Headbangers Ball: Branding & Wildposting

Professional Statement: Tasked with the development of new branding for the MTV series Headbangers Ball, the objective was to encapsulate the expanding landscape of the heavy metal genre through the portrayal of its diverse audience.

Challenges Addressed:

  1. Historical Legacy: Confronting the challenge of reinvigorating a brand with a storied history as a prime source for music and news in the heavy metal genre.
  2. Nostalgia and Modernity: Aligning the series as a reboot of classic ’90s shows, emphasizing MTV’s pivotal role as a premier music and show platform.

Goals: The overarching goals were twofold: to pay homage to the legacy of the past while propelling the current state of heavy metal, showcasing its dynamic range of sounds and diverse audience. Additionally, the art direction aimed to evoke an immediate sense of camaraderie among both longstanding and newfound metal enthusiasts.

Innovative Approach: A distinctive solution emerged through art direction focused on capturing the visceral reactions of the audience to the sounds of Headbangers Ball. The photography aimed to convey the emotional and physical responses, offering a visual testament to the genre’s evolution. This approach not only paid homage to the past but also underscored the contemporary essence of heavy metal, emphasizing its commitment to pushing sonic boundaries and providing entertainment.