Doom's enduring legacy is inextricably linked to the evolution of metal music. A single note from any Doom soundtrack instantly evokes the series' demonic aesthetic, mirroring the imagery of bands like Iron Maiden. This symbiotic relationship has mirrored the franchise's gameplay evolution, reinventing itself across three decades. From thrash metal origins, Doom's soundtracks have traversed various metal 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 like Pantera and Alice in Chains, evident in tracks like "Untitled" (E3M1: Hell Keep), which echoes Pantera's "Mouth of War." The overall soundtrack incorporated thrash elements reminiscent of Metallica and Anthrax, perfectly complementing the game's fast-paced action and demonic encounters. Bobby Prince's score remains iconic, synchronizing flawlessly with the game's visceral gunplay.
This synergy continued for over a decade until the 2004 release of Doom 3. This survival horror-infused installment experimented with a slower pace, demanding a new sonic approach. While Trent Reznor's involvement was initially considered, Chris Vrenna and Clint Walsh ultimately crafted a soundtrack reminiscent of Tool's Lateralus, its unconventional time signatures aligning with the game's atmospheric horror.
Doom 3's unique style stands out among its predecessors. The early 2000s witnessed a shift in FPS games, with titles like Call of Duty and Halo defining the console shooter landscape. This period also saw metal music evolve, with the aftermath of nu-metal's peak influencing the soundtrack's Tool-inspired direction.
The 2016 Doom reboot marked a triumphant return to form. Directors Marty Stratton and Hugo Martin spearheaded a revival of the franchise's frenetic pace, with Mick Gordon's soundtrack perfectly capturing this intensity. The score's djent influences, layered with sub-bass and white noise, created a visceral listening experience. Doom 2016's soundtrack is widely celebrated, arguably surpassing the original.
Doom Eternal (2020), while also featuring Gordon's work, faced production complexities resulting in a soundtrack with a less unified feel. Despite this, the metalcore influences, reflecting the late 2010s/early 2020s metal scene, are undeniable. The soundtrack's lighter feel mirrors the game's inclusion of platforming and puzzle elements.
Personally, Doom 2016 remains my favorite. While appreciating Eternal's ambition, I prefer the rawness of its predecessor's soundtrack, similar to my preference for Architects' earlier work over their later releases. Eternal, though excellent, doesn't resonate with me as strongly.
Doom: The Dark Ages presents a fascinating new chapter. The Xbox Developer Direct showcased its revamped combat, hinting at a soundtrack to match its intensity. Composers Finishing Move (known for Borderlands 3 and The Callisto Protocol) seem to be drawing inspiration from both classic and modern metal.
The Dark Ages' slower pace, incorporating a shield-based combat system, evokes the original Doom's corridor-based encounters but on a grander scale, featuring mechs and dragons. This necessitates a flexible soundtrack capable of delivering both crushing heaviness and lighter moments. The gameplay reveals hints of Knocked Loose's seismic breakdowns combined with thrash-like elements, reflecting the game's blend of old and new.
The full scope of The Dark Ages' gameplay remains to be seen, but id Software appears to be building upon the series' strengths while incorporating fresh ideas. The inclusion of mythological creatures and mechs represents a welcome departure from the series' traditional "boots on the ground" approach. This evolution parallels modern metal's experimentation, mirroring the genre's exploration of diverse influences.
The future looks bright for both Doom and heavy music. The Dark Ages promises to deliver a thrilling experience, with its combat and soundtrack poised to create a memorable and potentially iconic metal album.
