How Doom’s Combat Evolves Alongside Modern Metal Music

Doom's iconic blend of demonic imagery and brutal gameplay has always resonated deeply with metal music. From its thrash metal origins, the series' soundtrack has evolved alongside its gameplay, reflecting various metal subgenres throughout its 30+ year history. The journey from the original Doom's thrash-infused score to the metalcore intensity of Doom: Eternal showcases this symbiotic relationship.

The 1993 original, heavily influenced by bands like Pantera and Alice in Chains, featured a driving soundtrack that perfectly complemented its fast-paced action. Tracks like "Untitled" (E3M1: Hell Keep) even borrowed riffs directly from Pantera's "Mouth of War." The overall score channeled the energy of thrash metal giants like Metallica and Anthrax, propelling players through Mars's corridors with a relentless, visceral rhythm mirroring the game's shotgun blasts and BFG power.

Doom: The Dark Ages - Gameplay Screenshots

This metal-fueled pace continued for over a decade until Doom 3 (2004) introduced a survival horror element. Its slower, more deliberate gameplay necessitated a different sonic approach. While Trent Reznor's involvement was initially considered, Chris Vrenna and Clint Walsh ultimately composed the score, drawing inspiration from Tool's atmospheric, progressive sound. Doom 3's main theme, with its complex time signatures and unsettling soundscapes, perfectly matched the game's darker atmosphere.

Doom 3, while a commercial success, remains an outlier in the series. Its release coincided with a shift in the FPS landscape (the rise of Call of Duty and Halo) and a period of experimentation in metal music (the aftermath of nu-metal). Despite its unique sound, Doom 3's soundtrack effectively served its purpose.

After a period of development challenges, Doom (2016) revitalized the franchise, returning to the series' high-octane action. Mick Gordon's groundbreaking score, a relentless blend of djent and heavy metal, became iconic, arguably surpassing the original's impact. Its heart-pounding intensity perfectly complemented the game's brutal combat.

Doom Eternal (2020), while also featuring Gordon's work, saw a more nuanced approach, incorporating elements of metalcore. The soundtrack, while still intensely heavy, felt slightly less raw than its predecessor, reflecting the game's added platforming and puzzle elements. The collaboration with Gordon, however, was reportedly fraught with complications, resulting in a final product that isn't entirely his creation.

While Doom Eternal is excellent, some prefer the raw power of 2016's offering. This preference mirrors the appreciation for some bands' earlier, less refined work. The evolution of both the game and its soundtrack reflects the broader trends in metal music, with experimentation and subgenre blending shaping both mediums.

Doom: The Dark Ages presents a fascinating new chapter. Early glimpses reveal a soundtrack by Finishing Move (Borderlands 3, The Callisto Protocol) that draws inspiration from both classic and modern metal, mirroring the game's blend of classic Doom combat with new mechanics. The slower, more deliberate pace of combat, featuring a shield and large-scale encounters, requires a soundtrack that can shift between crushing heaviness and lighter, more agile moments. The influence of bands like Knocked Loose is evident in the heavier sections, while more traditional thrash elements echo the original game's style.

The incorporation of mechs and mythological creatures reflects a similar evolution seen in modern metal's experimentation with diverse influences. This evolution parallels the innovative gameplay additions in The Dark Ages, suggesting a bold new direction for the franchise. While the full scope remains to be seen, Doom: The Dark Ages promises to deliver a thrilling experience, blending classic Doom elements with fresh ideas, creating a powerful synergy between its intense combat and its equally powerful soundtrack.