Mariusz Lewandowski - Dead At 62
Mariusz Lewandowski, the Polish surrealist painter whose style has graced the album covers of many metal bands has died at the age of 62. Lewandowski's big break into the metal world took place with the iconic painting Essence Of Freedom, which became the cover of Bell Witch's album, Mirror Reaper. Following that, his paintings graced the covers of albums by Abigail Williams, Mizmor, Lorna Shore, Atlantean Kodex, Morgue Supplier, Eremit, and countless other bands.
Rest in peace, Mr Lewandowski, your amazing art will always live on. Below are some first reactions to the sad news.
Atramentus posted: "Thank you for your friendship, for your timeless work and for being the only person that could understand the darkness found within our art and then portray it in such a poignant way. You will be missed."
Atlantean Kodex wrote: "Terrible news. Mariusz Lewandowski, the genius behind the cover artwork of The Course Of Empire (and countless others) has passed away. We will drink in his honour tonight."
Kunal Choksi (owner of Transcending Obscurity Records) said: "I’m absolutely gutted to learn about the demise of one of my favourite artists, Mariusz Lewandowski. We became quite friendly over the years, having worked together for over half a dozen album covers. He was extremely humble, polite, considerate, and even motivating when I told him about my penchant for digital painting (back when I still had some time). I can’t believe I won’t see any new paintings from him ever again or get a chance to chat a bit with him every now and then."
Elder Druid wrote: "We’re devastated to learn of the passing of Mariusz Lewandowski, the Polish surrealist master who painted our album artwork for Golgotha. It was an honour to work with him and something we’ll always be very proud of."
Livløs posted: "Today we mourn the loss of an extraordinary artist and true legend, Mariusz Lewandowski. We had the great honor of working with Mariusz who painted the artwork for our latest album, among many others. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Mariusz. Your legacy and art will live on forever."
Essence Of Freedom - Mirror Reaper
Rest in peace, Mr Lewandowski, your amazing art will always live on. Below are some first reactions to the sad news.
Atramentus posted: "Thank you for your friendship, for your timeless work and for being the only person that could understand the darkness found within our art and then portray it in such a poignant way. You will be missed."
Atlantean Kodex wrote: "Terrible news. Mariusz Lewandowski, the genius behind the cover artwork of The Course Of Empire (and countless others) has passed away. We will drink in his honour tonight."
Kunal Choksi (owner of Transcending Obscurity Records) said: "I’m absolutely gutted to learn about the demise of one of my favourite artists, Mariusz Lewandowski. We became quite friendly over the years, having worked together for over half a dozen album covers. He was extremely humble, polite, considerate, and even motivating when I told him about my penchant for digital painting (back when I still had some time). I can’t believe I won’t see any new paintings from him ever again or get a chance to chat a bit with him every now and then."
Elder Druid wrote: "We’re devastated to learn of the passing of Mariusz Lewandowski, the Polish surrealist master who painted our album artwork for Golgotha. It was an honour to work with him and something we’ll always be very proud of."
Livløs posted: "Today we mourn the loss of an extraordinary artist and true legend, Mariusz Lewandowski. We had the great honor of working with Mariusz who painted the artwork for our latest album, among many others. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Mariusz. Your legacy and art will live on forever."
Essence Of Freedom - Mirror Reaper
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| nikarg Staff Posts: 7354  |
This is such terrible news. I adore his work and Mirror Reaper is my favourite album cover of all time. Feel free to fill this thread with his art by posting your favourite Lewandowski cover. RIP.
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| musclassia Staff Posts: 7644  |
Written by nikarg on 16.07.2022 at 21:08 It's hard to narrow it down to just one; even if there perhaps overuse of his art in the metal scene in the past few years, I typically loved each individual piece. However, I reckon my favourite is Abigail Williams - Walk Beyond The Dark: 
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| X-Ray Rod Skandino Staff Posts: 18374  |
I think that if I have to choose an artwork that isn't the one on Mirror Reaper I'd say the cover of Atramentus' Stygian. I just adore the themes of sacrifice and sorrow pouring out of the painting. May his work live forever. An excellent painter and like others have said before me: He really seemed to be one of the key artists of our current generation of metal. 62 is way too young. A tragedy, indeed. 
---- Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29 Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
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| A Real Mönkey Posts: 1183  |
Oh damn. Was wondering why his name sounded familiar then I realized he painted some of the dopest album covers I’ve ever seen. RIP The cover for Humanity's Last Breath's Valde is prob my fav 
---- Need a break from headbanging? Restore your street cred by visiting my hip-hop list! Tha Swagnum Opus: A Selection Of Hip-Hop For The Curious Metalhead
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| hmmmmmm Posts: 41 |
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| Nejde Posts: 1695  |
Since Rod already picked Stygian I'll go with Jupiterian's Protosapien which I find rather creepy. But like musclassia stated above, I agree that it's really hard to narrow it down to one single album cover. Simply because you appreciate every one he has done even if you don't listen to all of the bands that have used his art. RIP Mariusz. Your incredible art will always live on  
---- Liebe ist für alle da.
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| Khold Baroness Posts: 634  |
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| Boxcar Willy yr a kook Posts: 9158  |
Wow so sad!
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| Cthulu Posts: 75 |
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| AndyMetalFreak A Nice Guy Contributor Posts: 5320  |
He was certainly a very talented artist, he had a very unique style. RIP
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| Starvynth i c deaf people Staff Posts: 3169  |
Rest in peace, Mr. Lewandowski. I think this painting from 2012 is my favorite of his. As far as I know, it hasn't been used for a cover art yet, but its morbid symbolism about self-sacrifice and the futility of being always captivates me. 
---- signatures = SPAM
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| Zap Posts: 3583  |
His work was just perfect for metal, wasn't it? Even on a phone screen the immensity is conveyed.
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| mdx54 Posts: 22 |
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| 18Beginner Posts: 6  |
R.I.P
---- 音乐是越听越广的，专注于音乐本身 The more you listen, the more you understand .Focus on the music
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| Alakazam spendin' cheese Posts: 1218  |
Man, it is a rough month for artists. First with Kazuki Takahashi now this, both around the same age too (fuck), whom I wasn't acquainted with outside the albums which I don't believe can be overused as that concept beats the entire purpose of art on an artist as being a memoir. It's like replaying what matters the most.  Going through his insta just was a vibrant breeze, makes me need to stop procrastinating my art.  Feel like Elden Ring owed a touch of him. Feel like I owe a revisit to Mirror Reaper.  Thank you Mariusz, you took the dampened torch of Basinski and made it into another light. I won't link the names, instead what I will urge is you reader, to go to his Instagram and be fully embraced. 
---- I may not have the largest collection but I certainly have the absolute best 
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| Alakazam spendin' cheese Posts: 1218 |
Written by Zap on 17.07.2022 at 13:08 Perfect for life. (Perfect for 1111th post).
---- I may not have the largest collection but I certainly have the absolute best
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| Fallen Ghost Craft Beer Geek Posts: 724  |
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