I don't know about lacks, but it's always funny seeing a bunch of fags try and romanticize the 90s black metal scene and still pander to the quasi elitism that Euronymous liked to prance around with

I'd say it lacks imagination, but plenty of bands in the underground really help with that.

You could say that it lacks a real strive for innovation outside of the underground, as most of the fanbase is so hell bent on being anti unorthodox its saddening that when actual bands come up and try to do something new it's met with the same shitty backlash

Check out Myrkur's first release, it's basically a Bergtatt pt.2 featuring Enya.

Personally, I'm insulted that barely anyone's even tried to pick up where Type O Negative left off. Or that My Dying Bride, despite having what I'd consider to be THE quintessential gothic/doom metal sound, still have no imitators. Jesus Christ, world, these are niches that need filling! SO FILL THEM!!

Personally, I’d go for some points mentioned already:
1. Normal subjects and a poetic perspective in lyrics. A lot is rehashed nonsense about “metal” subjects that are completely redundant in most bands.
2. Singalong vocals/hooks. Definitely more prevalent in ‘80s heavy metal or some more recent power metal, there just isn’t much metal I can put on in the car and and mindlessly sing along to.
3. Low intensity songs and albums. When I’m super tired, I often can’t do metal because of this.
4. Subtlety in general. Even the more atmospheric strains are a bit in your face.