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Tattoos for the Grim Hearted
The Murray Brothers: Tattoos for the Grim Hearted
Ryan and Matthew Murray are identical twin brothers who have become icons in Salem, Massachusetts, a city forever marked by the infamous witch trials of 1692. Co-owners of Black Veil Studio, these tattoo artists have built their careers and their art around the dark history and supernatural atmosphere that defines their hometown.
The Murray brothers' family roots trace back to Salem Village in the mid-1600s, connecting them directly to the area's history. Growing up in this environment shaped everything about their artistic vision. Since childhood, they've been drawn to the darker side of things: grim fairy tales, Victorian-era death and mourning etiquette, New England folklore, and the macabre energy that permeates Salem's streets.
Specializing exclusively in black and gray work, the brothers describe their style as "for the grim hearted." Their artwork is steeped in the history of Salem, blending the city's witch trial legacy with Victorian aesthetics and supernatural imagery. Every piece they create carries the weight of New England's haunted past, and their signature (a black widow spider) appears in every tattoo, symbolizing the inseparable bond between the brothers.
Ryan began tattooing in 2009, while Matthew initially pursued film at Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. But the pull of working together was too strong. Matthew apprenticed with Ryan while still in school, and in April 2012, they opened Black Veil Studio. Since then, they've become fixtures in Salem's creative community, hosting the annual Salem Night Faire at Pioneer Village and running their metaphysical shop, the Black Veil Shoppe of Drear & Wonder.
Salem, Massachusetts is one of America's most haunted cities. In 1692, mass hysteria swept through the community, resulting in over 200 people being accused of witchcraft and 20 innocent people being executed. The witch trials remain a defining example of injustice in American history, and the city's dark past has never been forgotten. Today, Salem embraces its haunted heritage while honoring the victims of that tragic chapter.
For the Murray brothers, Salem isn't just their home. It's their muse, their history, and the foundation of everything they create.
Life Beyond Ink takes you inside their world. Watch as Dakota Weik and Michael Corman spend time with Ryan and Matthew in Salem, exploring how the city's dark history shaped their art, their philosophy, and their bond as twin brothers working side by side every day.
This is their story. This is Salem. This is Life Beyond Ink.
We hope you enjoy!
The Murray Brothers: Tattoos for the Grim Hearted
Ryan and Matthew Murray are identical twin brothers who have become icons in Salem, Massachusetts, a city forever marked by the infamous witch trials of 1692. Co-owners of Black Veil Studio, these tattoo artists have built their careers and their art around the dark history and supernatural atmosphere that defines their hometown.
The Murray brothers' family roots trace back to Salem Village in the mid-1600s, connecting them directly to the area's history. Growing up in this environment shaped everything about their artistic vision. Since childhood, they've been drawn to the darker side of things: grim fairy tales, Victorian-era death and mourning etiquette, New England folklore, and the macabre energy that permeates Salem's streets.
Specializing exclusively in black and gray work, the brothers describe their style as "for the grim hearted." Their artwork is steeped in the history of Salem, blending the city's witch trial legacy with Victorian aesthetics and supernatural imagery. Every piece they create carries the weight of New England's haunted past, and their signature (a black widow spider) appears in every tattoo, symbolizing the inseparable bond between the brothers.
Ryan began tattooing in 2009, while Matthew initially pursued film at Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. But the pull of working together was too strong. Matthew apprenticed with Ryan while still in school, and in April 2012, they opened Black Veil Studio. Since then, they've become fixtures in Salem's creative community, hosting the annual Salem Night Faire at Pioneer Village and running their metaphysical shop, the Black Veil Shoppe of Drear & Wonder.
Salem, Massachusetts is one of America's most haunted cities. In 1692, mass hysteria swept through the community, resulting in over 200 people being accused of witchcraft and 20 innocent people being executed. The witch trials remain a defining example of injustice in American history, and the city's dark past has never been forgotten. Today, Salem embraces its haunted heritage while honoring the victims of that tragic chapter.
For the Murray brothers, Salem isn't just their home. It's their muse, their history, and the foundation of everything they create.
Life Beyond Ink takes you inside their world. Watch as Dakota Weik and Michael Corman spend time with Ryan and Matthew in Salem, exploring how the city's dark history shaped their art, their philosophy, and their bond as twin brothers working side by side every day.
This is their story. This is Salem. This is Life Beyond Ink.
We hope you enjoy!