There are a lot of elements to a musical piece, regardless of genre. So if someone says not metal enough, ask them exactly why. Maybe they’re right, or maybe they’re wrong. But calling them gatekeepers without discussing composition, arrangement, thematic elements etc. doesn’t help maintain genre quality in the long run. If they’re using 1 or 2 favorite bands as a barometer, then that’s just stupid.
There are a lot of elements to a musical piece, regardless of genre. So if someone says not metal enough, ask them exactly why. Maybe they’re right, or maybe they’re wrong. But calling them gatekeepers without discussing composition, arrangement, thematic elements etc. doesn’t help maintain genre quality in the long run. If they’re using 1 or 2 favorite bands as a barometer, then that’s just stupid.