Doom's Combat Surges with Modern Metal

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 symbiotic relationship has evolved alongside the gameplay, with each Doom iteration reflecting the metal subgenres of its era. From the thrash metal of the original to the metalcore of Doom Eternal, the soundtrack has consistently amplified the experience.

The 1993 Doom's soundtrack, influenced by bands like Pantera and Alice in Chains, established a driving, thrash-infused sound reminiscent of Metallica and Anthrax. Composer Bobby Prince's work perfectly complemented the game's fast-paced, visceral action.

Doom: The Dark Ages - Gameplay Screenshots

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Doom 3 (2004), a departure into survival horror, adopted a more atmospheric, Tool-inspired soundscape, composed by Chris Vrenna and Clint Walsh. While a significant shift, it showcased the series' willingness to experiment.

The 2016 reboot revitalized the franchise, returning to the frenetic pace of the original with Mick Gordon's groundbreaking djent-influenced score. The soundtrack's intensity perfectly mirrored the game's brutal combat, achieving iconic status. Doom Eternal (2020), while also featuring Gordon's work, leaned further into metalcore, reflecting the trends of the time and incorporating elements of bands he was simultaneously producing for, such as Bring Me the Horizon and Architects.

Doom 2016 remains a personal favorite, its raw energy surpassing the more polished sound of Eternal. However, Eternal’s experimentation is commendable.

Doom: The Dark Ages presents a fascinating evolution. Early glimpses suggest a soundtrack that blends past and present metal influences, mirroring the game's unique blend of classic Doom combat with new mechanics. Finishing Move's composition draws inspiration from both the original Doom's thrash influences and modern bands like Knocked Loose, creating a soundtrack as dynamic as the gameplay.

The Dark Ages' slower, more deliberate combat, featuring a shield and large-scale encounters, necessitates a soundtrack that can shift between crushing heaviness and lighter, more agile moments. This approach reflects the series' ongoing evolution, mirroring the experimentation within modern metal. The game's incorporation of mechs and mythological creatures expands the franchise's scope, paralleling the genre-bending nature of contemporary metal.

The synergy between Doom's gameplay and its soundtrack continues to be a defining feature. The Dark Ages promises to deliver a thrilling experience, and its soundtrack is shaping up to be another memorable metal masterpiece.