I listen to Metal...not exclusively but mainly.

why?
Too many reasons!!!

Got into metal and rock at a young age and I don't think it's a genre you can be casually into like some others. I was hooked and still am! (many years later!)

That said I still have to be in the right mood to rock! No good listening to Slayer when you're trying to wind down after a hard day teaching or driving through the countryside!

All the stuff I write and play is based around metal and it's many sub genres though.
I prefer stuff with some dynamics in it and good melodies, phrasing and tasteful playing. Not just speed and shredding for the sake of it! I love a good, memorable riff or breakdown and some meaningful lyrics.

There ya go!