The artwork relates in a number of ways to the band name, Almaz. Alma can refer to: ‘Uncut diamond’ or ‘diamond in the rough’ in Russian (I believe); ‘soul’ in Portuguese; the name of a Russian space mission (‘Almaz’); and ‘Halma’ is a mathematical term relating to a ‘cluster’ or ‘set’. There were a few more meanings that could be extracted from this word. I decided to go with the diamond motif because it was a strong shape, but also brings in the Outer Space reference. When I listened to the music, I immediately saw space, so this seemed apt. To bring in the idea of a soul or a ‘group as one’, the inner pages of the CD portray each member’s face blended with the other members.

The inner panel of the LP is just a psychedelic landscape (you’re spot on there) – both this and the band’s logo are a nod to Brazilian psych record covers from the 70s.

There’s no religious undertone, though, at least not deliberately.

Hope this answers your question…