Metal Degree Program.

As it has become rather obvious that people seem to be confused about what I consider metal, and what I consider 'good metal' I have decided to make a small session of albums that everyone should listen to to get my perspective on the subject:

Metal 101: Introductory Metal. A small class designed to introduce listeners to the more mainstream sound and less complex compositions.
Required Listenings:
Megadeth: Countdown to Extinction or Crytpic Writings
Metallica: The Black Album
Corrosion of Conformity: Deliverance
Hammerfall: Renegade or Legacy of Kings
Dream Evil: Dragonslayer
Gamma Ray: A Blast from the Past

Metal 244: Intermediary Metal: A look at both a more aggressive sound, and more complex compositions found within the genre.
Required Listenings:
Megadeth: Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?
Metallica: Kill 'Em All
Demons & Wizards: Touched by the Crimson King
Blind Guardian: Somewhere Far Beyond
Corrosion of Conformity: In The Arms of God
Mastodon: Leviathan
Jaded: Limited Edition

Metal 333: Advanced Metal: A look at more extreme aggression, and even more complex compositions.
Required Listenings:
Megadeth: Killing is My Business...And Business is Good!
Metallica: Master of Puppets or . . .And Justice for All
Demons & Wizards (self-titled)
Blind Guardian: Imaginations from the Other Side
Children of Bodom: Hate Crew Deathroll
Dream Theater: Images And Words
Dragonforce: Valley of the Damned

Metal 405: Capstone Metal. A look at the best as well as the classics within the genre.
Required Listenings:
Megadeth:Rust in Peace
Blind Guardian: A Night at the Opera
Dream Theater: Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Opeth: Still Life
Iron Maiden: Rock in Rio
Dragonforce: Sonic Firestorm

You have your course outline. Get to listening. And in the words of Dave Mustaine from the song 'Rattlehead' - "Rattle Yer Goddamn Head!"