Unraveling the Origins of Metallica’s ‘Master of Puppets’ Album Cover
As we delve deeper into the artistic narratives behind iconic Metallica albums, our spotlight now turns to the 1986 masterpiece, “Master of Puppets.” This album, a pinnacle in thrash metal, marked the band’s progression in technical prowess and production quality. Unfortunately, it also stands as the last testament to the musical genius of Cliff Burton.
The Artistic Maestro
The captivating artwork for “Master of Puppets” was crafted by none other than the legendary Don Brautigam. An acclaimed acrylic painter with a remarkable portfolio, Brautigam had previously collaborated with luminaries such as Stephen King and Chuck Berry. Over his illustrious 35-year career, he adorned over 3,000 book and record covers, showcasing his talent for bands like Anthrax, AC/DC, Mötley Crüe, Ace Frehley, and many others.
In an intriguing connection to Metallica’s previous album, “Ride The Lightning,” Brautigam had also created the cover for “The Stand,” the book that inspired the latter’s title. Given a rough sketch by James Hetfield as a starting point, Brautigam, a consummate professional, completed the cover in a mere three days.
The Enigmatic Crosses
The striking arrangement of white crosses on the cover bears a poignant resemblance to Arlington National Cemetery, a sprawling 639-acre resting place for 400,000 individuals, predominantly military veterans spanning from the Civil War onwards. Administered by the Army, this land, once the Arlington Estate, was confiscated from Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s family due to a tax dispute.
The imagery of countless white crosses, possibly representing war casualties, evokes a range of emotions depending on one’s background. The album’s songs and artwork poignantly illustrate how historical figures in power have callously manipulated soldiers, leading them to their fates with indifference.
Puppeteering in Metal Imagery
The depiction of strings manipulated by faceless hands, acting as a puppet master, visually encapsulates the album’s central lyrical theme – manipulation, a subtle tug at the strings of human behavior.
The song “Disposable Heroes” finds its manifestation in the album cover, delving into the historical manipulation by military leaders. Similarly, “Sanitarium” portrays the manipulation of mental health issues in a bygone era, and “Master of Puppets” explores how drugs can control an otherwise rational individual.
Insights from Hetfield
In a 1988 interview with Thrasher Magazine, James Hetfield shed light on the title track, stating that it primarily deals with drugs and the reversal of control, where substances start dictating one’s actions instead of the other way around.
Fate of the Original Painting
The original 17×17-inch painting, adorned with Brautigam’s signature, fetched $35,000 at auction in 2008. Keen observers of the Metallica album cover can spot Brautigam’s initials, “D.B.,” discreetly placed just above the “S” in “Puppets,” nestled amid the grass.