The Doom series has long been intertwined with the pulsating rhythms of metal music, a relationship that's instantly recognizable from the iconic demonic imagery and skull-laden visuals reminiscent of an Iron Maiden stage. Over its 30-plus-year history, Doom has evolved alongside metal, exploring various sub-genres from thrash to metalcore, with each new game bringing a fresh auditory experience that complements its gameplay innovations.

When Doom burst onto the scene in 1993, its soundtrack was heavily influenced by the thrash metal giants of the late '80s and early '90s, such as Pantera and Alice in Chains. The track "Untitled" from the E3M1: Hell Keep level, for example, echoes Pantera's "Mouth of War" with its similar riff. Composer Bobby Prince's score, with its digital emulation of bands like Metallica and Anthrax, perfectly captured the urgency and speed of Doom's gameplay, propelling players through Mars' corridors amidst demonic foes.

Doom: The Dark Ages - Gameplay Screenshots

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For over a decade, Doom's music continued to mirror its fast-paced gameplay. However, the release of Doom 3 in 2004 marked a significant shift. Inspired by survival horror, Doom 3's slower, more deliberate pace necessitated a new sound. Though Trent Reznor was initially considered for the sound design, it was Chris Vrenna and Clint Walsh who crafted the game's theme, drawing inspiration from Tool's "Lateralus". Their work provided an unsettling backdrop that perfectly complemented Doom 3's eerie sci-fi setting, despite the game's controversial gameplay mechanics like the flashlight.

After a period of development challenges, Doom returned triumphantly in 2016 with a complete overhaul. Directors Marty Stratton and Hugo Martin, along with composer Mick Gordon, brought the series back to its roots while pushing the envelope. Gordon's score, with its djent influences and heart-shaking sub-bass frequencies, became one of the most celebrated video game soundtracks, perfectly syncing with the game's relentless action.

Doom Eternal in 2020 further evolved the series' sound, leaning into the metalcore genre that dominated the late 2010s and early 2020s. Despite some controversy surrounding Gordon's involvement, his influence was undeniable, with the soundtrack reflecting the modern metalcore sound of bands like Bring Me the Horizon and Architects. Eternal's gameplay, with its added platforming and puzzle elements, also felt lighter compared to its predecessor, yet remained intensely heavy.

Doom: The Dark Ages, showcased in the recent Xbox Developer Direct, promises to continue this tradition of innovation. With gameplay that harkens back to the original Doom yet introduces new elements like mechs and dragons, the soundtrack, crafted by Finishing Move, draws from both classic and contemporary metal influences. The slower pace of The Dark Ages, combined with its face-first combat approach, suggests a need for a versatile soundtrack that can be both heavy and dynamic, echoing the sounds of bands like Knocked Loose while retaining the series' thrash roots.

As Doom: The Dark Ages builds upon the legacy of the series and draws inspiration from other shooters like Titanfall 2, it also reflects the evolving landscape of modern metal music. With its mix of traditional and experimental elements, The Dark Ages is poised to be an exciting addition to the Doom franchise, promising not only thrilling gameplay but also a soundtrack that could very well become a new favorite for metal and gaming enthusiasts alike.