Music / Heavy Metal
Metal Quarter mural celebrates the art of the album
A prize-winning mural has been unveiled in the area that has been dubbed Bristol’s ‘metal quarter’.
Designed by musician Brandon Burch, the mural was designed for National Album Day and celebrates the spirit of rock as well as the concept of the album as an art form.
It has been installed outside the Gryphon, the pub-venue housed in a 19th century building on Colston Street that is keeping the heavy rock and metal scene alive and thriving in Bristol.
Brandon (here with owner John) designed the mural which was then brought to life by painter Seán Whelan and has been permanently installed outside the Gryphon
“Brandon’s design embodies the real spirit of the Bristol Metal Quarter, with an original, bold idea that pays tribute to subtle rock references in a unique image,” said John Ashby, the Gryphon’s owner.
“With so many talented artists in the mix, it was difficult to narrow down, but Brandon’s work now adds another iconic scene we hope becomes instantly recognisable in the Bristol Metal Quarter. Long live Rock’n’roll.”
“It’s genuinely a dream come true to see my artwork on the side of the Gryphon,” said Brandon. “Being part of the Bristol Metal Quarter is thrilling. Huge thanks to John at The Gryphon and David at Black City Records for their support. National Album Day is so important – buy records, support local businesses, and keep the album format alive!”
Metal gigs take place in an intimate, sweaty room above the pub on Colston Street
The project was brought to life with the support of Black City Records, a heavy metal record shop that opened on Trenchard Street in 2021.
It boasts the UK’s largest and most comprehensive range of new and used vinyl, CDs and cassettes of the genre as well as posters, books and accessories.
National Album Day, which takes place on October 17 this year, is an annual initiative marking the enduring value of albums, with last year’s event themed around rock music.
It is is organised jointly by UK independent and major record labels association, the BPI, and ERA, the digital entertainment and retail association.
Since instigation in 2018 it has been supported by a wide range of artists acting as official Album Champions including Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, Kylie Minogue, Lewis Capaldi and Bristol’s Tricky.
All images: National Album Day
Read next:
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- Bristol heavy metal shop nominated for national award
- Bristol’s month in metal and prog – May 2026
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