The Art of NAILS: In Conversation With Jef Whitehead

With back to back standout covers for back to back standout records, we dive into the madness of this audiovisual beast.

Words by Luis (@HeaviestOfArt):

Nearly a year since the arrival of what we argue to be NAILS' most expansive record yet, Every Bridge Burning remains a staple in the eyes (and ears) of many around the world, as a roaring headlining tour demonstrated. At the forefront of this explosive experience is a vibrant yet dark, striking cover illustration by way of tattoo artist, black metal musician, and jack of all trades Jef Whitehead (Leviathan), who continues a visual identity established with 2016's You Will Never Be One Of Us.

At the forefront of their inaugural collaboration, Whitehead introduces the piercing gaze of a demon emblematic of Todd Jones' driving songcraft for NAILS, one that returns for the celebrated Every Bridge Burning. Whitehead's second consecutive NAILS cover found him taking a more spirited, overarching use of color than its predecessor, fitting for the sonic variety and influence present within.

Cover Artwork by Jef Whitehead

There's a stark contrast between color palette and thematic direction here that is notable in the literal burning of a bridge and drowning individuals on the gatefold of the physical release. Whitehead shares what he aimed to achieve upon being approached for the project, "Todd and I wanted to continue the use of the visceral, menacing figure that was used on the cover of 'You Will Never Be One of Us'." He continues, "I knew Todd wanted to keep the colors a bit subdued, so I kept the overall 'feel' pretty dark. I think the brightness of the colors expressing the fire contrast the dark adequately."

As Whitehead mentions, You Will Never Be One of Us employs a more muted approach to its detailed depiction of snakes and demons clawing at the protagonist whereas Every Bridge Burning proves to be the more enticing option, visually speaking. There's a different intention for each and much like the record itself, Every Bridge Burning is unique in its creative direction. It's the byproduct of genuine conversation and even stronger mutual understanding that led to a return for a second consecutive cover illustration. "Working with Todd has been great, says Whitehead. "Todd definitely knows what he wants as far as the 'feel' of the art, even when the actual imagery components are not in place yet. NAILS are a bludgeoning weapon of a band and I’m honored that Todd has chosen me to try to express that, visually. I hope to continue to use the visceral, menacing figure to the point where when someone sees that figure, they automatically know its NAILS."

The unnamed and piercing demonic figure at the forefront of both of the Whitehead x NAILS creations is their Eddie (Iron Maiden), Snaggletooth (Motörhead), and Vic Rattlehead (Megadeth), so to speak.

They both step outside of their comfort zones to please creative ambitions and place artistic integrity at the core of their output for NAILS. "The art for E. B. B. took me quite a while, much longer than it should have," shares Whitehead. "The fire and water in the background are not images I've painted a bunch in the past, so it took a lot of thumbnails and sketch painting attempts for me to make it work. I sent Todd several thumbnail versions using marker until we agree it was ready to paint." With a foundation to build from with You Will Never Be One Of Us, Whitehead was more than a hired gun but an extension of the band that set his mind to interpret the band's instrumentation through his own artistic lens. To do so, they had to switch gears slightly: "Aside from using that figure from YWNBOOU, we went about it differently. It being a front and back cover painting meant a lot more work. You want there to be something interesting to look at no matter which direction you’re looking at the record cover."

For those who don't own the physical album or follow Whitehead's Instagram account, there's a high chance you've yet to see the full Every Bridge Burning cover illustration, and rightfully so. The album is best experienced in its vinyl format, with inner artwork and liner notes to lose yourself to as riffs smack you down. It's a sprawling piece that is old school oriented in its intention, the intention being a tangible product to successfully capture the strength of what went into it. Whitehead comes from the golden era of album covers and iconic merch designs that remain influential to so many today, hisself included.

Beyond it being an "old school" or "traditional" element that went lost for sometime, it remains central to the best in contemporary hardcore, death metal, and beyond. Whitehead agrees: "I think the band logo, cover art, and any art within the liner notes is vital to the whole of any violent underground band's releases. I think bands should include the lyrics typed out. It further immerses the listener in the world said band is creating and gives the artist another medium to get their “point” across. It’s absolutely vital! When I get a new release, I scour through the cover art and any and all liner notes before I even press play!"

Whitehead's ability to take the reigns on Jones' confidence in him has resulted in one of the stronger audiovisual partnerships in contemporary death metal and hardcore, one that we hope that continues to deliver. with how well the two parties find common ground. The greatness of Every Bridge Burning has yet to diminish and with Obituary's celebratory (and sure to be astounding) Cause of Death Tour kicking off tomorrow (dates below) alongside NAILS, Spiritworld, and Pest Control, heed the words of Whitehead and "go bear witness to NAILS live!!!"

Every Bridge Burning is available now via Nuclear Blast Records (Listen).

Cover Artwork by Jef Whitehead

Obituary / NAILS / Terror / SpiritWorld / Pest Control 2025 Tour Dates:

Apr 18 San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theatre

Apr 19 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater

Apr 21 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater

Apr 22 Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Theater

Apr 24 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues

Apr 25 Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues

Apr 26 Los Angeles, CA @ The Bellwether

Apr 27 Berkeley, CA @ The UC Theatre

Apr 29 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater

Apr 30 Seattle, WA @ The Showbox

May 02 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot

May 03 Denver, CO @ The Oriental Theater

May 05 Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater

May 06 Chicago, IL @ House of BLues

May 07 Detroit, MI @ The Majestic Theatre

May 09 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda

May 10 Toronto, ON @ The Concert Hall

May 11 New Kensington, PA @ Perversing Underground

May 14 Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

May 14 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade

May 19 Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom

May 20 Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel

May 22 Maspeth, NY @ Knockdown Center

May 24 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium

May 25 Reading, PA @ Reverb