shit this thread makes me feel old.
In my youth I used to listen to heavy metal, I saw Metallica at Donnington in the 80's when they were supported by Megadeath. No it's just noise to me now, such a shame, because like you said the stories they tell are quite unique and poetic.
Completley not heavy metal (and probably too pansey for you) - but some good war songs, to get lyrics from, Don McLean 'The Grave', The Pogues 'The Band Played Waltzing Matilda', The Zombies 'The butchers tale'.
Completley heavy metal and my suggestion (you probably already have) Megadeath 'Ashes in your Mouth', Metallica 'Blackened', or 'Disposable Heroes', is Judas Preist heavy metal to you? if so Dissident Aggressor.
And just because no matter what you listen to you should always have Floyyd in your collection...
Pink Floyyd - When the Tigers broke free
Pink Floyyd - Get your filthy hands of my dessert