The masthead is large and bold and at the top of the page. It is white against a black background - this is to show contrast and edginess. The text itself rough at some of the edges and crackly, there are also lines going through it as though it has been smashed (like how a Rockstar might smash up his guitar).
The selling line is over the top of the masthead and is again, white text, this time over a red fill. The selling line is used to try and capture the interest of the reader and convince them to buy the magazine. The selling line says "WIN! NEW MACBETH TRAINERS EVERY MONTH FOR A YEAR!" These shoes are aimed at Kerrang!'s target audience in the hope that the reader will feel more inclined to buy the magazine. The word 'WIN!' is in a different front and angle just before the other text, this is done to be eye catching, and to exaggerate the fact that the reader can win something.
There is a box with an image in it under the masthead and right of the main image. In it is a picture of Hayley Williams, who is the well known lead singer of a band names Paramore. Her body language and facial expression (as though she is thinking) links to the caption of the image and cover line, "WHAT'S NEXT FOR PARAMORE?", which is again in bold, white and red font.
On the otherside, towards the left of the main image, is a round shape with a red fill. The shape looks like it has been splattered and the red conveys a blood-like image. This again adds to the 'danger' of rock music. In this is text which says "11 HOT BANDS TO ROCK YOUR 2011". This is in white to show up against the red background - notice that black and red never seem to be used over each other. This is probably to keep all of the text clear, and to stop the cover from looking amateur. Here, a pun is also used to related to the genre of rock, this adds a slightly more light-hearted and comical dimension to the magazine, so that the tone is not so serious.
The main image is a medium close-up of Corey Taylor, who is again, the lead singer of a very well known band. He is dressed in mainly black to match the colour scheme and so that text is able to lay over the image easily. He is not clean shaven which is representative of a typical Rockstar, and also has a tattoo on his neck which symbolises rebellion. His shoulders and face are not directly facing the camera, but his eyes are. This adds a sense of mystery.
Under the subject's face over a block, red rectangle is the start of the cover line, "SLIPKNOT... SUCCESS... SURVIVAL..." This introduces the band that he is in and highlights some of the topics that will be in the features articles, all whilst using alliteration to roll off the reader's tongue and make the article sound more appealing. Under this is his name "COREY TAYLOR" which bold and white and over a black background. This is very similar to how the text looks in the masthead, however the text is slightly smaller. This shows that, apart from the magazine itself of course, this features article is the most important thing in the magazine. Again, under this, is more white writing over a red background which finishes the cover line - "ANSWER'S YOUR QUESTIONS...". The word 'your' is underlined to address the audience in order to generate interest in the article. This is also done to create a sense of partnership between the magazine and the readers' who feel like they are acknowledged and appreciated.
Underneath this are three images advertising free posters in the magazine. This again, is done to convince people of the target audience to purchase it. The images look as though they are on a film strip.
Next to this is another cover line in bold, white and red lettering, some of which is slanted for added effect and edginess.
At the bottom of the front cover is another red strip to balance out the selling line at the top. Over this is a + symbol and white text listing various bands who are in the magazine. This gives the reader lots of insight into what is inside the magazine, and convinces them to buy it.
Notice that all of the text used is in capital letters. This is done for boldness and to add a sense of masculinity to the cover which is part of the rock genre.
The bar code at the bottom right hand side is layered over the red strip.
