DOOM has always been about more than just high-speed demon-slaying and epic combat. Yes, there’s the Slayer’s trusty shotgun and the glory kill button, but there's also the pulse-pounding, metal-infused soundtracks that make your blood pump and your fists clench.

The legendary Mick Gordon - genius behind the DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal soundtracks - has been integral to DOOM's iconic musical identity. When Gordon parted ways with id Software, fans were, therefore, apprehensive. Who could fill such thunderous shoes?

Fortunately, we have an answer: Finishing Move. Here's everything we know about the DOOM: The Dark Ages soundtrack, and the dawn of this new era in metal legacy.

Pre-Order Your Discounted Copy of DOOM: The Dark Ages @ 2Game Today!

The New Composers of Doom: The Dark Ages

Game Director Hugo Martin dropped the bombshell that Finishing Move was crafting the soundtrack for the upcoming DOOM: The Dark Ages at Microsoft’s Xbox Developer Direct.

Made up of composers Brian Trifon and Brian Lee White, this musical production duo is no stranger to the scene, having produced music for Borderlands 3, Halo Wars 2, and Grounded, as well as the spine-chilling The Callisto Protocol.

But a DOOM soundtrack is the beating heart of the rip and tear experience, and expectations are understandably high. So, how have fans reacted to the news of new composers?

A Metal Soundscape

Hugo Martin describes Finishing Move’s work as “a metal soundscape loaded with guitars, medieval vibes, and pure adrenaline”. Sounds perfect, but is it hype? We don't think so. Not if the gameplay snippets are anything to go by.

Take, for example, the track Unchained Predator. The mix of primal rage, brutal speed, and gnarly, snarling guitar riffs sync perfectly with the Slayer’s relentless rampage.

And the latest trailer, When The Shadows First Lengthened has only added to the excitement, with fans praising its raw intensity and seamless fusion of sound and action. We're talking pure, unfiltered chaos set ablaze - totally nailing the DOOM brief.

Paying Homage to the Classics

But that's not all. More than just delivering a barrage of riffs, Finishing Move’s music contains subtle nods to the legendary DOOM soundtracks of the past.

Fans are already catching references to Countdown to Death, Dark Halls, and influences from Sonic Mayhem’s Quake soundtrack. One track in the Developer Direct even takes a page from Bobby Prince’s iconic compositions for DOOM and DOOM II, following a 12-bar blues structure.

Can Finishing Move successfully strike the balance between paying homage to the classic DOOM sound, while still leaving their mark? So far, it's looking promising!

A Shift from Mick Gordon’s Legacy

After highlighting our excitement for things to come, which is genuine, we can't ignore the elephant in the room. Enthusiastic as we may be about what Finishing Move can deliver, Mick Gordon’s absence still looms large. After all, his music wasn’t just part of DOOM; it was the soul-crushing rhythm behind the Slayer’s rampage. Suffice to say, his departure was a hard pill for fans to swallow. But here’s the thing—DOOM has always evolved musically, and this isn’t the first time the soundtrack has shifted.

Before Gordon came along, we had Bobby Prince’s MIDI masterpieces in the original DOOM (1993), and even after Gordon left, we got The Ancient Gods DLC, composed by Andrew Hulshult and David Levy. Fans were nervous about the shift, but the new sound was well received.

It's time for Finishing Move to take the baton - to elevate DOOM to new musical heights. It’s only fair to give them the chance to create their legacy.

A New Era of Doom Metal

DOOM’s music has always been as integral as the gameplay. With DOOM: The Dark Ages, we’re seeing the franchise continue its musical evolution, embracing fresh sounds while staying true to the iconic intensity at the heart of the DOOM experience.

While honoring past sounds, including the industrial heaviness that characterized DOOM Eternal, Finishing Move appears to be embracing more diverse musical styles by combining heavy guitar riffs, intricate drumwork, and eerie atmospheric elements. Might we even go as far as to expect some ambient and/or orchestral influences in the finished soundtrack?

What's clear is that Finishing Move isn't afraid to spice things up, adding their eclectic flavor to the mix, while respecting the series’ legendary musical history. Isn't that what evolution's all about? According to one fan, “So far, Finishing Move’s soundtrack for The Dark Ages seems like a love letter to metal music in video games, and I think that’s fantastic.”

DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to drop on May 15, 2025, as a single-player-only FPS. Will the new soundtrack live up to DOOM’s brutal legacy? Only time will tell, but the Slayer’s carnage looks set to be accompanied by a soundtrack just as savage as his arsenal.

Pre-Order Your Discounted Copy of DOOM: The Dark Ages @ 2Game Today!