What drum kit does Martin Lopez use?

Martin Lopez currently plays a Sonor SQ2 custom kit with select maple shells. 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. The SQ2 is Sonor's fully bespoke custom line, built to the player's exact specifications.

What cymbals does Martin Lopez play?

Martin Lopez plays Zildjian cymbals across the A and K series. His setup includes 14" A New Beat hi-hats, a K 16" Dark Thin Crash, an A 18" Medium Crash, and an A 20" Medium Ride. During his Opeth era he used Sabian HH and AAX cymbals — the switch to Zildjian for Soen brought a slightly brighter 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.

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

Discover the exact drum kit, cymbals, and gear Martin Lopez uses with Soen and used with Opeth. Complete setup breakdown covering his Sonor SQ2 kit, Zildjian...

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