bands e.g. My Chemical Romance, You Me At Six etc. also the main image is a band member of the band ‘Black Veil Brides’ which is also the issues headline; these are all rock bands. It gives an insight of information about the latest bands and who are becoming popular including news, tour dates merchandise etc. 

The connotations of the masthead are that it’s a bright bold yellow which stands out and also has a cracking/breaking effect which catches the readers’ eye. It is positioned at the top of the magazine.

The language techniques used by the headline and sell lines are short so they don’t take up the readers’ time in deciding whether they want to read it or not but they’re also attention-grabbing in the way they used a one-word sentence with the headline: ‘Revealed!’. This might make the reader wonder what was ‘hidden’. Also the sell lines are sharp and get straight to the point e.g. Massive Poster Brodown!

I think the layout is effective because there aren't any blank, empty spaces; every part of the magazine cover is occupied by either text or images. Almost all their fonts are in big sizes and are in capitals which make it eye-catching. The background colour is a light blue which contrasts with the text, which are mostly in whites, yellows and reds so they stand out and are easy to read.      

The use of images around the cover keeps the magazine looking interesting. Also the main image is big and covers the masthead and is a mid shot showing the face and torso. The photo also links with the subtitle where it says ‘Secret Diaries’ and the model is holding an open book.  Also, the pose of the model helps depict the meaning of the subtitle ‘I was drinking, it was a dark time…’ this is because he looks like he’s been through a lot and the reader would want to know what they mean by the ‘dark time’ he’s been through.

The cover also includes some of what is inside the magazine that readers may find interesting e.g. interviews. The articles are based on alternative music and include pictures of the artists that have the articles about them, which gives an idea of what to expect within the magazine.

The target audience is anyone of any age who likes rock music ranging from alternative rock to heavy metal. This because Kerrang! magazine is specifically for rock fans/about rock bands.