How Doom’s Combat Evolves Alongside Modern Metal Music

Doom's enduring legacy is inextricably linked to its metal soundtrack. The series' demonic imagery and fiery aesthetic resonate strongly with the visual style of bands like Iron Maiden. This symbiotic relationship between Doom and heavy music has evolved alongside the gameplay, reflecting the genre's diverse sub-styles over three decades. From its thrash metal roots to the modern metalcore of Doom: The Dark Ages, the music consistently mirrors the game's intensity.

The original 1993 Doom drew inspiration from late 80s and early 90s metal giants like Pantera and Alice in Chains. Tracks like "Untitled" (E3M1: Hell Keep) bear a striking resemblance to Pantera's "Mouth of War." The overall soundtrack, composed by Bobby Prince, incorporated thrash metal elements reminiscent of Metallica and Anthrax, perfectly complementing the fast-paced, visceral gameplay.

Doom: The Dark Ages - Gameplay Screenshots

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The series maintained this high-octane musical style until Doom 3 (2004). This survival horror-influenced installment adopted a slower pace, necessitating a shift in musical direction. While Trent Reznor's involvement was initially considered, Chris Vrenna (formerly of Nine Inch Nails) and Clint Walsh ultimately composed the soundtrack, drawing inspiration from Tool's atmospheric and progressive metal sound. Doom 3's score, though successful, is often seen as an outlier in the series' history.

The period following Doom 3 saw a creative reevaluation. After abandoning a Call of Duty-inspired Doom 4, id Software returned to the series' roots in 2016. Doom (2016)'s soundtrack, composed by Mick Gordon, revitalized the series' musical identity. Its djent-influenced score, characterized by heavy sub-bass and white noise, created a visceral listening experience, rivaling and even surpassing the original game's impact. The track "BFG Division" became an instant classic.

Doom Eternal (2020), also featuring Gordon's work (though with some production complexities), leaned further into metalcore, reflecting the prevalent metal trends of the late 2010s. The influence of bands like Bring Me the Horizon and Architects is evident, with a slightly lighter feel compared to Doom (2016), mirroring the game's added platforming and puzzle elements.

While Doom (2016) remains a personal favorite, Doom Eternal, though excellent, presents a more polished sound. This mirrors the evolution of metalcore, where some prefer the rawer energy of earlier works.

Doom: The Dark Ages presents a unique opportunity. The gameplay, revealed in the Xbox Developer Direct, suggests a slower, more deliberate pace, reminiscent of the original Doom but with expanded scale. The soundtrack, by Finishing Move, draws inspiration from both classic and modern metal, mirroring this gameplay evolution. The music incorporates the heavy breakdowns of bands like Knocked Loose, while retaining thrash-like elements reminiscent of earlier Doom installments and medieval-inspired metal.

The addition of mech combat and mythological creatures expands the scope of Doom, reflecting the experimental nature of modern metal. This evolution parallels the genre's incorporation of electronic, hip-hop, and other influences. The combination of heavy metal and the new gameplay mechanics promises an exciting and innovative experience. The anticipation for Doom: The Dark Ages' soundtrack is high, with the potential for a new metal masterpiece to accompany its brutal gameplay.