How Doom’s Combat Evolves Alongside Modern Metal Music

Doom's enduring legacy is inextricably linked to the evolution of metal music. A single note from any Doom soundtrack instantly evokes the series' demonic imagery and infernal aesthetic, reminiscent of an Iron Maiden concert. This symbiotic relationship between Doom's gameplay and metal's diverse subgenres has spanned over three decades, from thrash metal's influence on the original game to the metalcore-infused soundscape of Doom: The Dark Ages.

The 1993 original drew heavily from late 80s and early 90s metal giants like Pantera and Alice in Chains, a clear influence in tracks such as "Untitled" (E3M1: Hell Keep), echoing Pantera's "Mouth of War." The overall soundtrack embraced thrash metal's energy, reminiscent of Metallica and Anthrax, propelling players through Mars's corridors with a frenetic pace mirroring the relentless guitar solos of thrash legends. Bobby Prince's timeless score perfectly complements the game's iconic gunplay.

This synergy continued for over a decade until the 2004 release of Doom 3. This survival horror-inspired installment, while experimenting with a slower pace and a controversial flashlight mechanic (later removed), necessitated a new sonic 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 complex sound. Doom 3's main theme could easily be a Tool b-side, its unconventional time signatures perfectly matching the game's horror-infused sci-fi setting.

Despite Doom 3's commercial success, its survival horror elements are now seen as an outlier in the series. This shift mirrored the metal scene's evolution in the early 2000s, a period of experimentation following the nu-metal boom. While other influences could have been explored, the Tool-inspired direction proved remarkably effective, creating an unsettling yet fitting soundtrack.

The 2016 reboot marked a triumphant return to form, re-embracing the series' high-octane energy. Mick Gordon's groundbreaking score, a djent-infused masterpiece, perfectly synced with the frenetic gunplay. The soundtrack's intensity, layered with sub-bass and white noise, is arguably even more celebrated than the original.

Doom Eternal (2020), while featuring Gordon's unmistakable style, faced production complexities, resulting in a soundtrack with less of his direct involvement. Leaning further into metalcore, it reflects the genre's dominance in the late 2010s and early 2020s, mirroring Gordon's concurrent work with Bring Me the Horizon and Architects. The result, while still heavy, is slightly less raw than its predecessor, mirroring Eternal's gameplay additions of platforming and puzzle elements.

Personally, Doom 2016 remains my favorite, preferring its raw energy to Eternal's more refined approach. This preference mirrors my fondness for Architects' 2016 album All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us. Eternal, while excellent and innovative, doesn't quite match the same impact.

Doom: The Dark Ages presents a fascinating new chapter. The gameplay's shift towards slower, more deliberate combat, incorporating mechs and mythological creatures, necessitates a soundtrack that balances heaviness with agility. Composers Finishing Move seem to be drawing inspiration from both classic and modern metal, creating a sound that complements the game's unique mechanics. The showcased gameplay hints at influences from bands like Knocked Loose, while simultaneously echoing the thrash elements of the original Doom.

The Dark Ages' gameplay expands upon the original's corridor-based combat, adding a face-first, aggressive style. This mirrors the evolution of metal, with experimentation and cross-genre influences becoming increasingly prevalent. The game's design, incorporating mechs and mythological creatures, reflects this broader evolution, echoing the experimentation seen in modern metal bands like Bring Me the Horizon and Knocked Loose.

The combination of intense gunplay and a dynamic soundtrack promises an exciting new entry in the Doom franchise. While only glimpses have been revealed, Doom: The Dark Ages has the potential to deliver a thrilling experience, and possibly even a new favorite metal album. The anticipation is palpable.