Heavy Metal Rock Band Lighting

[AlanWillis]

Never having shot a heavy metal band before (usually, I do classical and folk) I'd like some suggestions. They said "flat" lighting would suit the style better, but I've my doubts (they aren't photographers, so do they really know what flat lighting would do?). Anyway, any thoughts on lighting for a heavy metal band would be most appreciated. The shoot is intended to be outdoors, I have reflectors and such.

[Seltzer]

Are you talking about setting up lighting for a portrait session?
If doing an outdoor portrait shot just go for the same lighting you would use for any group shot. If you are wanting more 'action' style shots with them playing then it's really a matter of angles and perspective than just the lighting, especially if outdoor.
If indoor or where you can control the lights better I would see it better to play with gels and colors.

[candleman]

i'm assuming you're doing a bands album cover.

personally
i'd get a smoke machine, drop it in an industrial area and hit them with very harsh lighting..
soft light and "hard metal" dont work in my head to be honest.

most of the time less is more.. but as above, a few gels could really set it off..
a blue gel rimlight during a night shot looks very cool.. as it mimics moonlight, i've don it several times.

infact i did an outdoor dj shoot like this on Monday night.
cant post the result.. secret until product launch

[archersdad]

I doubt they want flat lighting. They would just us a PnS if that's what they really wanted. Like candleman said, go with a harsh, high-contrast setup if they really want an 'edgy' look.

[KFB]

Ask them to show you some photo examples of the kind of lighting they like?