Yes I think so too. Not to mention sometimes it takes so much time to really appreciate a record. Yes there are things that instantly click with people, but others might take years or decades.

While average ratings are going down, I think they'll go up again once people revisit albums from 2020, 2021, 2022 in the future

Well said, qlacs. I myself have the tendency to be a bit more cautious when rating new albums. It's indeed tough to put them on equal footing as old albums because of nostalgia and amount of listens, like you said.

Ratings are strange. Many old records are "boosted" by feelings of nostalgia, acquired taste over repeated listens and life experiences. We do have great music these days, if you willing to listen with your ears, not your eyes.

how is it a 'dark period for metal"? I disagree.

we live in a dark period for metal. According to MS ratings. I hope to find new life in MSAwards nominations

We can't wait to show them to you!