What do I require to make a successful metal band?

[Andrea]

Only talented members and great songs? Or do I need more?Comercials?

[The Wise Men]

Metal needs talented and hard working people. First you need to know what kind of metal band, then you should get band members and then you should write songs. If the whole combination is good then you can become successful.

[Patrick]

Metal bands follow a totally different trajectory than other types. Advertising and media won't help you, remember everyone wants disneyfied pop garbage nowadays. Play clubs and gain a following, compete in a battle of the bands, and try to get booked on ozzfest or mayhem. That's how you'll get famous. But the main thing you need is a distinct sound, something unique yet loud and destructive like your target audience craves. You need 2 guitarists, a bassist, and a drummer. One of you has to sing, and it can't be the drummer. Write disturbingly dark and twisted lyrics and bash on your instruments until you find something that sounds good. Trial and error never fails.

[Geadov]

The best guitarist you can get and you have to scream high and strong enough.
When you have great songs you will succeed. But inorder to intriduce the band you gotta have great music videos.

[shadow]

First, you need talented members who all want the same thing and want to create the same sort of music. And you need a good song writer.
As much as people will probably moan about this, you need to know how to market yourself. The main tool you can use is the internet, so set up pages everywhere. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter etc are great and get a website together. Make it look professional!
Next, you need gigs. You need to record a CD and starting selling them at your gigs.
Look for the small indie record companies for a record deal, the big ones will screw you over and do you up the ass then leave you in a gutter!! :|

[Kvbbie]

The guitars and drums etc are the easiest part of a metal band.
The hardest part is being able to scream (well) without destroying your vocal chords.
If i were you i'd get your singer to read up about how to do it and possibly consult a singing teacher, most of them will probably hate scream vocals, but a few will know how to do it safely.

[Stephon Urkell]

spandex and hairspray is a must but i suppose being good at music would be crucial too.

[Luke808666]

not just talent and great songs, but originality as well, and you need to play live as much as you can, get on a successful band's tour, self merchandise at shows, do whatever you can to make money.