The groundbreaking soundtrack to the 1993 video game Doom has been officially inducted into the US Library of Congress's National Recording Registry. Composed by Bobby Prince, the game's distinctive 'demonic dirges' are now preserved alongside an eclectic mix of culturally significant sound recordings, including Taylor Swift's immensely popular album 1989.
The National Recording Registry, established in 2000, aims to preserve sound recordings that are deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant to life in the United States. Each year, 25 recordings are selected by the Librarian of Congress after public nominations and consultation with the National Recording Preservation Board. This year's additions highlight a broad spectrum of audio history, from early jazz and blues to contemporary pop and, notably, video game music.
The inclusion of Doom's soundtrack represents a significant moment for the recognition of video game music as a legitimate art form. Its aggressive, metal-inspired tracks were integral to the game's immersive and often terrifying atmosphere, influencing countless subsequent video game scores and becoming instantly recognisable to a generation of players worldwide. The music's innovative use of MIDI technology pushed boundaries for its era.
Other notable inductees in this year's class include works by jazz greats Max Roach and Thelonious Monk, early hip-hop recordings, and the iconic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The diverse selection underscores the registry's commitment to capturing the full breadth of American sound history, celebrating everything from classical compositions to experimental recordings.
While the registry is a US initiative, the global impact of Doom and its music is undeniable. The game, developed by id Software, was a pioneer in the first-person shooter genre and played a crucial role in shaping the modern video game industry. Its soundtrack's induction reflects a growing acknowledgement of video games' cultural footprint, extending beyond mere entertainment to influence art, technology, and popular culture on an international scale.