From Sleep Token to Ghost and Slaughter to Prevail, the metal genre’s biggest stars are increasingly adopting striking facial disguises. This raises a compelling question: are these masks a form of concealment, or do they serve to reveal a deeper aspect of their true nature?
In 2015, the US avant-garde metal band Imperial Triumphant sought to overhaul their visual identity. They initially contemplated using corpse paint, the elaborate and ghastly makeup popularized by 90s black metal. However, as singer/guitarist Zachary Ezrin explained, the sheer effort involved and the perceived “uncoolness” of post-gig removal rituals — the thought of “wiping off your makeup” backstage after a powerful performance — ultimately deterred them.
Instead, Imperial Triumphant opted for distinctive gold masks, intricately designed to evoke 1920s Art Deco architecture. This choice, while visually impactful, presented its own set of challenges. Ezrin recounted a memorable incident where their original masks were lost in transit, forcing bassist Steve Blanco to perform with a hastily improvised mask. This temporary disguise was cobbled together from various parts sourced from a Hungarian costume shop, highlighting the unique practicalities and occasional mishaps inherent in maintaining a masked band’s image.