Composing For Video Games | Doom Eternal | Immora: Headstomp | Track by Track Breakdown

Here's the second installment of my "track by track breakdown" series for my work on Doom Eternal The Ancient Gods.
In this video, like the ones before, I'll give you a behind the scenes glimpse by isolating one track at a time and showing you all the different layers and instruments that make up the track and how I process and shape their sound using my favorite analog gear.
"Headstomp" is probably the most brutal and hardest hitting track out of my entire score for the "heavy combat" portion of Immora.
I know a lot of you enjoyed it so I'm super stoked I can share a small part of it with you guys (in high fidelity and a crisp new mix!)
Hope you enjoy!
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Drums
1:35 - Guitars
2:45 - Rhythm Synths
3:18 - Lead Synths
4:58 - Metal Choir
5:45 - Full Mix
7:13- Next up!
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--

[@NopeJust]

After the second doom eternal expansion came out, I found the 25-minute track Immora. I listened to it without a break for 3 hours. My work partner said that if I didn't turn it off, he would go crazy. David thank you for the emotions I get from your music

[@davidlevymusic]

Thanks man!

[@aquiIa_chrysaetos]

theres a WHAT

[@user-zk5jn4br7u]

Link please

[@NopeJust]

@@user-zk5jn4br7u kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWbKooidnMyVo9Esi=MrrXHmAkt3UUH_b9. But 21-50 not 25 minutes, my mistake:)

[@justrandomstuff6828]

​@@davidlevymusicDid you take any inspiration from the old DOOMs? I tried catching a reference but i'm not good at that

[@santiagoruiz1790]

I love that everyone of the composers have an unique style like Mick Gordon: get a lot of fun rip and tearing every demon the worst way possible 😊 Andrew Hulshult: Focus, get to the objective and kill everything that's gets in your way David Levy: unleash your unstoppable rage and bring the hell's end

[@davidlevymusic]

Nailed it

[@CinderBlockCuisine]

I know people have turned Mick Gordon's chainsaw guitar instrument into a meme... yet no one's talking about David's "Screaming of Eternally Tormented Souls Synthesizer" instrument 3:42

[@davidlevymusic]

😅

[@notsobigcheese]

This was enough to make me cry, this just sounds disgustingly beautiful.

[@davidlevymusic]

Hahaha

[@notsobigcheese]

btw, what guitars have you used on the ost? it's been something that ive been wondering ever since your music came out on TAG.

[@almighymole2142]

​@@notsobigcheeseapparently ID hates guitars so Levy and Mike used synthsizers

[@diabeetus2504]

I love it when the composer really understands how BLOODLUSTED RAGE should sound like. Well done, David!!

[@davidlevymusic]

Yeah, dude! You're already getting the proper visuals and just needed the music to give that last push into total oblivion. 😈

[@The_Dinosaur_Heretic]

Dude, that intro is fucking GRUESOME, goddamn I love it

[@captainredducky2151]

we keep bumping into each other, almost like if it's fate

[@Onyx0]

​@@captainredducky2151(no homo)

[@Dondlo46]

Yes random noises are so beautiful

[@The_Dinosaur_Heretic]

@@Dondlo46 What a disrespectful thing to say

[@excaliburnII]

Oh shoot it's the Dinosaur Heretic. Loved your Headstomp mix from way back when, before your channel was deleted.

[@FearofNapalm]

David how difficult is it to combine two genres of music and make it sound comprehensible and not awkward forcing two genres of music? Because this isn't just metal or just electronic. You blend both genres so perfectly. There isn't a genre of metal that sounds exactly like this blending Meshuggah with electronic music. Mick Gordon created something incredible. Love your work

[@davidlevymusic]

He sure did. He’s a pioneer.

[@FourthFall]

I've seen people use Argent Metal to describe the genre, as coined by GeoffPlaysGuitar a few years ago now

[@MrDrake-ps2yi]

@@FourthFall I used to think the term was stupid, "It's just Djent" being my thought process, but listening to more of the genre it definitely has it's own sound.

[@MCcreedLP]

Why is Bethesda not releasing the TAG 2 ost?

[@MariusPiselli]

Copyright problems?

[@The_Dinosaur_Heretic]

@@MariusPiselli Fairly certain Bethesda owns the rights to the music. In fairness, it’s not something we have to concern ourselves with. Whether we get the full soundtrack or not, I think we should just be glad that David’s posting BTS content to begin with. Beats the audio quality of gamerips.

[@MariusPiselli]

@@The_Dinosaur_Heretic yes but wasn't the ost in the pre order version of eternal, in the bundle, so didn't we get scammed? , cause I paid for the ost... And it's not even complete Of course it's not all micks fault, or his fault at all, but its still not official

[@The_Dinosaur_Heretic]

@@MariusPiselli While mixed and mastered poorly, the DOOM Eternal Collector’s Edition soundtrack is complete (to a fault actually. It includes tracks that were intended to be scrapped). The Ancient Gods soundtrack is essentially from a different game. It would therefore be a different release from the Eternal OST. Unless you can find somewhere that explicitly states that the CE OST was meant to include the soundtrack from TAG, you didn’t get scammed and you wouldn’t have a case. If you did find something that says TAG would be included in the CE OST, then it wouldn’t be a copyright issue as much as it would be a consumer rights issue. Consumer rights laws vary depending on country. Here in Australia, they’re very strict. It’s the reason why the CE OST and TAG 2 were released on April 18th, 2020 and March 20th, 2021, respectively; it’s to meet consumer expectations so they (the consumer) doesn’t sue the company. Again though, unless you can find a stipulation that says the TAG soundtrack was meant to be included in the CE OST, you haven’t been scammed. If you want to make the argument that the CE OST doesn’t meet consumer expectations by being mixed and mastered poorly, then you’d be onto something, but you’d need to hire a lawyer and start a class action lawsuit, and it’s very messy. Like I said though, it’s nothing we should concern ourselves with, because it’s not our music.

[@SpartanK4102]

They just need to accept that the Mick drama isn't going away and release the TAG 1 & 2 osts. They'd still make bank and I'm sure David and Andrew are all for it

[@DragonKeeper69]

Maligog has such a sinister and ominous melody to it. I cannot wait for the break down, also i love the consistency of one of the crash cymbals in Maligog. Looking forward to anything else you serve us up

[@davidceli0]

Now THIS. THIS. IS. DOOM. Well done once again, David!

[@mononoke1066]

Eternalで初めてbfg divisionを聴いてから、私はあらゆるdoomのサウンドトラックに夢中でしたが、immoraはその全てを過去のものにしました。 壮大な攻城戦の背後で流れる残忍なシンセとギター、そしてセンチネルの咆哮は、まさに完璧です。 Thank you for making this greatest song🔥 greetings from japan.

[@davidlevymusic]

Thanks! I really want to visit Japan one day!

[@justjane_music]

Easily doom eternal’s most badass track, gonna miss your work man

[@keyskiso]

even after seeing these videos and understanding a sliver of your creative process, i still can't even begin to wrap my head around how unbelievably talented you are. i have listened to your songs for dozens upon dozens of hours, and they've never started to feel dry. your work ethic and dedication to the craft is something that drops my jaw through the floor

[@davidlevymusic]

You’re too kind, my friend! 🙏🏻

[@HenryFabianGT]

After having heard the ripped version of these tracks so many times, it's just a privilege to see the process and official result from the mastermind himself. Keep up the headstomping work!! 💯🤘❤

[@SovereignKing]

2:05 - those guitars… my word. They’re like Meshuggah on acid! And for a soundtrack that was designed and composed for the bowels of hell, you’ve produced some of the most satisfying sounds I’ve ever heard. Absolutely stellar work David🤘🏽

[@davidlevymusic]

Thanks dude! 🖤

[@ghostdoceu]

Finally a other version with a high quality!!! Youre one of the best composers for doom eternal for sure!

[@PaulAngelSteel]

The way you clear the metal chorus so that it can be heard clearly is perfect, your music is amazing, greetings from Argentina

[@SlyRackComposer]

Yeah!! David Levy Fans from Argentina pal! 🤝

[@MrChisponX]

Man, Maligog at the end sounds AWESOME, your work its outstanding

[@BreakfastSticks]

You truly did an incredible job with these tracks. It's also awesome your so willing to share your process, so interesting to see and it really gets ideas flowing for how create such amazingly heavy sounds like you do. :)

[@excaliburnII]

David I sincerely want you to know, thank you for making such a banger of a track. The drums, the metal choir, the synths, all of it makes me more deeply in love with the Immora OST. Wish this was in the DLC!

[@davidlevymusic]

Thanks dude!

[@Poloposi]

6:08 the sync in from the low pitch to the high one, just, DOOM Slayer approved.

[@ToasterAssassin]

Never been happier to see a sub notification appear. Hearing this in proper quality has been an absolute treat and super cool hearing the elements. Thank you for your work! Also, hearing Trial of BobMaligog at the end? Gonna be refreshing my feed every day.

[@davidlevymusic]

Yesssir! It’ll be a few weeks until I can complete it though.

[@ToasterAssassin]

@@davidlevymusic Absolutely worth it and I understand these things can take time on top of everything else. Very much appreciate all these though!

[@ianmills6260]

I hope you and Andrew score the next Doom. Y'all did a phenomenal job with TAG.

[@mikelramirez9003]

You prolly won't read this, but I think your rhythm technique is so impressive. It's simple in concept, how the chugging speeds up, then slows down, but it's so difficult execute smoothly on the guitar, and in a way that's purposeful. Your style is definitely very influential for me, and it's inspired me to be an even stronger rhythm player. People are always amazed by flashy lead playing, and rightfully so. But I almost always can appreciate it so much more when someone has that level of control over their picking hand. I know this video's older, but I hope you release the breakdowns for the other tracks soon. Mick Gordon amd Andrew Hulshult have their own unique styles that serve Doom in a different way, but I think your sound has a certain edge, that I only hear in your tracks. There aren't any crazy melodc leads, or super simple, yet groovy riffs. (Not that you aren't capable of those styles, nor do dislike them, they just serve a different purpose.) Your tracks are just straight, brutal and raw riffage that doesn't fuck around, and there's something to appreciate about that. Keep up the amazing work, and thank you for being an inspiration.

[@ItsDrewsif]

This track is a masterpiece, man. Great work!

[@younglee9881]

Thank you for showing the process in creating some of the music behind the game. I wish you all the best in whatever projects you are making music for in the future.

[@KrugeGaming]

This track is so brutal, that you have to type in IDDQD to listen to it all the way to the end.

[@Symbiotian]

2 years have past and it is still my new favorite track of the DLC!

[@davidlevymusic]

🙏🏻

[@sakuyaenjoyer]

my favorite track of yours, very impressive. It just goes so hard

[@andrenity]

Esperei muito para poder ouvir essa obra de arte.

[@captainredducky2151]

exceptional work as always David, giving the audience what we want \m/

[@Aespha2]

This is so cool ^^ nice workk

[@ali_m_]

I wasn't too sure how your work was going to be, as I only recognized Andrew's name, but man the doubting was useless, all of you 2's works are just as good as mick's, better in some cases, you guys are incredible.

[@davidlevymusic]

Too kind brother! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@joslarcor3535]

This is fcking awesome dude. One of my favorite tracks from the entire series.

[@douglasmurillo6042]

epic work you made on the dlc, beautiful.

[@migilvigil]

Your work is absolutely insane

[@Ezdine_G8261]

my man i think this is the heaviest metal i've ever heard

[@davidlevymusic]

🤘🏻

[@Jumperbumper247]

It sounds so good uncompressed amazing work man. Please release all the individual parts so we can mix it!!!!!!

[@noneofyourconcern.goaway1932]

This is a masterpiece

[@Gutszomb11]

Thank you....Mr music man. I Look forward to the next one in particular

[@Pizzoots]

this song sounds absolutely amazing and has so much more depth to it than you can tell from the in game version. i think they weren't implemented into the game very well and its such a disservice to the tracks you made. this shit goes so hard

[@dropcake]

Man, that's a dope studio setup. Definitely some S+ tier music for DOOM!

[@nightswarmavhertwr6724]

If only this was out when I made my immora mix. Would have loved to use that beginning part. The whole thing with my mixes is I want to use EVERYTHING because there’s just so much work out into every little bit and so much uniqueness in every little background synth. Everything here could have been used…unless I remade it? Nonetheless, true master at work, I’ll always admire you seeing as since doom one I’ve been extremely picky about what goes into my doom playlist and you are just the perfect sound to continue this soundtrack. Wow, that was long

[@AndrewHulshultOfficial]

😍

[@davidlevymusic]

Andrew!!!! 😘

[@thrashmash]

Top tier track. It's hard to pick a favorite when every DOOM track is a banger, but this one is one of my favorites. I also make music and am inspired by your work. I hope to be as skilled as you someday. Keep up the great work. Rip and tear until it is done.

[@davidlevymusic]

You’ll be better than me one day. 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@justrandomstuff6828]

I hope you stay for the next games, i wanna see you make something that goes harder than Headstomp

[@bepisman3161]

david 's workflow is on a whole another level

[@MoltenAnimation]

The distortion at 6:08 is still absolutely insane and I love it. How did you even manage to create such a sound

[@davidlevymusic]

Lots and lots of processing; both digital (in the box) and analog (pedals + outboard gear).

[@MoltenAnimation]

@@davidlevymusic That is so damn cool omg

[@pleadschizo]

sou tão feliz por conhecer seu trabalho pra escutar isso

[@ThaDoomicorn]

Love to see how the sausage is made. Great video, David!

[@NeosHamburgerReviews]

Seeing the layers individually is always so cool

[@davidlevymusic]

There are quite a few more, but I stuck to just the main ones. Didn’t want it to get too long.

[@alfredjr2k556]

Great job David Levy.

[@Foxy57537]

*GLORIOUS*

[@davidlevymusic]

No, YOU!

[@CR1M5ONOM3N]

Legendary.

[@noiro_juju]

This made my day and I haven't even gotten out of bed yet.

[@Rexsar813]

This song has gotten me through SO MANY hard work days. Nothing like the song that plays when you invade hell itself to help you rip and tear through freight all night.

[@ghostdoceu]

Amazing

[@MilanTehVillain]

Behind the scenes peeks like this are the most satisfying thing in the world to me!

[@davidlevymusic]

Lots more coming soon!

[@MilanTehVillain]

@@davidlevymusic Looking forward to it! If I may ask; what was the toughest track for you to write from start to finish & why?

[@davidlevymusic]

@@MilanTehVillain UAC heavy combat- mainly because I had less than a week to complete it.

[@davidlevymusic]

@@MilanTehVillain UAC heavy combat- mainly because I had less than a week to complete it. 😅

[@MilanTehVillain]

@@davidlevymusic Wow! You must’ve been firing on all cylinders scrambling to get it done. But as a lot of fans can attest, it certainly paid off!🫡

[@TheGrandeCapo]

Banger

[@alarak2159]

Just. YES.

[@DOOT_II]

This is fuckin' beautiful

[@Neon_Cherry_Blossoms]

Greatest work! I can listen your immora tracks for hours! Btw, will you make some content with Atlantica? I fell in love with that agressive-thynder-industrial vibe!

[@Bartimooose]

100/100 Cannot wait for trial of maligog!

[@eagle32349]

I love the "ah-" that was in the beginning.

[@unchaynd7266]

Hearing the guitar track by itself scratched an itch somewhere deep inside my mind lol

[@ozzitheman9671]

Yes! You totally get it. You don’t only just use a heavy guitar and double kick drums and call it argent metal(doom music). You have the special sauce. You have synths and disgustingly beautiful corrupted sounds. Mick Gordon certified 👍.

[@beyondthegrave124]

Does this mean we could be getting the other osts in the same format as this video? That would be so awesome!!!

[@davidlevymusic]

Perhaps

[@denisxt728]

THE HOLY MACHINE SPEAKS WITH US ! And is *H E A V Y* !!!

[@mememindmind1010]

The same man who made me cry in Red Vs Blue made the best song in modern doom.

[@GamingMafia_id]

Why can't they release the whole OST with this QUALITY. Stellar work as always David, Trial of MaliBOB next??, drum cover part 2 when? 🤭😏

[@davidlevymusic]

Don’t know. Yes. …yes?

[@TheGeeJ]

HOW AM I ONLY FINDING THIS IN 2024????

[@davidlevymusic]

Yeah, HOW? 🤨

[@joeybutera-bmtdps]

I felt it move...

[@davidlevymusic]

Joey!!!!!! 🖤

[@exein666]

YEEEEES, FUCKING HEADSTOMP

[@-DoomSlayer]

I've gotta admit that you've made better tracks than Mick Gordon, and it gives me a hidden perk called "Too Angry To Die" that makes me feel like a menace while playing DOOM or other games. PD: 2:17 Hits really hard with those drums.

[@ksp6091]

This track is THE hardest of ALL Doom and by far. I'd say the second is that short bit from Super Gore Nest but it's doesn't sound remotely as angry as this part

[@davidlevymusic]

🖤

[@proudlyprajwal4095]

Up next MEATY GUITARS OF MALIGOG and holy hell i love it did you buy those drums from Argent D'Nur 😂

[@JustKostya_Q]

Ah yes, my favorite cartoonish eternal game track - MG-42! Can't wait when new soundtrack for the next doom game will sound so experimental/unique that the recorded sounds of breaking bones/skulls on an electric meter that has also been soaked in water will be used as drums, and the guitar riffs will be a earrape and distorted version of a fork in a turned microwave!!!!!!!!!!

[@ali_m_]

I'm wondering, do you or Id have any plans for an official soundtrack for tag, I get it if you don't got an answer.

[@exodraedon2562]

Immora gotta be the best ost oat

[@davidlevymusic]

🙏

[@officialrhythmicthoughts]

Bro those drums are MASSIVE, how did you get that sound?

[@davidlevymusic]

@@officialrhythmicthoughts lots of layering and processing (digital + analog)

[@officialrhythmicthoughts]

@@davidlevymusic the snare sounds like a freaking shotgun in the best way possible, absolutely stunning work

[@davidlevymusic]

@@officialrhythmicthoughts lol thanks brother

[@tylersz8393]

For the guitars and drums were you inspired by the riff in one by Metallica

[@kuddlykraken2157]

I'm hoping Andrew Hulshult makes a breakdown of his music too!

[@kilianwagner9424]

David what have you fed your cat before it made this track

[@davidlevymusic]

My other cat

[@apexblodhunder]

hey david idk if you reply to comments on videos but I was wondering if this headstomp was inspired by the Metallica song One

[@gambit_sfm]

will we ever get an official release?

[@davidlevymusic]

Doubt it. Not up to me. 👎🏻

[@gambit_sfm]

@@davidlevymusic damn it

[@TheTrane59]

please tell me we are going to get full releases...

[@davidlevymusic]

Nah man. It’s not up to me so I seriously doubt it will EVER happen.

[@TestamExoTallica]

​@davidlevymusic How much trouble could you be in if you made an "unofficial cover" of each song? 👀

[@edawidp]

trial of maligog next? it's the best TAG soundtrack 100%

[@davidlevymusic]

Yeah! It’ll be a few weeks though. These videos take a while to make.

[@edawidp]

@@davidlevymusic these do look like a lot of work, keep it up, we can wait :D

[@DragonKeeper69]

Bethesda is disrespecting your talent and hard work by not allowing a full OST release

[@jojonathas9485]

PLS DO MALIGOG NEXT!1!1!1!1!1!1!1!💀💀💀💀💀🪚🪚🪚🪚⚔️⚔️💥💥🔥💥🔥💥🔥💥🔥💥🔥💥

[@ContextSensitive]

Biggest green flag for any composer? They have an Assblaster front and centre. My man 💙_💙

[@FrozenSolid742]

ppl saying greetings from here n there, fuck it, greetings from fucking iraq lmfao btw headstomp reminds me of one riff bit in meshuggah's future breed machine, pretty brutal stuff

[@VirusLisT095]

*iCunt? Wat?*

[@snobby463]

I might even say this is better than mick gordon. I’m sorry Mick. David levy do got da pool echo strategy doh

[@noiro_juju]

Also I think you spelled "headstomp" differently in the video 😨😅

[@davidlevymusic]

You mean that teaser picture I posted a few weeks back?

[@noiro_juju]

​@davidlevymusic it says "heaadstomp" or maybe it was intentional 🤔

[@davidlevymusic]

@@noiro_juju where?

[@the_sidious]

@@davidlevymusic top right of this video

[@davidlevymusic]

@@the_sidious FML 🤦‍♀

[@devinurenda5229]

i really wish you were able to release official mixes of these songs, they sound incredible 🥲

[@davidlevymusic]

Me too, man... me too.