René Asmussen’s journey into the world of graphic design and metal music started where many great stories do—on stage, as part of a death metal band. Asmussen, a former drummer for the Danish band Defamatory, found his way into the metal world through his passion for both music and visual art. Today, he’s an accomplished graphic artist who creates album artwork for metal bands, drawing from deep influences and a lifelong love of heavy music, with the help of modern technology and Artificial Intelligence.
Asmussen’s connection to metal runs deep. His friendship with Jacob Hansen from Invocator, a legendary Danish thrash band, played a significant role in shaping his artistic direction. “Jacob was a huge inspiration back then,” René recalls. “I was captivated by Invocator’s riffing, and their album Weave the Apocalypse remains one of my top 10 favorite albums to this day.” It’s a list that reads like a who’s who of classic metal—Obituary, Morbid Angel, Sepultura, Slayer, Fates Warning, Evergrey. Though Defamatory eventually disbanded, Asmussen’s love for metal didn’t. He redirected his creative energy into art, deeply inspired by the album covers of late ’80s and early ’90s metal releases. “I could spend hours just staring at the cover art from that era,” he says.
Asmussen’s style is a fusion of dark, surreal, and often otherworldly imagery, taking cues from iconic artists like H.R. Giger, Dan Seagrave, and Ed Repka. His work is deeply influenced by the themes and atmosphere of metal music itself. “I often listen to a band’s music and read their lyrics to get a sense of what they’re all about,” he explains. From there, he distills their core themes into visual representations, using layers of digital design, AI and mixed media painting to create striking, immersive artwork.
René Asmussen on Offering His Artwork for Free
When it comes to working with bands, Asmussen is surprisingly collaborative and generous. He offers his artwork for free, only requesting albums or merchandise in return. His vast portfolio, with over 5,000 pieces, is a testament to his dedication to the craft. “I want to share my work with as many people as possible,” he says, revealing his ambitious plan to offer his artwork for free until the end of 2025. “That’s my goal now—just to get my art out into the world.“
Asmussen’s collaborations with metal bands are varied and notable. He fondly recalls working on Evergrey’s Torn, for which he did some of the photography, but not the actual artwork design, expressing admiration for vocalist Tom Englund and his side project Silent Skies. “I’m really proud of my work on that album,” Asmussen says. He also highlights his designs for Danish metal veterans Illdisposed, another key moment in his career. “Creating art for the local heroes here in Denmark has been incredibly fulfilling.“
The metal scene has always felt like home to Asmussen, and he attributes much of his success to the tight-knit, supportive community. “I find the people incredible,” he reflects. “Whether you’re in the band, a roadie, part of the audience, or even a girlfriend—everyone plays an important role.” It’s this sense of belonging and shared passion that keeps Asmussen connected to the world of metal. “That’s how the metal scene survives and thrives—because of the passion for the music we all share.“
For Asmussen, metal isn’t just a genre—it’s a way of life. And though he’s ventured into commercial art in the past, his true passion lies in supporting the metal bands he loves. “Art is my life; it’s where I find my peace and energy,” he says, explaining how he balances his creative career with the demands of family life, including caring for a son with autism.
“Art is my life; it’s where I find my peace and energy” – René Asmussen
Looking to the future, Asmussen is eager to continue collaborating with as many metal bands as possible. His ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact on the scene, not through gallery exhibitions but by sharing his art with fans and musicians alike. “Most artists dream of having their work displayed in galleries,” he muses. “I did that for years, but now I want to share my work with the world, through the music I love.“
For aspiring designers, Asmussen offers simple yet heartfelt advice: “Attend concerts, support your local bands, buy their vinyl, and stay heavy!” It’s a sentiment that embodies his deep-rooted connection to metal, both as a fan and as an artist.
Rene Asmussen’s work can be found on his website reneasmussen.com, and he’s always open to new collaborations. “Feel free to use my work for free,” he says, ever the generous artist. “Just make sure I get credit—and maybe a T-shirt or two.“
Asmussen’s story is a testament to the enduring power of metal and the art that surrounds it, where sound and vision collide to create something truly unforgettable.
