Dude, there is a dark side to every music scene. Mostly because people get cliquey and greedy. Ego's go unchecked. People start believing they are something they are not. People are mentally ill, into drugs, etc. Money and respect make people nuts. It comes with the territory. Doesn't always mean there is an evil cult controlling things behind the scenes. But it can get ugly. I've seen the nicest and most loveable people turn into paranoid, cut throat shitheads because of the music scene. And I've seen scenes that seemed positive and open blacklist and exile people over stupid things that don't even matter.
This usually happens to those who go into the scene naively and without a loyal group of positive people surrounding them.

Most cover/poster art is supposed to be provocative and mysterious. I wouldn't try to read too much into the symbolism. It's to sell records and get people talking - to have a brand associated with their name. Just like the skull and lightning bolt. You see it and you know who it is. It sells.