Contents page analysis of KERRANG! And Metal

HammerAnalysis using McMahon and Quinn’s print analysis code.

KERRANG!Written analysis

- KERRANG! uses a dirty looking basic font for its headers on the contents page. This creates a rebellious looking effect which will spark interest in readers. The rest of the text is in a simplistic font which is bold for headings and normal for subheadings of articles.

- The headings are in yellow which is a colour which the human eye is very attracted too. This means the reader will read these parts first.

- You also have the editors note which allows the reader to feel closer to the production of the magazine from being addressed by the editor.

- The language used is mostly band names which will only be known to fans of the genre. This jargon shows how KERRANG! Is specifically aimed at this certain audience.

KERRANG!Technical analysis

- There is no specific camera shot for the main image as it is a live photo which could be taken from any angle. However, for the smaller images it is usually a mid/close up so the audience can engage with the artists face.

- For the main image the lighting can vary as it is a taken at a live event. However this factor means that it is more likely to be a darker image as gig venues are generally dark with no windows. For the smaller images the lighting is quite bright and used to show the majority of the face but leaving some shadow to show a mysterious side to the people.

- The images on these pages aren’t as important as the text, so you see the titles over pictures. Juxtaposition causes the reader to interprate this.

KERRANG!Symbolic analysis

- The choice of models used by KERRANG! is usually young Caucasian males. This is seen within the contents page but the main image in a live situation, with the smaller images being from a photo shoot.

- Again the main hair style throughout KERRANG! is this mid/long length side sweeping look. This shows they are specifically aiming for people who are into this specific scene.

- The set for the main photos is generally at a concert, where the artist is interacting with the audience.

- The main colours on these contents pages are black and white, but with yellow headings and a bit of red to follow house style.

Metal HammerWritten analysis

- The list of contents in Metal Hammer is separated into 2 columns. The first of these is named ‘features’ and the other ‘regulars’

- The font style for headings is a house font seen throughout several Metal Hammer issues. This font is a sharp gothic style font. This will appeal to the readers of the magazine as it seems rather manly and brutal.

- The band names are always in a larger font size with a description in a normal, smaller font beneath it. This means the reader can easily find their favourite bands and find specific articles.

- The list of contents is very limited when put against the size of the magazine and it only lists a few major articles in the magazine. This makes it trickier for the reader to find smaller articles they may be interested it and ill be something I consider when making my music magazine.

- The names of the columns are in red along with the page numbers and the article names and descriptions are all in black. This placed on a white background complies to the house style and will appeal to male readers.

Metal HammerTechnical analysis

- The images on Metal Hammers contents page are normally mid to close range shots. This allows the reader to register facial expressions and connect with the band members.

- The lighting in almost all the images casts a shadow over the band members faces. This creates a sense of mysteriousness and a dark side of them. This will appeal to the male readers of the magazine.

- Metal Hammer also used juxtaposition to create a ‘bad-ass’ image of these band members. This is seen between the cigarette and the singer, and between the singer and him giving us the middle finger.

Metal HammerSymbolic analysis

- In Metal Hammer the models tend to be more younger to middle aged Caucasian males. This is the kind of person you would commonly see in this genre of music and it is very rare you see other ethnicities or genders.

- You also have a woman in the bottom left corner. They seen to be wearing not many clothes and a lot of make-up. They also look to be in a seductive pose which will appeal to male reader.

- The models body language is front on to the camera doing something rebellious like smoking or giving the reader the middle finger. This appeals to the audience who tent to be rebellious males in there late teens through to there 40’s.

- The models tend to have longer hair with no particular styling and wear all black clothing. This is the same principal that applies to a lot of the fans of the metal scene.

- We can see in both magazines the colours primarily used are red, black and white which are colours that primarily appeal to men. This informs the reader that this magazine is for men.