Doom's Combat & Modern Metal: An Evolution

Doom's iconic blend of demonic imagery and intense gameplay has always had a strong connection to metal music. From its thrash metal origins, the series' soundtracks have evolved alongside its gameplay, reflecting various metal subgenres throughout its 30-year history. This journey culminates in Doom: The Dark Ages and its powerful metalcore score.

The original 1993 Doom drew heavily from late 80s and early 90s metal giants like Pantera and Alice in Chains, a clear influence in tracks like "Untitled" (E3M1: Hell Keep), which echoes Pantera's "Mouth of War." The overall soundtrack, composed by Bobby Prince, embraced the thrash metal energy of bands like Metallica and Anthrax, perfectly mirroring the game's fast-paced, visceral action.

Doom: The Dark Ages - Gameplay Screenshots

This thrash-influenced sound defined Doom for over a decade. Then came 2004's Doom 3, a survival horror departure that demanded a different sonic landscape. While Trent Reznor's involvement was initially considered, Chris Vrenna and Clint Walsh ultimately composed the score, creating a sound reminiscent of Tool's Lateralus—atmospheric, unsettling, and perfectly suited to the game's slower pace.

Doom 3, though commercially successful, stands as an outlier in the series. The early 2000s saw FPS games evolve rapidly, with titles like Call of Duty and Halo defining the console shooter landscape. This era also saw metal music undergo significant shifts; while bands like Slipknot and Deftones thrived, the nu-metal scene was in flux. Doom 3's Tool-inspired soundtrack proved a fitting, albeit experimental, choice for its time.

After a period of development challenges, 2016's Doom marked a triumphant return to form. Mick Gordon's groundbreaking soundtrack, a djent-infused masterpiece, perfectly complemented the game's relentless action. The sheer intensity of tracks like "BFG Division" redefined what a video game score could be.

Doom Eternal (2020), while also featuring Gordon's work, saw a more complex production process resulting in a soundtrack with a slightly different feel. Leaning further into metalcore, it reflects the prevailing metal trends of the late 2010s and early 2020s, showcasing influences from bands like Bring Me the Horizon and Architects. Its slightly lighter feel mirrors the game's added platforming and puzzle elements.

While Doom Eternal is excellent, many prefer the raw intensity of 2016's Doom. This preference parallels the appreciation for the rawer sound of some metal bands' earlier work. Doom: The Dark Ages presents a unique opportunity, promising a soundtrack that blends past and present metal influences, mirroring its gameplay's evolution.

The Dark Ages' slower, more deliberate combat, featuring a shield and massive mechs, necessitates a soundtrack that can shift between crushing heaviness and lighter moments. Early previews suggest influences from bands like Knocked Loose (for its heavier elements) and a return to thrash-inspired sounds reminiscent of the original Doom.

The Dark Ages builds upon the series' legacy while incorporating fresh ideas, much like modern metal's experimentation. The game's combat, with its emphasis on close-quarters battles and giant mechs, will undoubtedly be a highlight, supported by a soundtrack that promises to be just as impactful. The combination of intense gameplay and a fitting metal score makes Doom: The Dark Ages a highly anticipated title.