Analysis of Digipak - Fallen by Evanescence

The digipak I am currently analysing is the Evanescence album; Fallen. The band name ‘Evanescence’ means to disappear already indicating that the genre is associated with darkness. The bands create alternative rock music and their digipak reflects this.

Through the images the artists are represented as cold and distant although the dominant image of the lead singer on the front cover is a close-up. Although, the lead singer is staring right at the audience through the image, there is a sense of isolation. This is presented through the tinted hues of Icy blue. This is consistent throughout the digipak maintaining this theme that reinforces the genre. Furthermore, the lead singer dominates the main front cover of the album indicating that she is most important. However, we are still aware that it is a band as the name of the band is not the name of a person (something bands often do not keep). The artists Jet black hair reinforce the Emo/Gothic subculture as well as other aspects of the mise-en-scene such as her dark shade of lipstick, rough braided hairstyle, eyebrow piercings and heavy dark eye makeup. Also, the artist’s facial expression is stern and this also adds a tone of seriousness to their digipak reflecting their music style. The close-up shot allows us to familiarise ourselves with the artist but also feel intimidated. Additionally, the back of the digipak consists of the remaining members of the band drawing attention away from them in many different ways. Firstly the fact that the artists are at the back of the album suggests that they do not represent the band on the whole but contribute to the music they produce. Secondly, the fact that all three members are looking down and the image is taken at a mid-shot from a high angle, does not allow us to develop a personal relationship or be intimidated by them. In fact this allows us to feel like we have power over them as they seem vulnerable. One of the band members hand is closely pressed against the lenses suggesting he is trying to draw attention away from the band. Lastly, this image is blurry unlike the album front cover that uses a sharp defined focus. This also enables us to place importance to the lead singer that represents the band. In contrast to this, the inner pages of the digipak allow us to visualise the band together although, the lead singer is at the front. This reinforces the fact that they are a band that work together however, as expected the lead singer is typically selling image of the band. The fact that the band are in a blue room which is blurry and plain, allows us to focus on the band creating a sense of isolation as they are the only things we can focus on within a dull setting.

The album name is Fallen. This connotes down fall or could also relate to the concept of Satan being a fallen angel. The fact that the band already use religious elements within their lyrics ties in with the album name. Fallen represents negativity and imperfection within us as humans and the cold band image reinforces this. The font used is formal with straight edges making the album and band name clear to read however the band name is in bold as it is more important and therefore should be eye catching. The font however, has a personal touch to it, with sharp point curves near the edge representing thorns or a knife edge giving the band a rough edge. The use of white font enables it to stand out as well as connote angelic attributes such as purity, linking in with the idea of a fallen angel consequently subverting the stereotype.

The CD is co-produced by Evanescence guitarist Ben Moody and Ugly Kid Joe guitarist Dave Fortman. This enables the band to gain a wider audience as Ugly Kid Joe fans may be interested in listening to the album as well as current Evanescence fans.The band are signed to Wind-up records and this is visible in small print on the CD. Not only does this promote the record company but vice versa. The fact that wind up records promotes different sub genres within rock, having the record company name on the CD helps invite fans of other bands signed to the record label. This invites a larger group of fans. Also, the same way, an Evanescence fan may introduced to similar music from the same label as the band also helps promote the record label.

The band image is reinforced through the mise-en-scene, colour scheme, artist & album name. These aspects also attract a specific target audience; those who listen to rock music/belong with the emo/gothic subculture (usually teenagers from 14 to adults up to 38). The CD cover appeals to the target audience as it sticks to the basic colour combination of white, blue and grey making it suitable for and older target market (above 13). Also, the rough edged font suggests rebelliousness inviting teenagers. Lastly, the appearance of the lead singer invites people with similar appearances (often those who belong in the same sub-culture).

The plain black CD with a small logo representing the band allows us to place importance on the Digipak when it comes to observation and appearance. The Digipak artist has made sure that the bar code is at the back of the Digipak