DOOM: The Dark Ages finally got its official soundtrack release on all major streaming sites, and the internet is…well, somewhat divided. The official twitter account announced the release, along with the introduction of the composers of the project—Finishing Move. While it looks like half the internet is loving the new sounds of the game, the other half cannot stop chattering about the gaping absence of Mick Gordon.
He’s the man, the myth, the legend composer who created the face-melting, demon-slaying soundtrack of DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. The franchise became his canvas and door through which his trademark industrial metal style blended with electronic mayhem. The messy drama between id’s Marty Stratton and Gordon over pay and creative decisions went to the courts of the public, Gordon exits, Finishing Move comes in.
Reactions, really? Some went crazy on each side of the issue. Some: “You guys made something worthy of being called a DOOM soundtrack well f***ing done and thank you,” said fans such as @CABOOSE27xx, while others such as @Jeremiah_3oh2 offered their reproach: “The soundtrack has way too many forgettable tracks…Mick is the godfather of argent metal & unfortunately, this is mid at best.”
There’s some drama unfolding in the replies too. Folks remain angry about the way Mick was treated, with @WiserCrescent99 saying, “Soundtrack is great; I just hope you actually pay these guys properly and don’t f*** them over like Mick.” Ouch.
One of the biggest problems, though, is everyone still begging for the proper release of the DOOM Eternal OST. @CupofLibertea02 still lays it on the line: “Music is incredible, but please release the DOOM Eternal soundtrack.” And they are right—the irony in this whole thing is that, after years of promises, a proper full release of the Eternal OST still hasn’t happened because of the Gordon-id split.
And then Finishing Move is still being complimented for their work. @NoBarkNoonan_ says, “They did an awesome job. Hard to follow Mick Gordon but they did very well.” Then @sjfostersound, allegedly a pretty big composer, dropped a fire emoji—which definitely counts for something.
Honestly, music has always been a huge part of DOOM. The 2016 soundtrack held together the rip-and-tear madness and was not just some background noise. So when the guy responsible for that glue is taken out of the picture, people just start noticing the difference. Yeah, Finishing Move may be good, but to most else, it is just not quite the same.
And there you have it: DOOM: The Dark Ages split soundtrack, loud and trying to take over some mammoth shoes. Has it done it? Well, the fans have to say, and they haven’t really decided yet. One thing for sure is the incredibly long shadow cast by Mr. Gordon, and id Software will seriously have to try to come out of it.
So go on: love it, hate it, meme it. Don’t expect unanimous acceptance. That’s what DOOM fandom is like.
