Doom Soundtrack Inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry

The United States Library of Congress has officially added the original Doom soundtrack to its National Recording Registry. This induction, which places the score among 25 other recordings deemed "audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time," marks a significant milestone for video game music. The designation highlights works of cultural, historical, or aesthetic importance to the nation’s recorded sound heritage.

Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen emphasized the registry's mission to safeguard these essential parts of daily life and national history. "The National Recording Registry works to preserve our national playlist for generations to come," Newlen stated, noting the Library's commitment to protecting these audio treasures in partnership with the recording industry.

A Heavy Metal Milestone for First-Person Shooters

Originally released in 1993, Doom did more than pioneer the first-person shooter genre; it brought a heavy metal energy to MS-DOS systems globally. Central to the game's enduring popularity was the adrenaline-fueled soundtrack composed by freelance musician Bobby Prince.

Prince’s approach was uniquely technical. A lifelong musician and practicing lawyer, he was fascinated by MIDI technology in the mid-1980s. For Doom, he drew inspiration from CDs loaned by chief designer John Romero, including seminal works by Alice in Chains, Pantera, and Metallica. Despite the limitations of 1993-era sound card drivers, Prince crafted a riff-shredding accompaniment that defined the game’s demon-slaying journey.

Prince utilized his MIDI expertise to ensure sound effects could cut through the dense music by assigning them to different frequencies. This technical innovation helped lay the foundation for future generations of game composers and inspired countless remixes.

Context Within the 2026 Inductees

The 2026 class of inductees is a diverse mix of pop, rock, and historical recordings. Alongside Doom, the registry now includes:

  • Taylor Swift’s album 1989
  • "Mambo No. 5" by Pérez Prado and His Orchestra
  • "Feliz Navidad" by José Feliciano
  • Weezer’s Blue Album
  • "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band
  • "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight and the Pips
  • The Fight of the Century: Ali vs. Frazier broadcast recording

While the list spans genres, Doom remains a standout for its impact on interactive media. Although Prince has faced criticism for adhering closely to his metal inspirations—such as the similarity between "Them Bones" and Alice in Chains’ "Dirt"—there is no denying the soundtrack's power.

The Doom soundtrack is the second video game score to receive this honor, following the Super Mario Bros. theme’s induction in 2023. The Minecraft soundtrack is also part of the registry, cementing video game music’s place in America’s cultural archive.