Why is metal music not appreciated and listened to as much as pop music?

In my opinion, metal music has birthed the only true artists in mainstream music. Excellent lyricists like Maynard James Keenan of TOOL, the most exceptional rhythm and solo guitar parts from Megadeth (see Hangar 18), Metallica, incredibly fast riffs that induces amazement automatically from Kerry King of Slayer, the most complex drumming parts from Danny Carey, the Melvins drummer, Machine Head, and Avenged Sevenfold, the monolithic gargantuan riffs of Black Sabbath and Korn, and songs that are clearly more impressively complex and entertaining than any tantalisingly monotonous pop song that Swift can churn out. So my question is this: why is it not appreciated as widely? Why does everyone I try to discuss it with instantly dismiss it as mindless, melody less and off-putting, choosing to waste their hours away listening to 3 minute catchy tunes using the same three chords over and over again, or just electronic bleeps accompanied by pointless lyrics undoubtably about love. If you support metal music and share my opinions, I would love to hear your thoughts and your favourite metal bands that embody true musical artistry. Thank you.

Hi. I think you should think about this in a different way. Think about a food combination you like, but most people wouldn’t want to indulge in. You think it tastes really yummy but others think the exact opposite. It’s kinda the same for metal music. It’s an acquired taste. You may like it but don’t try to force your passions on other people.

In my opinion, metal music has birthed the only true artists in mainstream music. Excellent lyricists like Maynard James Keenan of TOOL, the most exceptional rhythm and solo guitar parts from Megadeth (see Hangar 18), Metallica, incredibly fast riffs that induces amazement automatically from Kerry King of Slayer, the most complex drumming parts from Danny Carey, the Melvins drummer, Machine Head, and Avenged Sevenfold, the monolithic gargantuan riffs of Black Sabbath and Korn, and songs that are clearly more impressively complex and entertaining than any tantalisingly monotonous pop song that Swift can churn out. So my question is this: why is it not appreciated as widely? Why does everyone I try to discuss it with instantly dismiss it as mindless, melody less and off-putting, choosing to waste their hours away listening to 3 minute catchy tunes using the same three chords over and over again, or just electronic bleeps accompanied by pointless lyrics undoubtably about love. If you support metal music and share my opinions, I would love to hear your thoughts and your favourite metal bands that embody true musical artistry. Thank you.

In my opinion, its always been about what is easier to market towards a larger audience. for example you wouldn't catch Radio 1 blasting out Slipknot's 'Before I Forget', although it could be considered one of their tamer songs, the loudness/lyrics/music and even the image of the band wouldn't appeal to a widespread audience whereas, for example, Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter would because she tends to conform to societies values/the song sounds calmer/is almost relatable to listeners, while pop musicians will a lot of the time (not always..) sing about their latest break up or the classic "the one that got away", metal musicians and bands like System of a Down will sing about the problems and issues of the world (Aerials, Toxicity, B.Y.O.B). However, it should be taken into account that this is not always the case, pop stars can sing about the worlds corruption while metal singers are allowed to sing about their break up. Even radio stations like Kerrang! fall into this trap as they tend to play the more 'mainstream' side of metal nowadays and sticking to nu, thrash, and heavy metal rather than embracing the entire genre.
I'd also say its because of the almost negative imagery that people have towards metal artists compared to pop stars. For example, I (F17) was asking my friend (F17, huge Swiftie/pop enthusiast) if she would come to a Cannibal Corpse concert with me to which she responded that her mum would never let her because of the "community surrounding it" and when I asked what she meant she replied "you know like the drugs and stuff". In other words, to most people metal music is that one dodgy guy you see out in public that you cross the road to avoid walking past and pop music is the nice lady you stop and ask for directions from.
In the end I guess it all comes down to personal taste as well, while there are other factors (as mentioned above) that come into play people do just like what they like whether its black metal or pop. What seems like "just noise" to other people is what metalheads like, while to us pop music sounds, as you put it "tantalisingly monotonous" (while I am inclined to agree) is what other people like.

Thank you for your reply. I think you have described the state of things well. By the way, what did you think of Cannibal Corpse’s latest album - Chaos Horrific - and what are your favourite songs? I have never come across a fan before and have not yet listened to too many of their songs. My favourite so far would probably be Evisceration Plague and Scourge of Iron.

I think Chaos Horrifoc is a great album, Rutan's solos are also much different than
previous albums, much more melodic and less shredding. Having a death metal album start with a bass intro is so
awesome. Also with Violence Unimagined being their most thrash metal inspired album in a minute, it was nice to get a more death metal sound on this record. I really hope they try something atmospheric and trippy like Gallery Of Suicide again. My favourite songs from Chaos Horrific have to be the title track and Drain you Empty - which I actually think could've been great on Gallery of Suicide. I think Violence Unimagined will always be one of my favourites by them, I love the album cover it always reminds me of Mileena from Mortal Kombat.