OVERVIEW

The Final Burden was a metal and hardcore band signed to Thorp Records. This project marked their first full-length album to be distributed worldwide, and I was brought on to develop and execute the album’s visual identity and artwork.

CONCEPT & PRODUCTION

The visual direction was inspired by recurring lyrical themes of internal conflict, spanning relationships, faith, and the broader weight of life. I wanted the artwork to feel raw and emotionally charged, capturing a sense of internal pressure building toward collapse.

To create this, I built layered panels using a mix of custom textures, original photography, and select stock imagery. My goal was to craft an intense visual metaphor for self-combustion, something that felt volatile, fractured, and deeply personal.

For the cover, the band requested a more minimal approach and shared references featuring abstract sun imagery. I used a photograph I had taken of a squash and digitally manipulated it to create an organic, abstract form that aligned with their vision while still fitting the emotional tone of the record.