THE BEAST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Sketching the Soul” Explores the Hidden Struggles Behind One of Extreme Metal’s Most Iconic Visual Artists

A new feature documentary from Poppitt Productions takes viewers inside the life and creative grind of legendary artist Tony Koehl

2026 – The world of extreme metal has always been defined by its sound, but just as much by its visuals. Now, a new documentary pulls back the curtain on one of the genre’s most recognizable and prolific artists.

Sketching the Soul , directed by filmmaker Tanner Poppitt, is a raw and personal feature documentary following acclaimed graphic artist Tony Koehl as he navigates the daily realities of life as a working artist in today’s fast moving, often unforgiving creative economy.

Known for his unmistakable style and extensive catalog of album artwork across the extreme metal landscape, Koehl has contributed iconic visuals for bands such as Job For A Cowboy, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Waking the Cadaver, among countless others. His work has helped define the visual identity of modern death metal and beyond.

This documentary goes beyond the artwork and into the life behind it.

A Story Behind the Canvas

Sketching the Soul follows Koehl through the pressures, persistence, and uncertainty that come with sustaining a long term creative career in an industry that constantly demands evolution while rarely offering stability.

As the film explores, even a legendary name in metal artwork is not immune to the grind of deadlines, changing markets, and the constant challenge of staying relevant while staying true to a signature style.

A quote from the production summarizes the heart of the film:

“Sketching the Soul follows legendary visual artist Tony Koehl through the trials and tribulations in order to still be a viable working artist in today’s environment.”

Built for Fans of Iconic Metal Art

This documentary will resonate with fans of influential metal illustrators and visual creators such as Dan Seagrave, Demorph, Wes Boscoter, Ed Repka, and Derek Riggs, offering a deep dive into the culture and craft that shaped some of metal’s most unforgettable imagery.

Production & Credits

• Production Company: Poppitt Productions
• Director: Tanner Poppitt
• Management: Poppitt Productions
• Contact: Poppittproductions@gmail.com

Watch the Film

The full documentary is available here:

More Information

• IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37533863/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppittproductions_official/
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PoppittProductions
• https://www.sketchthesoul.com/

At its core, Sketching the Soul is about more than metal artwork. It’s about endurance, identity, and what it takes to keep creating when the world keeps shifting under your feet.