How Doom’s Combat Evolves Alongside Modern Metal Music

Doom's enduring connection to metal music is undeniable. 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 the game and heavier music has evolved alongside the franchise's gameplay, reinventing itself throughout Doom's 30+ year history. From its thrash metal origins, Doom has incorporated various metal subgenres, culminating in the metalcore intensity of Doom: The Dark Ages.

The original 1993 Doom's soundtrack, influenced by late 80s/early 90s metal giants like Pantera and Alice in Chains, is evident in tracks like "Untitled" (E3M1: Hell Keep), which echoes Pantera's "Mouth of War." The overall score draws from thrash metal, reminiscent of Metallica and Anthrax, perfectly complementing the game's fast-paced action and demonic encounters. Bobby Prince's soundtrack remains iconic, mirroring the rhythm of the game's unforgettable gunplay.

This synergy continued for over a decade until the 2004 release of Doom 3. This survival horror-inspired installment, while experimental, took risks. Its slower pace demanded a new sonic landscape. While Trent Reznor's involvement was initially considered, Chris Vrenna (former Nine Inch Nails member) 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 bonus track, its unconventional time signatures and soundscape perfectly matching the game's horror atmosphere.

Despite its commercial success, Doom 3's survival horror elements are now seen as an outlier in the series. This coincided with a period of evolution in FPS games (Call of Duty, Halo) and metal music (the aftermath of nu-metal). While Doom 3's Tool-inspired direction proved successful, it remains a unique entry in the series.

The 2016 Doom reboot marked a triumphant return to form. Directors Marty Stratton and Hugo Martin spearheaded a revival of the franchise's fast-paced action, perfectly complemented by Mick Gordon's groundbreaking soundtrack. The score, a djent masterpiece, is considered one of the greatest video game soundtracks ever created. Its intense, heart-pounding rhythms perfectly matched the game's visceral gunplay.

Doom Eternal (2020), while also featuring Gordon's work, faced production complexities, resulting in a soundtrack that, while bearing his signature, feels slightly less raw compared to its predecessor. Its metalcore leanings reflect the genre's trends of the late 2010s/early 2020s, drawing influences from bands like Bring Me the Horizon and Architects. This shift in sound mirrors Eternal's gameplay, incorporating platforming and puzzle elements alongside intense combat.

While Doom 2016 remains a personal favorite, Doom Eternal, though excellent and innovative, lacks the raw power of its predecessor. This mirrors the evolution of metalcore bands, often favoring earlier, less polished works.

Doom: The Dark Ages presents a fascinating new chapter. The gameplay, revealed during the Xbox Developer Direct, showcases significant combat changes. The soundtrack, composed by Finishing Move, seems to draw inspiration from both classic and modern metal, mirroring the game's blend of classic Doom elements and new mechanics.

The slower pace and emphasis on close-quarters combat using a shield, reminiscent of the original Doom, is expanded upon with giant mechs and dragons. The soundtrack, incorporating elements of Knocked Loose's heavy breakdowns and thrash-like moments, promises a powerful and dynamic soundscape.

The combination of classic Doom elements and new mechanics, mirrored in the music's blend of old-school thrash and modern metalcore, creates a thrilling prospect. Doom: The Dark Ages looks set to build upon the series' strengths, delivering an exciting new experience for both Doom and metal fans. The game's combat will undoubtedly take center stage, with the soundtrack serving as an appropriately demonic backdrop. The anticipation for The Dark Ages' release is high, promising a potential new favorite metal album for many.