From Wikipedia: “The hook-and-cross logo is that of Kronos, the king of the Titans and father of Zeus in Greek mythology, and is the alchemical symbol for lead, one of the heaviest of metals. Sandy Pearlman considered this, combined with the heavy and distorted guitar sound of the band and decided the description “heavy metal” would be aptly applied to Blue Öyster Cult’s musical sound. It was designed by Bill Gawlik and appears on all of the band’s albums.”
One of my all time favorite bands, and one of my all time favorite logos. The legend and story of this band is really pretty awesome, and literally rife with mysterious allegory. Their career is like a riddle within a riddle – with a mysterious “Sandy Pearlman” character lurking behind the curtain. Wikipedia has complied a pretty good history of Blue Oyster Cult. Look into it, I dare you. All the tie-ins with the “Stony Brook” and the Oysters, and “Sandy Pearlman” and it goes on and on.
Fascinating…
I could write thousands of words about this band and this logo – like I said, I am a huge fan.
I will try not to gush, but that is why there are rules to guide me.
HOLDS MYSTERY: Oh yeah. Just try and start googling things like “cross of questioning” and “cross of chronos”
and see what kind of results you get. Back in Jr. High, people thought I was satanic (merely posessed) because I
scrawled the symbol everywhere. Almost got beat up once, but I befuddled the bully. They made a point of hiding it on their record jackets – it became a game to find it. Spectres took forever – it was the hardest one.
Obviously a 10
DESCRIBES THE MUSIC: Well, if I saw the symbol anywhere, on anything, I am just the kind of curious person who would look into it. I think I would have to speculate that they were a thinking, brooding man’s band. Metal for sure…but something more – something not exactly metal. It’s tough to say if this symbol really evokes an imagined “sound.” It’s kind of up in the air, and I have to give it an 8.
WORKS WITH SPRAYPAINT: Hella. 10
VERSATILITY: I’ve seen it decorated a million ways, emblazoned on all manner of merchandise, and it works every time. It’s freakin ancient, dudes. Strong symbology, multiple applications, all around killer, versatile logo. Once you see it, you can’t un-see it. 10
COMPLEXITY: Not too complex, but that tight curve at the bottom takes a little practice to get just right. Simple enough to draw or scrawl, complex enough to make you have to think about it. Love it. A true ten sits squarely on the fence, and this is a great example. 10
Total score for Blue Oyster Cult: 9.6!
Tags: boc, branding, cross of questioning, Graphic Design, induct blue oyster cult to hall of fame, Music, rock band logos
