Here are 50 of the most controversial hard rock and metal album covers of all time.
Rock and metal are no strangers to provocation, whether it’s a deliberate attempt to be shocking for the sake of generating controversy, or it’s just some artistic expression that happens to be quite extreme.
Shocking, confusing, disturbing, revolting, enraging… this collection of album art will stir up a myriad of emotions and reactions.
We’ve kept a focus on hard rock and heavy metal, so it means you won’t see the controversial cover Yesterday and Today artwork from the likes of The Beatles‘ Yesterday and Today.
Some of the albums below made their way to shelves in stores. A slipcase is a popular alternative and, other times, the art has to be changed entirely. Even Stryper wound up in a bit of trouble!
READ MORE: 30 of the Most Iconic Hard Rock + Metal Album Covers + 50 of the Worst
Take a look at the 50 Most Controversial Hard Rock + Metal Album Covers in the gallery below.
WARNING: NSFW
50 Most Controversial Hard Rock + Metal Album Covers
Some covers got changed, others stayed. Controversial, nonetheless.
Gallery Credit: Joe DiVita