Doom Composer Mick Gordon Slams AI
Aussie composer Mick Gordon has carved out a unique and unforgettable place in the history of video game soundtracks, known for blending experimental sound design with pure musical genius. His career is a testament to pushing boundaries, from crafting epic scores for massive franchises to pioneering truly unconventional sonic textures.
A prime example of this boundary-pushing is his work on the early days of gaming. For Killer Instinct in 2013, Gordon famously used a kangling, a Tibetan instrument traditionally carved from a human bone, to construct the theme for the skeletal Spinal character, lending a visceral, primal feel to the game’s atmosphere. Later, for the groundbreaking Doom in 2016, he elevated the soundtrack into a heavy metal masterpiece by sampling real chainsaw noises, creating guitar riffs that defined the intensity of the experience.
Today, Gordon continues to hone his craft, working on new projects that demand the same level of intensity. He is currently immersed in scoring the cyberpunk squad-shooter Defect, a title developed by veterans of the Doom and Call of Duty worlds. Additionally, fans can anticipate another bone-shattering score from him for Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2, set to release in October.
When asked about the influence of emerging technology, Gordon has taken a firm and humorous stance on the role of generative AI. He expressed a strong aversion to using it in his creative process, famously stating, “F##k AI,” emphasizing that the artistry of great music must remain purely human-driven.
Gordon suggests that while AI is a powerful tool, it remains fundamentally limited. He explains that generative AI is bound by the data it is trained on, meaning it can only draw logical conclusions from existing human creations. He believes that the ability to predict the next, truly novel musical idea—the kind of innovation that defines great art—will always remain the domain of human creativity.
Ultimately, Gordon remains optimistic that audiences will continue to gravitate toward the depth and connection found in human-created art. He feels that the inherent human desire for genuine connection will always pull people toward human interaction, suggesting that this pursuit is the true antidote to the digital world.
UK fans of the composer will get a chance to experience this unique blend of sound and philosophy firsthand. Gordon is slated to be the headline act at the RADAR festival in 2027, where he will perform music from his celebrated Doom and Doom Eternal soundtracks live with a full band.
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