Step Inside, Turning Ugly Grin.

The collective masked madness known as Slipknot has recently released their latest creation upon the world and have taken to the road once more to share their sicness with every one of you. Slipknot has been one of my favorite metal bands of all time and continues to impress me with each release. Although some hit harder than others, they always have a solid build in their arsenal and their latest endeavor is no exception.

5: The Gray Chapter is the first release since Paul's death and Joey's departure from the group. This had a lot of us in question of what would become of the band we all know and love. Would the death break the band up forever? Would the departure of the long-favored drummer make a huge declining impact in their sound? As the record starts, all of these questions are proven useless as you realize this is just another growth in the band. Their is evolution here. And it sounds fucking amazing.

Slipknot made their way into my city last month to which I was unable to attend. This left me sad lol. But, I took matters into my hands and decided to ask all of my Facebook friends to share their photos in an effort to live the experience vicariously through them. I wanted more than anything to see a good photo of Sid, that dude is my metal hero. I held a contest with the best photo of Sid and the best overall winning a free art pack from yours truly as well as an original illustration of their favorite member. Long time supporter and fellow Maggot, Roxy, provided me with the winning submission of Sid and her choice was Corey. I love depicting their new masks every time they come out with a new one. Their look is always so much fun to create and Corey's new Frankenstein face is no exception. A mask within a mask, Corey's mask is truly spooky. The second winner wanted an illustration of Corey as well, so I felt it fitting to depict his mask without it's top layer. Each one was super fun to create and were striking reminders of how much I love to draw and paint, especially with a good soundtrack such as this one.

"To each his own
Life can do with one less watered-down excuse
There comes a time when we can't take the same abuse
My god, it would've taken just one word to stay away from you
Now that this is over you can tell me it's no use."


Stay Creative,
BLUE731

9"x12" ink on mixed media paper, digital colors
For comission of your own Slipknot or other band illustration, contact me at blue73100@gmail.com

Devising Virus.

The ship has left the dock once again to embark on a new journey throughout the cosmos. The collective force known only as Deltron 3030 came through San Antonio on a stop earlier this year and brought a live band with them (including a piece of The Mars Volta with Juan Alderete). The show was very energetic and it was nice to see these space fiends perform a great set. The city came through too, packing the venue with a surprising amount of people. Deltron has been one of those suuuper underground groups mostly known only to true heads.

I found Deltron by chance years ago, likely through a random find with Hieroglyphics. I used to hear the name Del The Funky Homosapien thrown around a bit and wondered "What the hell kind of name is that!?". I was pleasantly surprised when I began to hear more of his music and his, well, funky style. Del's delivery is very rhythmic and fluctuation in tone. Spit over Automator's otherworldly beats and Kid Kola's erratic cuts make this combo a very special one. Having never seen Del perform live before, I was in for something very new and exciting. The live band addition made for a dope show and this set was reminiscent of that ill Cut Chemist show I caught years ago (and one of my favorite of all time across all genres). A splash of high energy and pulsing cuts across button-pushing drum tracks gave me nothing but smiles the entire night.

Del is definitely someone who approaches lyricism from a shy spot between left field and that place in your mind you rarely visit. I drew the piece in the following days after the show. It wasn't til recently that I finally found time to lay some colors down. I found myself travelling to that same rare place when I colored this, trying some new shape exploration. I had two colorways for this one, finally settling on this warner toned background. It is definitely the launching pad for the next step in my art that I am excited to share with you all very soon. For now, enjoy this fun and colorful character known as Deltron 3030.

"Infiltration hits your station

No Microsoft or enhanced DOS will impede

Society thinks their safe when

Bingo!--hard drive crashes from the rending"

Stay Creative,

BLUE731.

9"x12" ink on mixed media paper, digital colors
For purchase of this Original painting, contact me at blue73100@gmail.com

(Prints to follow)