Legendary surreal artist H.R. Giger passed away in Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday from injuries suffered from a fall. He was 74 years old.
Giger's most famous work was of course creating the famous monster in the Alien movie, a piece that won him an Oscar for Best Achievement for Visual Effects. Giger's work was also very prominent in the metal and prog rock world. Here is a look at some of his contributions:
Emerson, Lake and Palmer – Brain Salad Surgery
Atrocity – Hallucinations
Danzig – Danzig III How the Gods Kill
Celtic Frost – To Mega Therion
Carcass – Heartwork
Triptykon – Melana-Chasmata
Dead Kennedys – Frankenchrist inside cover (Penis Landscape)
Finally, a cover that is not for a metal album, but may be my favorite album cover by the artist for Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry's solo album:
HR Giger Ibanez Guitar Collaborations
Custom Jonathan Davis Mic Stand
Giger's "biomechanical" style will be studied for years to come, as his work was very much ahead of it's time. The world lost a true visionary in Giger. He is survived by his third wife, Carmen Maria Scheifele Giger, who is the Director of the H.R. Giger Museum.
