Lots of more modern stuff is also blowing up like Sleep Token, Bad Omens but also older bands like Bring Me The Horizons. Overall it's really the nu metal and metalcore stuff (from my experience) that act as gateways into metal

I got into metal 7 or so years ago now so my own experience isn't the most accurate but bands like Slipknot and System Of A Down are still super popular and I think Deftones are actually more popular than ever

Sleep Token for the youngsters

@Roman Doez - that is really interesting. Nu metal was a gateway for me and a lot of others the first time around, do you think it might act as the same today? What bands are all you young dudes listening to?

NU METAL MENTIONED. [link]

What got you in to something is very important for most people imo. Shedding skin though is the most important thing if you dont want to end up thinking most new music is bad.

Most people don’t care what music they listen to, as long as it is interesting enough and attractive enough in terms of rhythm and melody.