Doom's iconic blend of demonic imagery and blistering action has always had a strong connection to metal music. From its thrash metal roots to its modern explorations of metalcore and beyond, the series' soundtrack has evolved alongside its gameplay, reflecting the genre's own transformations. The original 1993 Doom, heavily influenced by bands like Pantera and Alice in Chains, delivered a driving, thrash-infused score that perfectly complemented its fast-paced, brutal gameplay. Tracks like "Untitled" (E3M1: Hell Keep) even borrowed riffs directly from Pantera's "Mouth of War," showcasing the deep connection between the game and its musical inspiration.

The overall Doom soundtrack incorporated elements of thrash metal, reminiscent of Metallica and Anthrax, creating a relentless auditory assault that propelled players through Mars's corridors. Composer Bobby Prince's work remains timeless, perfectly capturing the rhythm and intensity of the game's unforgettable gunplay.

Doom: The Dark Ages - Gameplay Screenshots

This synergy continued for over a decade until the release of Doom 3 in 2004. This survival horror-inspired installment took a different direction, adopting a slower pace that necessitated a new sonic approach. While Trent Reznor's involvement was initially considered, Chris Vrenna and Clint Walsh ultimately composed the soundtrack, drawing inspiration from Tool's atmospheric and complex style. Doom 3's main theme, with its intricate time signatures and unsettling soundscape, perfectly mirrored the game's shift towards a more atmospheric horror experience.

Although Doom 3's survival horror elements stand out in the series, it reflected the broader evolution of FPS games in the early 2000s, alongside the rise of console shooters like *Call of Duty* and *Halo*. The soundtrack's stylistic shift also mirrored the metal scene's evolution, moving away from the nu-metal explosion of the late 90s and early 2000s.

The 2016 *Doom* reboot marked a triumphant return to form, embracing the frenetic energy of the original. Composer Mick Gordon crafted a heart-pounding djent-influenced score that perfectly synced with the game's intense, fast-paced gameplay. The soundtrack, particularly tracks like "BFG Division," became iconic, arguably surpassing the original in popularity and memorability.

Doom Eternal (2020), while featuring Gordon's work, saw a more complex production process, resulting in a soundtrack that, while still heavily influenced by metalcore, felt slightly less raw than its predecessor. This stylistic shift mirrored the game's inclusion of more platforming and puzzle elements, creating a more varied experience.

While *Doom Eternal* is excellent, its more polished sound is a matter of personal preference. The rawer intensity of the 2016 *Doom* soundtrack, alongside the similarly intense *All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us* by Architects, represents a preferred aesthetic for some. However, *Doom Eternal*'s experimentation is undeniable, showcasing a willingness to take risks and evolve.

*Doom: The Dark Ages* presents a fascinating new chapter. The gameplay, shown in the recent Xbox Developer Direct, hints at a soundtrack that will blend past and present metal influences. The slower, more methodical combat, featuring a shield and larger-scale encounters, suggests a score that can be both crushing and dynamic.

Composers Finishing Move (known for their work on *Borderlands 3* and *The Callisto Protocol*) appear to be drawing inspiration from bands like Knocked Loose, incorporating both heavy breakdowns and thrash-inspired elements. This combination reflects the game's blend of classic Doom combat with new, large-scale encounters involving mechs and mythical creatures. The influence of *Titanfall 2* is also apparent, particularly in the game's expanded mobility and scale.

The evolution of *Doom*'s soundtrack mirrors the progression of metal music itself, demonstrating a willingness to experiment and incorporate new influences. While gunplay will always remain central to the *Doom* experience, the soundtrack serves as an integral part of its identity, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. The glimpses of *Doom: The Dark Ages*' soundtrack and gameplay are incredibly promising, hinting at a potential new favorite metal album for many.