Doom's iconic blend of demonic imagery and brutal gameplay has always had a strong connection to metal music. From its thrash metal roots, the series' soundtracks have evolved alongside its gameplay, reflecting various metal subgenres over three decades. The sheer intensity of the visuals and action mirrors the energy of bands like Iron Maiden, a parallel that continues to this day with *Doom: The Dark Ages* and its crushing metalcore soundtrack.
The original 1993 *Doom* drew heavily from late 80s and early 90s metal giants like Pantera and Alice in Chains. Tracks like "Untitled" (E3M1: Hell Keep) even feature riffs remarkably similar to Pantera's "Mouth of War." The overall soundtrack, composed by Bobby Prince, channeled the thrash metal energy of Metallica and Anthrax, perfectly complementing the game's fast-paced, visceral action. This driving, relentless sound propelled players through Mars' corridors, mirroring the urgency and impact of the game's signature shotgun and BFG.
Doom: The Dark Ages - Gameplay Screenshots
This synergy between Doom and metal continued for over a decade. Then came 2004's *Doom 3*, a survival horror-inspired departure. Its slower pace demanded a different sonic landscape. While Trent Reznor's involvement was initially considered, Chris Vrenna (Nine Inch Nails) and Clint Walsh ultimately composed the soundtrack, drawing inspiration from Tool's atmospheric, progressive metal. *Doom 3*'s main theme, with its complex time signatures and unsettling soundscapes, perfectly matched the game's horror-infused atmosphere.
While *Doom 3* was a commercial success, its survival horror elements are now seen as an outlier in the series. This shift mirrored the evolution of both FPS games (with the rise of *Call of Duty* and *Halo*) and metal music (the aftermath of nu-metal's explosion). Despite this, *Doom 3*'s soundtrack remains a unique and fitting accompaniment to its distinct style.
The 2016 *Doom* reboot marked a triumphant return to form, embracing the series' high-octane action and thrash metal influences. Mick Gordon's groundbreaking soundtrack, layered with sub-bass and white noise, created a visceral experience that even surpassed the original. Its djent-influenced intensity perfectly complemented the game's frenetic pace, setting a new standard for video game music.
The 2020 sequel, *Doom Eternal*, continued this evolution, leaning further into metalcore, a prevalent genre of the late 2010s. While Gordon's involvement was complex, his influence is undeniable, with *Eternal*'s soundtrack building upon its predecessor's intensity while incorporating more modern metalcore elements. The game's increased emphasis on platforming and puzzles also reflected this slightly lighter, more experimental approach.
While *Doom Eternal* is excellent, I personally prefer the raw intensity of 2016's *Doom*. This preference mirrors my affinity for the less refined sound of some earlier metalcore bands. *Doom: The Dark Ages* presents an exciting new chapter, with its revamped combat system and a soundtrack by Finishing Move that promises a compelling blend of classic and modern metal influences.
The Dark Ages’ slower, more deliberate combat, featuring a shield and large-scale battles, requires a soundtrack that can shift between heavy, crushing moments and lighter, more agile passages. The gameplay previews hint at a sonic landscape drawing from both Knocked Loose's seismic metalcore and the thrash influences of the original *Doom*, creating a dynamic and fitting soundscape for its unique gameplay.
The addition of mythological creatures and mechs expands the *Doom* formula, mirroring the experimentation within modern metal. This evolution, influenced by games like *Titanfall 2*, creates a synergy between gameplay and music. The Dark Ages promises a thrilling blend of familiar and innovative elements, and its soundtrack is poised to become another memorable addition to the *Doom* legacy.
