Controversial opinions on metal

Actually, the degree to which the cream rose to the top with thrash is really quite impressive. Sure, there's some forgotten gems, but nothing like, say, the early Swedish DM scene or the NWOBHM.
 
Rephrased: On any given album the best song is not the ballad. Unless you count "Fade to Black" as a ballad, but it's tied with "Ride the Lightning" IMO
 
I mostly agree then, with the exception of Judas Priest's Fever. And their Dreamer Deceiver. And Run of the Mill, if it counts. Priest ballads are awesome.

EDIT: Forgot Beyond the Realms of Death, FUCK.
 
I can think of a lot of damn good ballads...power ballads, that is.
Real ballads are usually pretty boring. G'n'R did some great ballady songs, though.