The iconic video game series Doom has long been synonymous with the visceral energy of metal music. From the moment you hear a snippet of its soundtrack or catch a glimpse of its trademark demonic imagery—think flames, skulls, and devilish creatures—you're reminded of the heavy metal world. This connection isn't just skin deep; Doom's evolution over its 30-year history has mirrored the progression of metal music, exploring various sub-genres from thrash to the contemporary metalcore heard in Doom: The Dark Ages.

The original Doom, released in 1993, was heavily influenced by the thrash metal of the late '80s and early '90s. Co-creator John Romero has openly cited bands like Pantera and Alice in Chains as inspirations. The track "Untitled" for the E3M1: Hell Keep level, for instance, features a riff strikingly similar to Pantera's "Mouth of War." The game's score, crafted by Bobby Prince, captures the essence of thrash bands like Metallica and Anthrax, propelling players through Mars' corridors with a sense of urgency akin to the game's iconic shotgun and BFG.

Doom: The Dark Ages - Gameplay Screenshots

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Doom continued this thrash-inspired momentum for over a decade until Doom 3 introduced a new direction in 2004. This entry leaned into survival horror, necessitating a slower, more deliberate pace that called for a different sound. While Trent Reznor was initially considered for the project, it was Chris Vrenna and Clint Walsh who ultimately crafted a soundtrack that echoed the progressive metal of Tool, particularly their 2001 album Lateralus. This shift in Doom 3's sound was a bold move, aligning with the experimental nature of the game, even if it didn't resonate with all fans in the way the original did.

After a long hiatus, Doom returned triumphantly in 2016 with a complete overhaul. Directors Marty Stratton and Hugo Martin revitalized the series, bringing it back to its roots with a soundtrack by Mick Gordon that embraced the djent subgenre. The score, with its pounding guitars and sub-bass frequencies, perfectly complemented the game's fast-paced action, earning it a place among the most celebrated video game soundtracks.

Doom Eternal in 2020 saw Gordon return, though the final product was a result of complex negotiations with id Software. The soundtrack evolved further into metalcore, reflecting the genre's dominance in the late 2010s and early 2020s. This shift was also influenced by Gordon's work with bands like Bring Me the Horizon and Architects, infusing the score with crushing breakdowns and electronic elements. While the soundtrack felt slightly lighter than its predecessor, it matched the game's new elements of platforming and puzzle-solving.

Now, with Doom: The Dark Ages on the horizon, the series is set to take another leap. The gameplay footage shown at Xbox Developer Direct suggests a slower, more deliberate combat style, reminiscent of the original Doom but with new twists like giant mechs and fire-breathing dragons. The new composers, Finishing Move, seem to be drawing from both past and present metal influences, blending the seismic breakdowns of Knocked Loose with the thrash elements of the original game.

As Doom: The Dark Ages promises to expand on the series' legacy, it also reflects the ongoing evolution of metal music. The game's innovative features, such as mounting mythological creatures and piloting mechs, parallel the genre's experimentation with electronic, hip-hop, and hyperpop elements. This exciting time for heavy music is mirrored in the anticipation for Doom: The Dark Ages, where the fusion of brutal gameplay and a dynamic soundtrack promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.