Up the Irons!

Week 31’s Beer-Type logo is not only inspired by one of the greatest bands of all time, but also their beer. How many bands can say that?!? That’s right, Robinson’s Brewery in the UK crafted Trooper Golden Ale, which is said to be created by lead singer Bruce Dickinson. I’m also a huge fan of Black IPA’s, and one I am quite fond of is Lake Fever by Howard’s Brewing Company, just up the hill from me in Lenoir, NC. What’s a better beer style than a Black IPA for my heavy metal tribute?

Iron Maiden is a true testament of branding. Just think of how their mascot Eddie has instilled a sense of identity, with a story all of his own. (I have produced him here as being quite the hop head, as there was something going on with his brain on several occasions.) And that logo! Who will ever dare to create a logo with the Metal Lord font and it not be a reference to Iron Maiden?

Metal Lord before Iron Maiden?

I’ve had Metal Lord in my font arsenal for many years now and always thought it was inspired by Iron Maiden. However, I was surprised to find out this font was not created after the band’s logo was produced, but years before and the artist simply chose Metal Lord to use in the logo. You can read more about this here. Since the band is so well-branded with this font, any designer will find it hard to use Metal Lord without some resemblance of Iron Maiden.

Update 8/19/15: I found a craft beer whose label is set in Metal Lord! It’s Hard Core Chimera from Finch’s Beer Company. Honestly, I found a pint of this juice at the local grocery store and bought it as a joke, merely for the label. But wouldn’t you know it—this Imperial IPA is damn good!

Update 9/16/16: Yet another beer label using Metal Lord… 668 Neighbor of the Beast by New England Brewing.

Black IPA

Back to the beer… I chose Black IPA for this Beer-Type logo not only for its color, but also the mystery. It’s reminiscent of an IPA but looks more like a hoppy stout. Brewers implement dark roasted malts (used in porters and stouts) to achieve the color, while preserving hops characteristics found in IPA’s. But a black India pale ale doesn’t make much sense, does it? Also referred to as a Cascadian Dark Ale (CDA) or an American-style India black ale, this style of beer seems to stir up quite the controversy. Remind you of a heavy metal band that has been stirring up bits of their own over the past three decades or so?

Caught Somewhere in Time: Decades of Design Inspiraton

I have been personally influenced by the music and artwork of Iron Maiden for over 30 years now. (None of which have been Wasted Years, I might add.) I can remember listening to them in my oldest brother’s room at the wee age of 7 or 8, entranced by the album artwork and longing to be an artist like Derek Riggs one day. I think the artwork of Maiden, along with Judas Priest, Dio, and other heavy metal bands greatly influenced my boyhood dream of being a commercial artist. I was not Clairvoyant, but I’d say those Infinite Dreams of mine came true (sort of).

During this little Sea of Madness I call my year-long logo project, my mind was Running Free. And since Heaven Can Wait, why not create? This craft beer stuff is a Brave New World, and I’m just glad to be a part of it. And with the Iron Maiden releasing a new studio, double album in September of this year, I will once again be a Wrathchild with a Losfer Words!