AS MEDIA STUDIES

MUSIC MAGAZINE PROJECT

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD ANALYSIS

This example of a DPS is mainly dominated by the photo which takes up most of the room. The text is put at the bottom of the page and placed in a black box which puts more emphasis on the main image of the article. The text is split into three different columns per page which make the article much easier for someone to read. At the start of the article the text is indented and a large coloured letter in the same colour as the pull quote is used. This joins the two parts if the article together as the colour is the same as well as the style of the text.

The image shows the band wearing black hooded robes standing in front of a red sky. As the band are from the ‘Black Metal’ genre the robes fit in with the satanic ideals often associated with ‘Black Metal’ bands. The red colour of the sky also ties in with this satanic/hellish theme associated with this band. The hoods of the robes cover the band members faces apart from the lead singer. This makes an observer realise that this person is likely to be the singer or face of the band.

The headline of the article “Blake Metal” is a play on words as the genre of the band is ‘Black Metal’. This term “Blake Metal” refers to an album released by the band and also creates an idea that this band are closely associated with the creation of ‘Black Metal’. This is also shown in the comments made in the standfirst and the pull quote which describe the importance of the band within the ‘Black Metal’ genre.

Overall this article fits in with the theme represented by the main cover of the magazine and would fulfil peoples expectations. The magazine title is Metal Hammer, this title immediately creates an idea of what the overall theme of the magazine is. As this specific article is centred around ‘Black Metal’ this ties in with the rest of the magazine.

The redness of the sky has been added to the photo afterwards and is used to represent the satanic theme. This effect of altering the sky is something I would consider using in my own music magazine.

This double page spread is layed out so that the text surrounds the photo of the band. The text is is divided into four columns instead of one flowing text which make the text easier to read. The text is on top of a Nordic style background which shows the genre and theme of the band. The band's logo is located at the top left of the article so if someone opens the magazine in this page they can see what band is being featured. This band logo is the same as the one that appears in the front cover so therefore ties in with the design. The main picture features the band dressed in full armour and are made out to look like Vikings. This is the represents the style of music the band plays and also the way in which the band represents themselves. The props and setting are similar to how they band represent themselves in music videos and live gigs. This Viking style picture mirrors that which is featured on the front cover of the magazine. The lead singer in this picture is placed closer to the camera and is standing in an authoritative pose. This again mirrors the image from the front cover as the lead singer is the main feature of the photo. Overall this image resembles power and violence which is shown through the body language of the band and the weapons they are holding. The pull quote is located at the top left of the article and is placed on top of a sword and shield. This continues the theme of Vikings, violence and power. This pull quote gives away a small amount of content which may draw someone to read the article. The photo featured in this article has been heavily edited as the background has obviously been added during editing. The photo has had rain added onto it to create a stormy overcast scene. This feature is something I would consider using in my own magazine as this creates a dark feel to the picture rather than a sunny happy scene. Overall this double page spread effectively continues the theme from the front cover by using the same style of imagery.

This double page spread has one side filled with a photo and the other half split into thirds. The headline takes up a third of the space and the article itself takes up a third of the space as well. The headline is written in bold white text and has blood splattered on it. The pull quote in this article also has blood splattered on it and immediately creates an association of violence with the featured band. This theme of violence is also shown in the photo used for this article. The band members are pictured with weapons in their hands and are standing in aggressive poses. The band members are also dressed in dark clothes and are standing in front of a dark background. This aggressive and dark theme symbolises the music the band plays as it is very loud and violent. Just like the last article the lead singer is standing closest to the camera and standing in an authoritative pose. The rest of the band are behind the lead singer and are in the background. The article itself is is layed out in four columns which makes the text easy to take in. The first paragraph is indented and the first letter is coloured in red. This is then repeated further in the article but in a smaller font. The red could be used to reinforce the theme of violence installed throughout the article. This same technique is also used in the standfirst where the bands name is highlighted in red. The overall image of this band is well represented by the photography and the style of text used. The features create an aggressive heavy metal image which is how the band represents themselves. Fans of this band would recognise the representation of the band and may even copy this themselves. Overall this double page spread continues the theme set out in the main cover and contents page and gives the target audience what they want.