How Doom’s Combat Evolves Alongside Modern Metal Music

Doom's enduring legacy is inextricably linked to metal music. A single note from any Doom soundtrack instantly evokes the series' demonic imagery, mirroring the aesthetic of bands like Iron Maiden. This symbiotic relationship between Doom's gameplay and metal's evolution has spanned over three decades, encompassing various subgenres. From its thrash metal origins, the franchise has progressed to the metalcore-infused soundscape 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 embraced thrash metal, reminiscent of Metallica and Anthrax, perfectly complementing the game's fast-paced action. Bobby Prince's score remains iconic, mirroring the game's thrilling gunplay.

This synergy continued for over a decade until the experimental Doom 3 (2004). Its survival horror elements demanded a different sonic approach. While Trent Reznor's involvement was initially considered, Chris Vrenna (Nine Inch Nails) and Clint Walsh ultimately composed the soundtrack, drawing inspiration from Tool's atmospheric and complex sound. Doom 3's main theme could easily be a Tool B-side, reflecting the game's slower, more deliberate pace.

Doom 3's unique style stands out amongst its predecessors. The early 2000s saw FPS games evolve with the rise of Call of Duty and Halo, coinciding with nu-metal's decline. While other influences could have been explored, the Tool-inspired direction proved effective, creating an unsettling yet fitting atmosphere.

Following a period of development challenges, Doom (2016) revitalized the franchise, returning to the fast-paced action of the original. Mick Gordon's soundtrack, a djent masterpiece, perfectly captured the game's intensity, becoming arguably more celebrated than the original. The sheer power of tracks like "BFG Division" set a high bar for future installments.

Doom Eternal (2020), also featuring Gordon's work, though with some production complexities, leaned further into metalcore, reflecting the genre's popularity at the time. The soundtrack, while heavy, felt slightly less intense than its predecessor, mirroring the game's inclusion of platforming and puzzle elements.

Personally, I prefer Doom (2016)'s raw energy to Eternal's more polished sound, a preference mirrored in my appreciation for Architects' 2016 album All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us. However, Eternal's willingness to experiment is commendable.

Doom: The Dark Ages presents a fascinating prospect. The gameplay showcases a slower, more deliberate pace, utilizing a shield and incorporating large-scale combat with mechs and dragons. The soundtrack, composed by Finishing Move, appears to blend classic metal influences with modern heavy sounds, particularly those of Knocked Loose. This blend mirrors the game's design, which updates classic Doom elements with innovative additions.

The Dark Ages' gameplay requires a versatile soundtrack, capable of delivering both crushing heaviness and lighter moments. The showcased tracks hint at a blend of Knocked Loose's intensity and a thrash-inspired energy reminiscent of the original Doom, even drawing upon earlier metal's fantastical lyrical themes.

The combination of innovative gameplay and a promising soundtrack makes Doom: The Dark Ages highly anticipated. The game expands on the series' strengths while incorporating fresh ideas, much like modern metal's evolution. While gunplay remains central, the soundtrack promises to be a significant element, potentially creating a new favorite metal album for many. The limited previews are incredibly promising, making the May release eagerly awaited.