The exception to this greatness out-weighing crapness is Metallica. Despite the first 3 albums (and an ok 4th) they can never be forgiven for anything they did after Justice...

So...

Sepultura: not crap with the odd waffle?

Metallica: crap?

I agree with this. We are in agreement.

I have generally avoided any of the "metal" genres on principal with only a minor flirtation at the age of 13 eleven or twelve years ago. This was limited to the likes of Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden before my tastes changed to other things. After finally being persuaded by a friend, I just picked up "Chaos A.D." and it is a beautiful record. Real musicianship at work, impressed with its diversity. Any recommendations for my next pick? I heard Schizophrenia was good from their earlier "death metal" period before evolving to "thrash" kind of elements. It seems like I should avoid anything post- "Roots". Not Crap for the band based on this one record.

Not Crap for sure. I love Sepultura. Especially "Bullet The Blue Sky"