Armenian Black Metal band, Ildaruni, recently released its second full-length, "Divinum Sanguinem." The album's cryptic cover artwork was created by Khaos Diktator Design. Guitarist and main composer, Robert Meliksetyan, reveals crucial details about this image.
What is this artwork is depicting and how it reflects the album's music and lyrics?
Robert Meliksetyan: For this album, we chose to continue the path of a conceptual release. Conceptually and musically, this album explores darker, more esoteric territories, delving into the occult aspects of Mithraic mysteries, ancient initiations, and rituals that spanned from Europe to Asia. The cover artwork captures one of the central scenes of these mysteries: the tauroctony, in which Mithras slays the bull. This act represents the cosmological sacrifice, with the bull’s blood flowing over the hierophants, who conduct the initiation rites. Through this imagery, we convey themes of transformation, spiritual ascension, apothantismos, and the profound symbolism inherent in these rituals.
Inspiration for the album’s lyrical and conceptual depth also draws from the Papyri Graecae Magicae, revealing the transformative power of the ancient occult. Every detail of the artwork is aligned with the album’s lyrical essence. The cover is not just an illustration—it is a gateway into the album’s arcane world, drawing listeners into the shadowed halls of mysteries and transformative forces.
How did the band get involved with Khaos Diktator Design for the creation of this artwork?
Robert Meliksetyan: I have long admired Khaos Diktator’s work and have followed his creations closely. I was particularly captivated by his pieces for Endezzma, Nordjevel, and Coscradh, which I consider among the most striking and powerful artworks of recent years. When I reached out to share the conceptual vision of our album and how we imagined its visual portrayal, I found that he fully connected with the theme, and he had a clear understanding and enthusiasm for the project. The subsequent communication and collaboration went seamlessly, as we both shared a clear vision of what we wanted to achieve visually.
Do you know what techniques/mediums the artist used to create the artwork?
Robert Meliksetyan: Honestly, I am not familiar with the specific techniques Khaos Diktator used in creating our artwork, but he could fully grasp and capture the conceptual vision we had for the album. From the initial sketches, it was clear that he had delved deeply into the central topic; he could depict the mystical and esoteric aspects of the theme. It is a glorious manifestation of the album’s visual essence.
"Divinum Sanguinem" is available through Black Lion Records. Order at https://ildaruniblacklion.bandcamp.com/.../divinum-sanguinem
See more of Khaos Diktator Design's work at https://www.facebook.com/KhaosDiktatorDesign
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