As much as we'd like to, we can't feature every metal band here, even every good one; there are simply way too many of them. If there is a band that you want to see on Metal Storm but isn't, you can suggest that the band be added. Although we are often adding bands to the database ourselves on our own schedule, we will refer to the suggestions list to see what other artists our users are interested in having featured.

Please be aware that Metal Storm's staff has neither the time nor the resources to heed every suggestion; everything that happens on Metal Storm is done by a small group of volunteer contributors in their spare time, and that means we probably won't act on your suggestion right away. It also means that we will prioritize suggestions from users whom we see are active in the database and in the forums, because we want to count on people engaging with the profiles that they have asked us to add to the site. If we've taken the time to add a band, it's because we expect that this was a good investment of our energy based on what our users wanted, so if we see that you're suggesting bands and then leaving us to do all the work, or if you're not actually interested in the bands we've added at your recommendation, we may be discouraged from taking your suggestions in the future.

In short, if you suggest a band, please be prepared to fill out all of the essential information to complete the profile - we could use your help in the database. You may also consider focusing on suggestions for bands that you actually like; that's the best way to ensure that people pay attention to the new stuff that gets added.

If you see an inactive or invisible band profile, you can submit all the information needed (all band members past and present, full discography [this includes demos, singles, etc.], and all other essential information) and request that the band be activated either by clicking the "Request Activation" button that appears in the red header or by PMing a staff member. We'll check to see whether everything is present. If so, and if we agree that the band's profile should be active, then we will activate it.

Keep in mind that we have certain standards for inclusion. Naturally, bands must be metal to be featured on Metal Storm - we do make exceptions for nonmetal or borderline metal acts under certain circumstances, but these decisions are up to the staff and as a rule we will not accept suggestions for hardcore, blues, rock, noise, etc. artists. Likewise, we accept only bands that have released at least one full-length album; the exceptions you see on the site are the result of staff prerogative.

NOTE: Metal Storm does not feature bands that are known to have NS content or that are otherwise in violation of our standards. If you notice that a band is not featured, it is possible that we have intentionally omitted them for this reason; keep in mind that if you suggest such a band, we will remove the suggestion or, should we unknowingly add the profile, later delete the band from the database. In general, it is a good idea to check the list of blacklisted bands on the Suggestions page before suggesting a band - we might have already explained that band's absence.

On Metal Storm, we try to promote open mindedness and this is why music that can reasonably appeal to metal fans will always have a place here, if not as visible bands in the database, then as the occasional review. Even though we may not be fans of these bands ourselves, the objective metalhead should acknowledge that these bands are in fact metal, and therefore, they surely deserve to be added.

However, the process for these bands might take a little longer, as you, the users, are needed for their profile completion and we do not intend to prioritize them over bands from other genres. The reviews of their albums will be showing up here, since labels send them to us and we feel that anything that a metal fan might find interesting and is reasonably 'metal' enough deserves to be reviewed.

Some of them are not, but all of them had a great influence on metal, and have a lot of fans among metalheads, which is why we thought it would be appropriate to feature them.

Here are the things that HAVE TO BE COMPLETE in order for a profile to be made visible.

• General info (country of origin, current label [unsigned if n/a], official website links [Facebook, Myspace, etc. - no fan pages], accurate formed in year [and disbanded year* if applicable]
  
  * If disbanded but reformed, leave the disbanded field blank and inform a Staff member about the band's earlier disbanding (see Sleep for an example).
  * If a band moved to another country after formation, this could be a good Trivia question.
  
  
• Full accurate line-up (this means any and all current/former members, tour/guest/session included; for musicians without an official joined in date, use the NA option [also applies for departed in dates]
  
  
• Full discography (all applicable album images [original only, not alternate covers], All First Letters In English Titles Capitalized, no promo/bootleg releases, no unofficial demos)
  

These are REQUIREMENTS. All other fields (biography, videos, logos, trivia) are considered bonus material and bare no weight upon Activation. Metal-Archives is NOT an official source but that doesn't mean it isn't a good place to start for basic info that you need to then verify through an OFFICIAL source. Please try to stick to official biographies, but always include a source for your information.

KEEP IN MIND THIS IS NOT THE TOP PRIORITY FOR THE DATABASE TEAM, THEIR MAIN PRIORITY IS TO KEEP ALREADY ACTIVE PROFILES UP TO DATE.

Happy editing!

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PM the Database Chief if you have any more specific questions regarding Activations.