Behind The Artworks: Mangled Carpenter - Salvation Syndrome (2023)

The album cover art for “Salvation Syndrome” draws its inspiration from the title track while also symbolically representing Christian believers as abstract monstrous “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” a concept rooted in the Bible’s warnings about false prophets and hypocritical individuals within the faith (Matthew 7:15).

It underscores the disconcerting reality that, in contemporary times, some who identify as Christians may, in truth, be individuals who seek to ensnare, judge, and condemn others, rather than exemplifying the love and compassion modeled by Christ. This portrayal highlights the potential harm such individuals can inflict on the message of Christ, emphasizing that their actions can be more detrimental than those of atheists or evildoers.

The notion of "Salvation Syndrome” encapsulates the idea that some of these professed believers do not exhibit a genuine fear of consequences because they take for granted the grace of God, a grace that they, unfortunately, fail to extend to others. This concept is in alignment with the biblical admonition to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12), emphasizing the importance of humility and self-reflection in one’s faith journey.

The album's cover design was crafted by Seth Metoyer, who not only serves as the vocalist and guitarist of Mangled Carpenter but also boasts over two decades of professional experience as a graphic designer in the music, book publishing, and movie industry. Seth’s artistic proficiency combines traditional training with contemporary digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Fresco, and Midjourney, showcasing his ability to blend various artistic mediums to convey profound and thought-provoking themes in his designs. The cover of “Salvation Syndrome” is a testament to his artistic prowess and creative vision in capturing the essence of the album’s thematic content.