Bring Me That Horizon Tattoo

Bring Me the Horizon Tattoo: A Deep Dive into the Band's Iconic Imagery and Tattoo Inspiration

Bring Me the Horizon (BMTH) has evolved significantly since their deathcore beginnings, transitioning through various genres and evolving their image alongside their music. This evolution is reflected not only in their albums but also in the rich tapestry of symbolism found within their visual identity, a key source of inspiration for countless fans who choose to immortalize their connection to the band through tattoos. This article delves deep into the meaning behind popular BMTH tattoo choices, exploring the individual symbols and their significance within the band's broader narrative. We’ll examine the artistic styles prevalent in BMTH-inspired ink, and finally, offer advice for those considering adding a piece of BMTH-inspired art to their bodies.

Understanding the Evolution of Bring Me the Horizon's Image

Before diving into specific tattoo ideas, it’s crucial to understand the multifaceted nature of BMTH's visual identity. Their early work, characterized by aggressive deathcore, featured darker, more brutal imagery. Think skulls, blood, and chaotic designs. However, as their musical style shifted towards more melodic and experimental sounds, so too did their aesthetic. The band’s imagery evolved to encompass a broader range of concepts, including:

• Early Deathcore Era (Count Your Blessings - Suicide Season): This period was marked by intense, often violent, imagery reflecting the aggressive sound of their music. Expect imagery related to death, decay, and suffering. Think skulls, thorns, and religious iconography used in a subversive or dark context.

• Post-Hardcore/Metalcore Era (There Is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let's Keep It a Secret - Sempiternal): A significant shift occurred, moving away from pure brutality towards more nuanced and atmospheric visuals. This period often used themes of hope, darkness, and the internal struggles of the human condition. Expect imagery reflecting these themes, such as celestial bodies, abstract shapes, and more stylized representations of death or suffering.

• Pop-influenced/Alternative Era (That's the Spirit - Amo): This marked a substantial change, with a brighter, more pop-oriented aesthetic, yet still maintaining a certain level of darkness and complexity. The visual language became more abstract, incorporating vibrant colors, geometric shapes, and symbolic representations of inner turmoil and growth.

• Post-Amo Era (Post Human: Survival Horror - Post Human: NeX GEn): The band’s visual style continues to evolve, incorporating dystopian themes, surreal imagery, and a more polished and conceptual approach. The imagery is less directly tied to specific album themes and instead focuses on a more overarching visual language connected to their overall narrative.

Popular Bring Me the Horizon Tattoo Ideas and Their Meanings

Now let’s explore some of the most popular Bring Me the Horizon tattoo ideas and the meanings behind them. Remember, the meaning of a tattoo is deeply personal, and these interpretations offer a starting point for your own unique expression.

1. The "That's the Spirit" Lion: This iconic image, featured prominently on the album art of That's the Spirit, represents strength, resilience, and overcoming adversity. The lion itself is a powerful symbol, and the specific stylistic choices made by the artist will greatly influence the overall feeling of the tattoo. A realistic lion might convey a sense of raw power, while a more stylized version could represent inner strength and self-discovery.

2. The "Sempiternal" Ouroboros: The ouroboros, a serpent eating its own tail, is a powerful symbol of cyclical nature, infinity, and rebirth. Featured prominently on the Sempiternal album art, this symbol represents the continuous cycle of life, death, and renewal, perfectly aligning with the themes of the album itself. The ouroboros is incredibly versatile, lending itself to various artistic styles, from intricate linework to bold, colorful designs.

3. Abstract BMTH Logo Variations: The Bring Me the Horizon logo itself is a strong and recognizable image. Fans often incorporate the logo into their tattoos, sometimes in a minimalist style, other times in a more elaborate design that includes additional elements from the band's visual language. This approach allows for a subtle yet powerful tribute to the band.

4. "Throne" Inspired Imagery: The Throne era provided a wealth of imagery that can translate well into tattoos. From the album art’s dark and theatrical aesthetic to the specific symbols used throughout the era’s promotion, there’s plenty to inspire an individual piece. Expect to see designs incorporating elements of darkness, theatricality, and other symbolic interpretations of the album's themes.

5. Individual Album Art Recreations: Fans often choose to recreate elements or the entirety of a favorite album cover. This allows for a very personal connection to a specific album or era of the band's musical journey. This option often requires a skilled tattoo artist who can accurately capture the nuances of the original artwork.

6. Lyrics: Powerful lyrics from BMTH songs are another popular choice for tattoos. These phrases can serve as personal reminders of strength, perseverance, and self-discovery. Choosing a lyric that deeply resonates with the individual is crucial to ensure the tattoo’s significance. Consider the font and style to match the emotional impact of the chosen lyric.

7. Oli Sykes Portraits: The band's charismatic frontman, Oli Sykes, is also a frequent subject of BMTH-inspired tattoos. These portraits can range from realistic to stylized interpretations, often capturing his iconic stage presence and expressive features. This is a great option for fans who appreciate Oli's artistic expression and personality.

Artistic Styles for Bring Me the Horizon Tattoos

The artistic style chosen greatly influences the final look and feel of a BMTH-inspired tattoo. Here are a few popular options:

• Realistic: For those wanting a highly detailed and lifelike representation of specific imagery, the realistic style is a great choice. This style demands a highly skilled tattoo artist capable of capturing fine details and achieving photorealism. This style works well for portraits of Oli Sykes or detailed recreations of album art.

• Geometric/Abstract: This modern style uses sharp lines, clean shapes, and often incorporates vibrant colors. It's ideal for translating the more abstract and symbolic aspects of BMTH's later work, particularly their more pop-influenced era.

• Blackwork/Black and Grey: This classic style uses shading and various line weights to create depth and texture. It's ideal for capturing the darker, more intense imagery from BMTH's earlier work, especially those inspired by their deathcore roots.

• Watercolor: This style utilizes blended colors and soft edges, creating a dreamlike and ethereal effect. It could be used to depict more abstract concepts or add a unique twist to existing BMTH imagery.

• Neo-Traditional: This style takes cues from traditional tattooing but injects modern twists, providing a slightly bolder and less rigid outcome than traditional American work. This offers a versatile canvas to explore BMTH's diverse aesthetic phases.

Planning Your Bring Me the Horizon Tattoo

Getting a tattoo is a significant decision, and proper planning is essential to ensure you’re happy with the final result. Consider the following:

• Choose a Reputable Artist: Find a tattoo artist whose style aligns with your vision and who has experience creating similar designs. Look at their portfolio and ensure they are capable of executing your design to a high standard.

• Design Refinement: Work closely with your chosen artist to refine your design. They can offer valuable input and ensure the design works well with the chosen style and placement.

• Placement: Consider the size and placement of your tattoo carefully. Larger tattoos require more time and commitment, and placement should be chosen based on personal preference and visibility.

• Aftercare: Learn about proper tattoo aftercare to ensure your tattoo heals correctly and retains its vibrancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Are BMTH tattoos popular? Yes, Bring Me the Horizon tattoos are highly popular among their fanbase, representing a unique and evolving artistic connection to the band and its music.

• What's the best size for a BMTH tattoo? The ideal size depends entirely on your preference and the chosen design. Small, minimalist tattoos can be just as meaningful as large, intricate pieces.

• How much does a BMTH tattoo cost? The cost varies greatly depending on the size, complexity, and the artist’s rates. It’s best to consult with a tattoo artist directly for an accurate estimate.

• How long does a BMTH tattoo take? The time required depends on the size and complexity of the tattoo. Simple designs might take a few hours, while larger, more intricate pieces could require multiple sessions.

• Where should I get my BMTH tattoo? The best placement depends on personal preference. Consider areas that are easily visible or hidden, based on your comfort level and the size of the tattoo.

Conclusion

Bring Me the Horizon tattoos offer a powerful way for fans to express their deep connection to the band and its music. From the dark imagery of their earlier work to the more abstract and artistic style of their recent albums, there’s a wealth of inspiration to draw upon when designing your own unique piece. Remember to choose a reputable artist, carefully plan your design, and understand the commitment involved. With proper planning and execution, your BMTH tattoo will be a lasting tribute to a band that continues to evolve and inspire. Let the ink tell your story, a testament to your connection with the music and the powerful message Bring Me the Horizon conveys.