#megadeth logo

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MEGADETH backdrop

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Consistent branding, Heavy metal bands, 1990s

Metallica, Megadeth and Iron Maiden. All three heavy metal bands practice the basic principles of branding. Brand recall and brand recognition.

Brand recall is achieved when a brand marks the same logotype across all merchandise. Throughout the life span of the three brands the logotype has never changed.

Of the three brands, Metallica has the stronger logotype. When reduced to a small size it is still the most legible. Even when the type was rendered in three dimensional lettering, it still worked.

Megadeth and Iron Maiden took their brands one step further by introducing a mascot. A mascot permitted the brand to be recognised without necessarily marking the merchandise with a logo.

They were able to improve the connection between album covers by featuring a unique character. The character changes in varying degrees, but keeps enough of the original form to make it recognisable.

Between Iron Maiden and Megadeth, Megadeth possesses stronger brand recognition. Both brands present truly unique mascots, but Megadeth artists were able to create an idea for each album cover.

I believe brand recall and recognition influences record and ticket sales to concerts.