i think metal is about anger, it's about extreme emotions, and it's about guitar innovation. it's not about speed. sure thrash metal in the 80's was all about speed but it kinda gets old to tell you the truth, i mean for the audience listening - most will be more interested in how they can connect to the song rather then how fast you play it. I bet you metallica can play Master of puppets about 3 times faster than they do (apparently it's not that hard) but they don't ... because well ... it wouldn't be that great.