Though I'm inclined to agree that FFXII's soundtrack is one of it's weaker points, I don't believe it's terrible or unispiring. I agree that the music of each area flows into each other really well and gives off the impression of "lack of variety" but there are some outstanding tracks. I feel it's like FFVIII and FFX's soundtrack for me. Overall, all three soundtracks are good but with the exception of a few outstanding tracks, it's mostly forgettable. It's like listening to John Williams.

As for Uematsu not being a metal composer... It's actually one of his favorite genres. It's why he made the Black Mages.

I prefer variety in my music but I don't feel Uematsu has had much real variety since FFVI. After that, most of the soundtracks have tried to fit the world more than the situation or characters. FFVII has a techno pop feel, FFVIII has modern contemporary, FFIX had a medeival feel, and FFX had a easy listening oriental feel. Sure there are exception in each game but overall, that's how each feels.

I'm just happy FFXII's soundtrack is appropiate and not generic japanese pop, like 98% of the RPGs out there...