Martin Lopez Drum Setup — Opeth & Soen Gear Guide | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drum kit does Martin Lopez use?

Martin Lopez currently plays a Noble & Cooley Walnut shell pack. His configuration includes a 22" bass drum, 10" and 12" rack toms, and 14" and 16" floor toms. During his Opeth years (1997–2006) he used a Sonor Designer Series kit in a similar configuration. Noble & Cooley is a boutique American maker, and the walnut shells were selected for a warmer, more focused tone reflecting his mature, song-first approach.

What cymbals does Martin Lopez play?

Martin Lopez plays Zildjian K Dark Series cymbals. His setup includes 14" K Dark Thin hi-hats, an 18" K Dark Medium Thin Crash, a 20" K Dark Medium Thin Crash, a 22" K Dark Light Ride, and an 18" K China. During his Opeth era he used Sabian HH and AAX cymbals — the switch to Zildjian K Dark for Soen brought a darker, more complex character while maintaining his preference for warmth and dynamic complexity over pure volume.

How did Martin Lopez influence Opeth's drum sound?

Martin Lopez joined Opeth in 1997 and immediately transformed the band's rhythmic approach. His jazz background introduced dynamic control, odd-time fluency, and groove-based playing that distinguished Opeth from their peers. On Blackwater Park (2001), he demonstrated the full range — from near-silent brushwork in acoustic passages to thunderous double bass in death metal sections — within the same song. This template of extreme dynamic contrast became Opeth's defining drum characteristic across Blackwater Park, Deliverance, and Ghost Reveries.

What sticks does Martin Lopez use?

Martin Lopez uses Vic Firth 5A sticks with nylon tips. The 5A is a versatile, balanced stick suited to his wide dynamic range — light enough for the subtle jazz-influenced work in Soen's atmospheric passages, durable enough for heavier sections. The nylon tip adds brightness to cymbal articulation compared to wood-tip alternatives.

What are the best Soen songs to study Martin Lopez's drumming?

"Opponent" (Lykaia, 2017) showcases his odd-meter mastery in 7/8 with jazz-inflected groove. "Sectarian" (Cognitive, 2012) demonstrates his dynamic control from restrained verses to full-band choruses. "Lykaia" (Lykaia, 2017) is perhaps his most compositionally complete performance — complex rhythmically but always serving the song. For Opeth, "The Leper Affinity" and "Bleak" from Blackwater Park remain essential studies in progressive metal drumming.