Band Photography Tips

[GaardCeteru]

Hello, Im new to this place though I've been following up the website for months now so hello everyone.

The thing is this: a friend of mine who has a band -a death metal band- and will be releasing a second album in december and has asked me to do the shooting and design for the cover and booklet and I've agreed to it. I've planned on meeting with the whole band and asking somewhat what they want and also giving them a few ideas of mine on posing and stuff, they're hiring an interior designer for the set and we'll be meeting and talking about the whole thing later on.

I'd like you to please give me a few tips on photographing bands (specially rock, heavy or death metal bands, if you know any) I, personally don't want the results to look like a goof and I'm pretty sure they want to look like serious and yet hardcore-to-the-bone musicians.

I'm not a beginner yet not a pro on this, I've only done one shooting with one semi-professional model who was a friend of mine too (I think she was very pro though she acted like one) I usually take macro and candid photos; I do realize the situation is pretty much different given the fact that they're about 5 guys plus the goals on the shooting will be different and will actually be printed god-knows-how-many-times for public view so I'd like it to be as good as it can be and I want to be very prepared; what do you recommend? I want as many tips as you can give.

I know it's the photographer who makes the picture and not the gear but just in case you need to know info on gear: I own a Canon EOS Rebel XS with standard 18-55mm and 50-300 mm lenses with *maybe* access to professional gear -lights, reflectors, etc-.

Thanks a lot beforehand