Doom's enduring connection to metal music is undeniable. The series' iconic imagery of fire, skulls, and demonic entities mirrors the aesthetic of bands like Iron Maiden. This musical synergy has evolved alongside the gameplay, reflecting the genre's transformations over three decades. From thrash metal roots, Doom's soundtracks have traversed various subgenres, culminating in the metalcore intensity of Doom: The Dark Ages.
The original 1993 Doom drew inspiration 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 thrash metal, reminiscent of Metallica and Anthrax, perfectly complementing the game's fast-paced action. Bobby Prince's score remains a timeless classic, mirroring the game's exhilarating gunplay.
Doom: The Dark Ages - Gameplay Screenshots
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Doom 3's 2004 departure into survival horror demanded a new sonic landscape. While Trent Reznor's involvement was initially considered, Chris Vrenna and Clint Walsh ultimately crafted a score reminiscent of Tool's Lateralus, perfectly matching the game's slower, more atmospheric style.
Though commercially successful, Doom 3's design is now viewed as an outlier. This coincided with a period of evolution in FPS games (the rise of Call of Duty and Halo) and metal music (the aftermath of nu-metal). The Tool-inspired direction proved a wise choice, resulting in a fittingly unsettling soundtrack.
The 2016 Doom reboot revitalized the franchise, returning to the frenetic pace of the original. Mick Gordon's groundbreaking soundtrack, incorporating djent elements, became iconic. Its intensity is unmatched, a perfect complement to the game's brutal combat.
Doom Eternal (2020), while featuring Gordon's work, faced production complexities, resulting in a soundtrack that, while still heavy and leaning into metalcore, feels slightly less intense than its predecessor. This mirrors the game's addition of platforming and puzzle elements.
While Doom Eternal is excellent, many prefer the raw power of 2016's Doom. Doom: The Dark Ages presents a unique challenge. Its gameplay, referencing the original while introducing significant changes (like the shield mechanic), requires a soundtrack that matches its blend of brutal close-quarters combat and large-scale mech battles.
Finishing Move's soundtrack for The Dark Ages draws on both classic and modern metal influences, mirroring the game's design. The heavier elements evoke bands like Knocked Loose, while thrash-inspired sections recall the original Doom. The game's expanded scale, incorporating mechs and mythological creatures, parallels the evolution of modern metal's experimentation. The result promises a thrilling soundtrack to match the game's innovative combat. The anticipation for Doom: The Dark Ages's soundtrack is high, potentially delivering a new metal masterpiece.
