Are you a fan of heavy metal? It's a genre of rock music.
I've heard of it.. and while I've heard a song or two that aren't bad, I'm not necessarily that into it. But I think it's got its allure. What do you like about it?
I like that is has a massive sound that is highly amplified by distortion, extended guitar solos, and emphatic beats.
That's a fair point. Some people really need that big sound. I know a classmate of mine that listens to it every day. What else is unique about it?
Its lyrics and performance styles are unique in that they are associated with aggression and machismo.
Yeah.. that's pretty plainly put. That's exactly how I imagine their music, really. That may be one thing I'm not wild about, is that the vocals can be so scratchy and screechy and moany, and you can't understand it. But that's not always the case.
Yeah, not many are into the genre. It has often been derided by critics. 
I don't necessarily feel it should be derided by critics.. I think as long as there is honesty and passion in the music, it deserves a place. Art takes courage. But yeah, I'm sure it will never get wide-scale appeal and popularity. Do you know who some of the most popular bands are?
Some of the most well-known bands are Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax.
Metallica I've heard of, of course. Megadeth and Slayer I've heard of in name only. I remember Metallica making a stink about music piracy, and Napster, I believe. Anything else interesting about heavy metal you want to share?