Video Games and Metal Music
There is an interesting connection between games and metal music; both are known for pushing boundaries and trying the unconventional. Especially when the adrenaline-filled scenes of action games combine with the intense riffs of metal music, an unforgettable experience is created. Both games have contributed greatly to metal music, and metal music has also had a significant impact on games. In this content, we will look at a few games that are closely related to metal music.
Very “Metal” Games
We have added popular games associated with metal music to the list which might obviously be way longer. In popular game series, metal music is not usually preferred; developers tend to avoid themes that might disturb players and prefer simpler narratives and visuals. Of course, not all popular games are like this, and as you will see shortly, some popular games don’t hesitate to try interesting concepts.
While we don’t encounter much metal music in popular games, we can often hear it in independent projects. A few games that I didn’t include in the list but have metal music include the 2019 retro-shooter game DUSK, which is one of the best games that integrate metal music. If you like fast-paced FPS games, I highly recommend checking it out. Another game that blends metal and rock music well is the Devil May Cry series, especially the latest one. For fans of deathcore, I suggest playing DMC 5, or at least listening to its soundtrack. Finally, I want to mention Cyberpunk 2077, which frequently references rock and metal songs; many of the quests in Cyberpunk are named after popular rock and metal tracks.
DOOM
When it comes to games and metal music, the first game that probably comes to mind is DOOM. Originally released in 1993 for the DOS platform, DOOM is one of the greatest action games of all time. Apart from its action-packed gameplay and striking visuals, what really made DOOM stand out was its music.
While the original DOOM featured mainly atmospheric synth tracks, the standout piece was “At Doom’s Gate.” However, the association between DOOM and metal music began with the 2016 release of DOOM, developed by Bethesda.
The DOOM (2016) soundtrack, composed by Mick Gordon, is considered one of the heaviest game soundtracks ever made. Tracks like Rip & Tear and BFG Division were met with great enthusiasm from both t fans of the game and metal enthusiasts.
Warhammer
I don’t think it’s necessary to mention how dark Warhammer games are. As one of the pioneers of the Grim Dark genre, it’s no surprise that the Warhammer games are associated with metal music. Warhammer, which has one of the darkest and most terrifying game universe, is a quintessentially metal game series.
Initially released as a tabletop wargame in 1987, Warhammer has one of the most detailed and expansive universes in gaming. Beyond the tabletop games, the Warhammer universe has inspired hundreds of video games and books.
Warhammer’s connection to metal music goes way back, starting in 1989. One of the first metal works related to Warhammer is Bolt Thrower’s debut album Realm Of Chaos, which explores the Warhammer universe. The title of the band itself is inspired by a weapon from the Warhammer Fantasy universe. Tracks like World Eater and Eternal War perfectly reflect the dark world of Warhammer.
There are other bands associated with Warhammer themes, like Saxon, whose 1992 album Forever Free includes a version where you can see a Space Marine speeding on a motorcycle.
Call of Duty
Call of Duty is one of the biggest game franchises of all time, with a massive fanbase, which includes Matt Shadows, the vocalist of Avenged Sevenfold. In fact, Matt Shadows is one of the playable characters in Black Ops 4. However, this wasn’t the first Call of Duty game featuring Avenged Sevenfold.
In the first Black Ops game, released in 2009, Elena Siegman and Kevin Sherwood composed several metal tracks for the Zombies mode, such as 115 and Beauty Of Annihilation. These tracks became some of the most popular and beloved songs in the Call of Duty franchise. In the subsequent game, Black Ops 2, the developers wanted to use more songs from Avenged Sevenfold for the Zombies mode, and the track Shepherd of Fire became the theme song for one of the Zombie missions.
(M. Shadows character in Call of Duty)
Instead of just adding songs from Avenged Sevenfold, the developers decided to include the band as part of the game. In the final mission, we see a cinematic featuring the members of Avenged Sevenfold playing Carry On, a track that became the theme song for the mission.
Brütal Legend
When it comes to metal music and games, the first project that probably comes to mind is Brütal Legend. A hack-and-slash action game starring Jack Black, Brütal Legends a highly enjoyable and entertaining game. What makes it particularly interesting, aside from its gameplay, is the inclusion of metal musicians as characters.
(Ozzy character in Brütal Legend)
Many of the game’s side characters are voiced by metal musicians such as Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy, and Rob Halford. There are also numerous rock and metal references within the game. Ozzy Osbourne voices a character named Guardian of Metal, who provides the upgrades needed in the game.
Metal: Hellsinger
It’s hard to determine the most metal game of all time, but Metal: Hellsinger is undoubtedly one of the most metal games ever. A rhythm shooter, Metal: Hellsinger is one of the most original games released in recent years, blending rhythm and gameplay together. Every action you make must match the rhythm of the song playing in the background, and all the tracks are metal.
Guitar Hero
Finally, let’s talk about Guitar Hero, a game that played a significant role in popularizing rock and metal music and bringing it into the gaming world.Guitar Hero and Rock Band are rhythm-based music games where you try to play songs by pressing the corresponding colored buttons on a guitar-shaped controller.
While Guitar Hero primarily features rock songs, you can also find many metal tracks throughout the game.
Metal Oda added the following to this amazing article:
Wolfenstein 3D
The father of DOOM, Wolfenstein 3D (1992), designed by id Software and was a favorite of Metal Oda back in the 90s. While it may appear vintage in terms of design compared to today’s games, this classic first-person shooter with its atmosphere and hidden doors is still cherished and may be played for nostalgia. The story revolves around escaping a a maze-like Nazi fortress/headquarters during World War II.
Pentakill – League of Legends
Pentakill is a virtual metal band from the League of Legends universe and is part of Riot Games’ innovative approach to combining gaming and music. Pentakill’s music is inspired by classic and modern heavy metal. It blends epic themes with intense guitar riffs, powerful drums, and impressive vocals. To bring an authentic feel to Pentakill’s music, Riot Games collaborated with renowned metal artists and vocalists: Jørn Lande (ex-Masterplan) brought the character of Karthus to life, and Noora Louhimo (Battle Beast) voiced Kayle. Riot Games elevated Pentakill’s performances to the next level by organizing virtual concerts. In these concerts, advanced CGI and real-time animation technologies were used to merge the worlds of gaming and music.
Linkin Park and Riot Games 2024 League of Legends World Championship
Having previously contributed songs to the soundtracks of games like Medal of Honor and Transformers, Linkin Park made an incredible comeback in 2024 with their album From Zero, with new vocalist Emily Armstrong. Their song Heavy is The Crown became the anthem of the 2024 League of Legends World Championship by Riot Games.
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