id Software’s new DOOM series is known for being a fittingly brutal update in line with the classic 90s shooter, but even more so when it comes to the game’s music. Composer Mick Gordon has undoubtedly added to the overall atmosphere of the rebooted DOOMiverse, having utilized an array of unconventional composition to produce two of the most uniquely face-melting game soundtracks in modern history. While fans have largely been in agreement about the composer’s work on the series, it appears that Gordon himself isn’t exactly proud of the recent ​​DOOM Eternal soundtrack release.

Following the recent album release, fans were quick to find a noticeable difference in quality for a number of songs – most notably with the popular track “BFG Division.” As per an analysis from Twitter user ‘thatACDGuy’ (H/T Prima Games) a wavelength comparison of the 2020 version shows that it suffers from a higher compression than that of the 2016 original. While it would only appear to be a slight deviation on the surface, the user suggests that so few peaks actually translates to a severe lack of dynamic range – making for a comparatively bland-sounding mix as a result.

Here’s a comparison between the original BFG Division from Doom 2016’s official soundtrack (left) vs. the BFG 2020 remix on Eternal’s soundtrack from today (right).

Notice how the wavelengths in BFG 2020 form a nearly perfectly straight bar vs. the original with more definition pic.twitter.com/TCJRdOe1Yf

— Doominal Crossing: Eternal Horizons ? (@thatACDCguy) April 19, 2020

Replying to the fan’s analysis, Mick Gordon himself was one to chime-in about the DOOM Eternal soundtrack. The composer noted that he did not have a hand in the mix of this particular version of “BFG Division,” assuring that if it were his choice, he would have kept all the original song’s nuance completely intact. This absence of subtlety is said to apply to a majority of tracks on the album, save for a select few such as “Meathook,” “Command” and “Control” that Gordon confirms he personally mixed himself.

I didn’t mix those and wouldn’t have done that. You’ll be able to spot the small handful of tracks I mixed (Meathook, Command and Control, etc…)

— Mick Gordon (@Mick_Gordon) April 19, 2020

Regardless of the tracks’ quality, one has to wonder why Mick Gordon wasn’t put in charge of mixing the entire album, especially as his sole efforts on the 2016 DOOM soundtrack has received unending acclaim from both audiophiles as well as metal fans. While this seeming imposition could easily be chalked up to a rushed release, it appears there may be more dramatic reasoning as pointed out by users on ResetERA. According to an apparent message from Gordon’s social media accounts, the composer seems to be annoyed-at-best with his experience on the soundtrack, enough for him to doubt returning for the inevitable DOOM Eternal follow-up.

I commented about it yesterday. I turned I’d break the news here. This is a dark day for our beloved franchise
byu/MedicalMilk inDoom

Following the DOOM Eternal soundtrack’s recent swell of attention, Gordon released a statement with PC Gamer, addressing the album’s mix as well as his relationship with developer id Software and publisher Bethesda. In the short message, he expressed how much dedication he puts into every one of his musical works, but stopped short of providing any further comments on the matter. “I take a lot of pride in my work,” Gordon said. “It’s all I do, it’s all I have and I pour my heart and soul into it.”

​​DOOM Eternal is available now for Google Stadia, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, with a Nintendo Switch version currently in the works.

What do you think? Are you upset Mick Gordon wasn’t able to fully let loose his talents on the DOOM Eternal soundtrack, or do you feel there’s too little known about this story to make a judgment one way or the other? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day! For more headlines recently featured on DFTG, check out these next few news stories:

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