What is metal anyway?

[Metalum]

With so many different sub genres and fusion genres under the metal umbrella, many of which sound so radically different from one another. What is the common denominator, the clear outline that makes a band metal and another not?

I ask because I see a lot of people complain at Metal Archives over why they reject some band which they think is clearly metal as being 'not metal' and there seems to be a lot of discussion/debate about the matter.

So, is there a clear definition/characteristic that makes a band metal? As opposed to say, rock, hardcore, nu-metal or any other genre that is often confused for metal?

 

[Lateralus14]

If these kids can't hear the differences, they need more listening experiences.

 

[Baroque]

Heavy music that doesn't suck.

 

[TempleOfBlood]

Heavy metal is dark, powerful, guitar riff-based hard rock music. This was true in 1969 and is still true in 2013.

 

[Master_Yoda77]

Heavy metal is law. Wimps and posers leave the hall.

 

[MotherEel]

So, is there a clear definition/characteristic that makes a band metal? As opposed to say, rock, hardcore, nu-metal or any other genre that is often confused for metal?

Not necessarily because there's heaps of cross-over stuff that blurs lines between genres.
It's up to the listener, the band, the label to make up their mind and have a justifiable reasoning for that decision. It doesn't have to be respected, it might not be right, but it's the best you've got.