We are saddened to report not one but two deaths as both Lawrence “Larry” Carroll (65) and Roslaw Szaybo (85) have passed away yesterday (21st).

Carroll, the Australian-born, American-raised painter was recognized by his sculptural pictures that were mainly assembled by materials he found. However, in the metal world, he will be remembered by working on the legendary Slayer albums Reign In Blood, South of Heaven, Seasons in the Abyss, and Christ Illusion. His death was announced yesterday morning by his Cologne gallery, Karsten Greve.

Szaybo, Polish graphic designer, illustrator, and photographer is known for working on over 2,000 album covers between the years of 1972-1988. The artist also designed posters, exhibitions, and satirical drawings. His album work ranged from Elton John, Roy Orbison, to the Clash, Janis Joplin, and more. However, he is also known for designing Judas Priest’s logo and classic album artwork.

Judas Priest issued the following statement on Szaybo’s passing:

“Our memories of Roslaw Szaybo are strong and he will always be remembered for his now legendary covers he created for Judas Priest as well as the Priest logo – our thoughts and condolences are with his family – love to Ros

With many thanks

Judas Priest”

“Lawrence Carroll was a friend and mentor, and one of the most important illustrators of the 20th century. Its hard to imagine what my career would have been without his influence. If you only know his paintings and sculptures, please look up his commercial work where he helped re-define the boundaries of editorial illustration (in the Progressive and Ray Gun) or the album covers he produced for Slayer, which stand to this day as some of the best metal covers of all time. He was a giant, and I hate the idea of a world without him in it.”

We send our condolences to both Carroll’s and Szaybo’s friends and family during this difficult time.