Specifically for me, metal speaks to the populace who feel ostracized and oppressed by religion. I was born into a middle-class suburban Protestant family. Fortunately, my parents have never forced religion upon me (we never went to church except for holidays), but it still was a major influence in my life. I'm not sure what I believe yet; but I can't stand how intolerant and unaccepting some Christians are for other cultures and religions/mythologies. For me, metal represents a genre of music and art that breaks away from conventional religious beliefs (for the most part) and celebrates ancient mythologies and concepts of the universe. Fortunately, there are some people today who recognize and, even if they don't accept them, at least respect these ancient ideals; however, much of the modern world is deluded by the Christian influence. It has shaped the history of Humankind. Metal music presents a massive critique on that history.