GoodGuyA: I've been looking a bit into metal after I saw Black Sabbath on the 12th, though I must admit I'm not entirely adventurous. I really do not like the Black Metal, Death Metal, or really most songs that just have a guy screaming in a grungy voice with now actual melody going along. Suppose it's just my inclination towards rock music in general rather than what's the "hardest" sound.
While looking into it though, I found this link which I think is worth a look, despite it's flagrant inaccuracy (even to an outsider like me!).
WARNNG: BIGASS IMAGE BEHIND THIS LINK It certainly gives some perspective on the whole idea of subgenres, no matter how misplaced some of them are. I find it an interesting one perspective on how each blends into one another, and maybe it'll give you a couple things to listen to for a bit ;)
Do you like Thrash Metal: (Metallica 1980s, Megadeth, Slayer, Exodus, Testament)
Do you like New Wave of British Heavy Metal ( Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motorhead, Ozzy Osbourne)
Do you like Glam Metal (Twisted Sister, Motley Crue, Poison, Ratt)
Do you like Hard Rock (KISS, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Ted Nugent)
Do you like Early Metal (Black Sabbath, Led Zepplin, Deep Purple)