Trent Reznor on Doom: ‘In some ways I felt a parallel with what I was trying to do with music’
Trent Reznor told a QuakeCon panel that Doom’s disruptive, unrestrained spirit resonated with his approach to making music. His comments matter because they underline the cultural impact of id Software’s early shooters on an artist who later created Quake’s influential soundtrack and sound effects.
Reznor said Wolfenstein first prompted him to buy a PC, but described Doom’s 1993 release as feeling “like a bomb went off” because of its technical leap and perceived lack of restraint. Speaking during Quake’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, he said he became friends with id Software’s developers and remains extremely proud of his work on Quake; the event also brought a newly released 19-level Quake episode and Nine Inch Nails-themed merchandise.
- Reznor says Doom’s rebellion mirrored his musical ambitions.
- He credits Doom and Wolfenstein with inspiring his gaming interest.
- Quake’s 30th anniversary included a new 19-level episode.