‘Metal’ nowadays is almost a different genre than Iron Maiden or Judas Priest. It’s basically extremely fast, with double bass drums pumping away endlessly and vocals that range from screaming to guttural to unintelligible.
There are some good contemporary metal bands like Trivium, Gojira, and The Deftones (who are less heavy and sort of veterans) but YMMV.
Sabaton, who’ve been around for years, are also a favorite of mine - Swedish metal band with lyrics that are focused on World War I, military themes, and the like. They put on a GREAT live show and their singer doesn’t sound like Cookie Monster.
Personally, I’m finding myself liking new progressive instrumental hard rock. I don’t have to wade through wokey, dopey lyrics and the music ranges from brutal to hopeful.
Regardless of your preferred genre, check out www.Bandcamp.com and find what YOU like and buy it.
I must admit, I like The Warning, those girls are sooo cute.
If you’re looking for progressive, instrumental metal try Animals as Leaders. And yes, Sabaton is amazing too.