Vinyl Album cover Artwork by Edward J. "Ed" Repka

 

  Edward J. Repka ( aka Ed Repka ) is an American artist known for his highly-detailed illustrations in the heavy metal music industry. He has designed album covers for iconic bands such as Megadeth, Death, and Venom. His style features vivid colors and intricate details, and his artwork has received numerous awards. This has given him the "King Of Thrash Metal Art".

  This web-page is a gallery of some of the album covers he has illustrated between the years 1986 and 1991.

banner image of artwork by ed repka

Edward J. "Ed" Repka Biography

Ed Repka is a renowned American illustrator, best known for his striking album cover art that defined the visual identity of 1980s thrash metal. His work with Megadeth introduced the world to Vic Rattlehead, while his detailed, horror-inspired illustrations graced covers for Death, Nuclear Assault, and many others. His vivid, dystopian imagery remains iconic in heavy metal culture. Read more about Ed Repka.

DARK ANGEL - Darkness Descends 12" LP

Darkness Descends 12" LP

Under One Flag FLAG 6 , 1986 , UK

Dark Angel's 1986 album "Darkness Descends" is a thrash metal classic featuring aggressive guitar riffs, blistering drums, and violent lyrics exploring themes of war, death, and destruction. Artwork by Edward "Ed" Repka

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DARK ANGEL - Leave Scars 12" LP

Leave Scars 12" LP

Under One Flag FLAG 30 , 1988 , France

Released in 1989, Leave Scars by Dark Angel is a thrash metal album with a more polished sound, featuring technical guitar work, powerful drumming, and dark lyrics exploring psychological themes of pain, suffering, and trauma.

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DEATH - Leprosy 12" LP

Leprosy 12" LP

Combat / Under One Flag FLAG 24 , 1988 , England

LEPROSY is the second official full-length album released by the American Death Metal band: DEATH, this album was released in 1988. Front Cover Artwork by Edward J. Repka

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DEATH - Scream, Bloody Gore ( UK ) 12" LP

Scream, Bloody Gore ( UK ) 12" LP

UNDER ON FLAG FLAG 12 , 1987 , UK

This album "DEATH – Scream Bloody Gore" is the debut studio album by this American death metal band Death. Front Cover Artwork by Edward J. Repka

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DEATH - Spiritual Healing 12" LP
Spiritual Healing 12" LP

Under One Flag FLAG 38 , 1990 , England

Death's 1990 vinyl LP "Spiritual Healing" is a classic of the death metal genre, showcasing technical prowess, philosophical themes, and critical acclaim. The album's intricate musicianship and innovative approach to songwriting have cemented Death's legacy in the world of heavy metal music.

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DEFIANCE - Product of Society

Picture Of DEFIANCE - Product of Society album front cover

Roadracer RO 9504 , 1988 , Netherlands

This album "DEFIANCE - Product of Society" is the debut album by the American thrash metal band Defiance. It was released in 1989 on Roadracer Records. It was the only album by Defiance to feature Ken Elkington on vocals and had cover art by Ed Repka. .

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MEGADETH - No More Mr Nice Guy

Picture Of MEGADETH - No More Mr Nice Guy album front cover

SBK Alive Records 060-203520 , 1989 , EEC

This album "MEGADETH - No More Mr Nice Guy" is the Sound-track of the motion picture/movie SHOCKER , directed by WES CRAVEN .

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MEGADETH - Peace Sells But Who Is Buying

Picture Of MEGADETH - Peace Sells But Who Is Buying album front cover

Capitol Records FA 3242  , 1986 , USA

This the second studio album by the American heavy metal band Megadeth. It was released in November 1986.

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NAPALM - Cruel Tranquility

Picture Of NAPALM - Cruel Tranquility album front cover

Steamhammer SPV 08-7563 , 1989 , West-Germany

"Cruel Tranquility" is the debut studio album of the American death metal band Napalm. The album was originally released in 1989 by the small independent label Wild Rags Records.

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NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Brain Death

Picture Of NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Brain Death album front cover

Combat / Under One Flag 12FLAG 102 , 1986 , England

"Brain Death" was the first album released by Nuclear Assault  .

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NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Game Over

Picture Of NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Game Over album front cover

Under One Flag FLAG 5 / Combat , 1986 , England

This album "NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Game Over" is the debut album by thrash metal band Nuclear Assault, released in 1986..

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POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates ( 1986, GB ) 12" LP

POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates (1986, GB) 12" LP

Under One Flag FLAG 3 , 1986 , England

"Beyond the Gates" by "Possessed" comes in a gimmick Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design, the entire cover can be folded open and the inner cover can be used as one large poster

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SANCTUARY - Refuge Denied

Picture Of SANCTUARY - Refuge Denied album front cover

EPIC EPC 460811 , 1987 , Netherlands

Refuge Denied is the debut album by the band Sanctuary, This was the first and last album to feature extremely high pitched, layered vocals from vocalist Warrel Dane

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