Doom's Combat and Modern Metal Music: An Evolving Synergy

The Doom series and metal music share an inseparable bond that's evident from the first notes of any Doom soundtrack. A quick listen or a glance at the game's iconic demonic imagery instantly conjures thoughts of metal. The visual flair of flames, skulls, and devilish beings mirrors what you might see on an Iron Maiden stage, past or present. This connection with metal's heavier elements has evolved alongside Doom’s gameplay, both undergoing multiple reinventions over the series' 30-year history. From its thrash metal roots, Doom has delved into various metal sub-genres, culminating in the latest installment, Doom: The Dark Ages, which delivers powerful metalcore influences.

The original Doom, released in 1993, drew its driving soundtrack from the major metal bands of the late '80s and early '90s. Co-creator John Romero has often cited Pantera and Alice in Chains as key influences, which is evident in tracks like "Untitled" for the E3M1: Hell Keep level, featuring a riff reminiscent of Pantera’s "Mouth of War." The broader Doom score captures the essence of thrash, emulating bands like Metallica and Anthrax, propelling players through Mars' corridors with urgency, much like the game's iconic shotgun and BFG. Bobby Prince's timeless compositions perfectly complement the game’s relentless gunplay.

Doom: The Dark Ages - Gameplay Screenshots

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For over a decade, Doom continued with its thrash-inspired sound, perfectly synchronized with its gameplay. However, 2004's Doom 3 marked a significant shift, embracing a survival horror style that necessitated a new sound. The game's slower, more deliberate pace prompted id Software to explore new musical inspirations. Doom 3's main theme echoed the progressive metal of Tool, particularly their 2001 album, Lateralus. Although Trent Reznor was initially considered for the soundtrack, it was Chris Vrenna and Clint Walsh who ultimately composed the score, delivering a soundscape that perfectly matched the game's eerie atmosphere.

Despite Doom 3's commercial success, its departure from traditional Doom gameplay is viewed as an anomaly today, reflecting the broader evolution of FPS games in the early 2000s. This period also saw metal music navigating changes, with bands like Slipknot and Deftones thriving amid the remnants of nu-metal. Doom 3's experimental approach, while not as iconic as Tool's Lateralus, was a fitting exploration that aligned well with its unsettling tone.

After Doom 3, the series faced a development hiatus, eventually re-emerging with a revitalized approach in 2016's Doom. Directors Marty Stratton and Hugo Martin returned the Slayer to Mars with a soundtrack by Mick Gordon that embraced the series' original momentum. Gordon's innovative use of sub-bass and white noise created a visceral, heart-pounding experience, aligning with the game's fast-paced, djent-influenced metal. Doom 2016's score became one of the most acclaimed in gaming, setting a high bar for future entries.

Doom Eternal in 2020 continued to push boundaries, with Gordon's contributions facing some controversy over final mixes. Despite this, the soundtrack evolved into a more modern metalcore sound, reflecting the genre's popularity during the late 2010s and early 2020s. Gordon's work with bands like Bring Me the Horizon and Architects influenced Doom Eternal's score, incorporating crushing breakdowns and electronic elements, balancing the heavy with moments of lighter, experimental gameplay.

Personally, Doom 2016 remains my favorite in the series, resonating with the raw energy of its soundtrack and gameplay. While Doom Eternal is exceptional, it lacks the raw impact of its predecessor, much like the evolution seen in metalcore bands over the years. My favorite metal album, Architects' "All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us" from 2016, mirrors this sentiment, capturing a powerful moment in both music and gaming.

Now, Doom: The Dark Ages presents an exciting evolution. Showcased at the Xbox Developer Direct, its combat system introduces significant changes, suggesting a need for an equally dynamic soundtrack. New composers Finishing Move, known for their work on Borderlands 3 and The Callisto Protocol, draw from a broad spectrum of metal influences, past and present. The Dark Ages features a slower pace than Doom Eternal, yet maintains intense action with a Captain America-inspired shield and massive mechs, reflecting the original Doom's corridor combat but on a grander scale.

This new installment requires a versatile soundtrack that can match its heavy combat and fluid movement. The influence of modern heavy bands like Knocked Loose, with their seismic breakdowns, is evident, combined with traditional thrash elements reminiscent of the 1993 Doom. The Dark Ages also draws from earlier metal themes, integrating fantastical and medieval elements into its sound.

While the full extent of The Dark Ages' gameplay remains to be seen, the additions of mythological creatures and giant mechs signal a bold direction for the series. This evolution mirrors the broader experimentation in modern metal, embracing diverse influences from electronic to hip-hop. As heavy music continues to evolve, so does Doom, promising an exhilarating experience that blends iconic gunplay with a groundbreaking soundtrack. With Doom: The Dark Ages set to release in May, fans can look forward to a new chapter that could well become a new favorite in both gaming and metal.