Doom's enduring legacy is inextricably linked to its metal soundtrack. The series' iconic imagery of fire, skulls, and demonic entities mirrors the aesthetic of bands like Iron Maiden. This symbiotic relationship between Doom's gameplay and its musical score has evolved across its three-decade history, spanning various metal subgenres. From the thrash metal of the original Doom to the metalcore of Doom Eternal, the music has consistently mirrored the game's evolution.
The 1993 original drew heavily from late 80s and early 90s metal giants such as Pantera and Alice in Chains, a clear influence in tracks like "Untitled." The overall soundtrack embraced the thrash metal style of Metallica and Anthrax, perfectly complementing the fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay. Bobby Prince's score remains a timeless classic, perfectly syncing with the game's iconic gunplay.
Doom: The Dark Ages - Gameplay Screenshots
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Doom 3 (2004), a departure into survival horror, necessitated a different sonic approach. While Trent Reznor's involvement was initially considered, Chris Vrenna and Clint Walsh ultimately composed the score, drawing inspiration from Tool's atmospheric and complex sound. The result was a soundtrack perfectly suited to the game's slower pace and unsettling atmosphere.
Doom 3's success notwithstanding, its survival horror elements are now viewed as an outlier in the series. This reflects the broader evolution of FPS games and metal music in the early 2000s. The shift towards console shooters and the aftermath of the nu-metal explosion influenced the direction of Doom 3's soundtrack.
The 2016 Doom reboot marked a triumphant return to form, embracing the frenetic energy of the original. Mick Gordon's groundbreaking soundtrack, characterized by layered sub-bass and white noise, created a visceral listening experience. This djent-influenced score became iconic, inseparable from the game's gameplay. Doom Eternal (2020), while also featuring Gordon's work, incorporated more metalcore elements, reflecting the trends of the late 2010s and early 2020s, and showcasing influences from bands he was simultaneously producing for, like Bring Me the Horizon and Architects.
Doom: The Dark Ages presents a fascinating new chapter. Its gameplay, revealed in the Xbox Developer Direct, suggests a return to the original's corridor combat with significant enhancements. The soundtrack, composed by Finishing Move, appears to draw inspiration from both classic and modern metal, mirroring the game's blend of classic Doom elements and innovative additions. The slower, more deliberate combat, incorporating mechs and dragons, demands a soundtrack that can shift between crushing heaviness and lighter, more agile moments. The influence of Knocked Loose's seismic breakdowns, combined with thrash-inspired elements, is evident.
The Dark Ages' gameplay expansion, incorporating mythological creatures and giant mechs, reflects a parallel evolution in modern metal, with its embrace of experimentation across subgenres. This mirrors the innovative approach of bands like Bring Me the Horizon and Knocked Loose.
The anticipation for Doom: The Dark Ages is high. The game promises to build upon the series' strengths, with its soundtrack potentially becoming another landmark metal album. The synergy between the intense combat and the accompanying music is poised to deliver a thrilling experience.
