9 heaviest video game soundtracks [Opinion]

Music is an essential part of video games now. And as the video game market becomes populated with new releases, developers are trying to add value and enhance the overall player experience through elements like the game’s soundtrack.

Since every gamer needs to play with the headphones on, and most prefer some background music while playing, video games use their soundtrack to hook them in.

From legendary artists featuring as part of licensed deals to original scores capturing the element of the gameplay, these 9 video games delivered the heaviest soundtracks of all time.

9. Guilty Gear Strive (2021)

Guilty Gear Strive not only features a heavy metal soundtrack, but it also goes above and beyond, with each character getting a dedicated vocal song instead of just instrumentals.

Daisuke Ishiwatari does a commendable job in making the entire game soundtrack feel like a complete rock album, and the songs are tailor-made to fit each character’s personality and journey.

Crawl, Mirror of the World, and Hellfire are some of the well-composed songs, with each playing along with the theme warranted in the situation.

8. Devil May Cry 5 (2019)

Devil May Cry 5 has quite possibly the best hard rock and metal soundtrack in video gaming history.

But the fact that your progression is reflected in the music adds that extra layer that elevates the entire experience. Subhuman, Bury the Light, and Crimson Cloud are splendidly structured.

Kota Suzuki & Co. truly capture the essence of Devil May Cry 5’s gameplay in their soundtrack.

7. ULTRAKILL (2020)

Arsi Patala’s work has been praised highly in developing the soundtrack for ULTRAKILL. The pace and musicality match the relentless combat sequences, elevating the overall experience.

ORDER, WAR, and Altars of Apostasy are some of the best soundtracks in video game history.

ORDER is melodic and aggressive, whereas WAR just makes you feel the sound waves almost hitting you.

6. Painkiller (2004)

If you want your gameplay to be backed up by amazing guitar riffs, Painkiller has it in abundance. Cathedral is almost a homage to the gothic undertone of the entire game.

Cemetery is a great example of how music can build up a fight, starting slow before bursting as action takes center stage. The Boss Themes feel like a festival, and fit in perfectly with the atmosphere of the fight.

5. Splatterhouse (2010)

Splatterhouse has one of the best ensembles for music and soundtrack in a video game. The game’s soundtrack includes artists and bands such as Mastodon, Lamb of God, and Municipal Waste.

Apart from the licensed songs, the original score is equally hard-hitting and drives the entire storyline aptly from the background.

4. Brutal Legend (2009)

Brutal Legend is a massive celebration of heavy metal, and is inarguably one of the few games tailored and developed around the soundtrack as a theme.

You will find songs from Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, and more in what would be one of the dream lineups for a heavy metal festival in real life.

While other games have incredible heavy metal and rock music in the game as well, Brutal Legend makes it a part of the entire game, from the architecture to weapons.

3. DOOM Eternal (2020)

Mick Gordon captured the essence of DOOM Eternal’s gameplay so beautifully in the entire soundtrack while not relying much on licensed songs.

The Only Thing They Fear Is You is perhaps the greatest original soundtrack in video games.

Mick Gordon delivers a masterclass in harmonizing and optimizing the use of different instruments to add layers that feel ominous during the gameplay.

2. DOOM (2016)

DOOM laid the groundwork for DOOM Eternal and is often considered the defining video game title that inspired many soundtracks of video games that came after it.

Mick Gordon captured DOOM’s essence in the theme, BFG Division, so beautifully that it is considered the greatest theme music in video games, and was also adopted into DOOM Eternal.

DOOM kept it simple and achieved the optimal impact without going too technical, while also managing to capture the dark ambiance of DOOM’s world.

1. Metal: Hellsinger (2022)

Metal: Hellsinger’s soundtrack is believed to be inspired by the DOOM series.

However, what sets this title apart from every other game in the list is that it fuses the world between licensed songs and an original soundtrack.

Metal: Hellsinger’s soundtrack consists of original songs from metal icons such as Bjorn Strid, Serj Tankian, Randy Blythe, and more, adding a layer of authenticity with the lure of a great lineup of artist contributions.

The unique part about Metal: Hellsinger is that it almost rewards players for how well they are playing. The battles start with instrumental music and keep getting stronger as you build your combo meter.

When you reach your maximum level, the vocals kick in, giving you that surreal feeling of the game recognizing your progress and brilliance.

Which video game soundtrack is your favorite?

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