Metal is a music-driven subculture that is rooted in resistance and individualism. Metalheads resent corporate influence and trend chasing. It's rebellious in that it doesn't conform to sanitized culture and superficiality.

People misunderstand metal because the music is aggressive. If you listen to the lyrics though, you notice that is emotionally raw as it can cover a wide range of topics from mythology and existentialism to grief and injustice.

A nuanced topic, Metal is anti-authoritarian and leans socially liberal. It's hard to blanket label political affiliations as there are variations of Metal that have extremist views. So I'll say this for now, to be Metal you would typically: have loyalty to music, an appreciation for musicians, value your "found family", and process emotions through music.