re: Why are people so defensive about music?

Much of the metal scene from Pantera onwards was less about musicality and conveying an emotional message and more about pushing the envelope of edgy “hardness”. Now, for a while, getting edgier was still possible while remaining somewhat musical. Eventually, though, the envelope was pushed so far that it is now impossible to be at the bleeding edge of the “heaviest” modern metal and also produce something musically pleasing to the ear. That’s why I get made fun of for listening to Alter Bridge and Four Years Strong instead of Job For A Cowboy and Cannibal Corpse.

Personally, I prefer lyrics that can be understood over pig squeals and grunts.