Martin Lopez Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Opeth & Soen Drummer | MetalForge
Martin Lopez Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Martin Lopez, drummer for Soen and formerly Opeth. Explore his influential work on classic Opeth albums, his Soen career, and unique dr...
Quick Facts: Martin Lopez
| Band | Soen / ex-Opeth |
|---|---|
| All bands | Soen, Opeth |
| Genre | Progressive Metal / Progressive Death Metal |
| Country | Sweden |
| Primary brand | Noble |
| Drum kit | Noble & Cooley Walnut |
| Snare | Noble & Cooley Solid Shell 14x6" Maple |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 5A |
Martin Lopez Biography
Martin Lopez (born February 8, 1978, in Stockholm, Sweden, raised in Mölndal) is a Swedish drummer of Uruguayan descent, best known for his work with progressive metal bands Opeth (1997-2006) and Soen (2010-present). He is widely regarded as one of the most influential progressive metal drummers of his generation.
Lopez's tenure with Opeth spanned some of the band's most critically acclaimed albums, including "Still Life," "Blackwater Park," and "Ghost Reveries." His dynamic, jazz-influenced approach to extreme metal drumming helped define Opeth's signature sound. After leaving Opeth due to health issues, Lopez co-founded Soen in 2010, continuing to showcase his exceptional musicality and versatility.
Career Highlights
- 1996: Joined Amon Amarth, began professional drumming career
- 1997: Joined Opeth, replacing original drummer Anders Nordin
- 1999: Recorded "Still Life" with Opeth, breakthrough album
- 2001: Released "Blackwater Park," considered a masterpiece of progressive metal
- 2002: Released "Deliverance" and "Damnation," showcasing his versatility
- 2005: Released "Ghost Reveries" with Opeth, final album with the band
- 2006: Left Opeth due to health issues (panic disorder)
- 2010: Co-founded Soen with former Opeth bassist Martin Mendez
- 2012: Released "Cognitive" with Soen, debut album
- 2017: Released "Lykaia" with Soen, critical acclaim
- 2021: Released "Imperial" with Soen, continued evolution
- 2024: Released "Memorial" with Soen, latest album
Style & Influences
Martin Lopez's drumming style is characterized by exceptional dynamics, jazz-influenced finesse, and the ability to seamlessly transition between extreme metal brutality and delicate acoustic passages. His playing prioritizes musicality and emotion over pure technical display.
Key Influences:
- Bill Bruford (Yes/King Crimson): Progressive approach and creativity
- Tony Williams: Jazz fusion influence
- Vinnie Colaiuta: Technical versatility and musicality
- Terry Bozzio: Progressive drumming innovation
Signature Techniques:
- Seamless transitions between extreme metal and acoustic sections
- Jazz-influenced ghost notes and brush work
- Dynamic control from whisper-quiet to crushing intensity
- Creative use of odd time signatures
- Emotional, song-serving approach to drumming
Gear Highlights
Martin Lopez plays a Noble & Cooley Walnut shell pack. His setup emphasizes tone and dynamics over power.
Current Setup (Soen Era):
- Drums: Noble & Cooley Walnut shell pack
- Snare: Noble & Cooley Solid Shell 14"x6" Maple
- Cymbals: Zildjian K Dark Series (14" Thin Hi-Hats, 18"/20" Medium Thin Crashes, 22" Light Ride, 18" K China)
- Hardware: Axis Percussion double pedal; DW 9100 throne
- Sticks: Vic Firth American Classic 5A
- Heads: Remo
Setup Philosophy:
- Favors warm, musical tones over harsh attack
- Uses jazz-style cymbals even in metal context
- Emphasizes dynamics and expression
- Relatively compact setup for progressive music
Frequently Asked Questions
What band does Martin Lopez play drums for?
Martin Lopez is a founding member and drummer of Soen since 2010. He previously drummed for Opeth from 1997-2006.
What drums does Martin Lopez play?
Martin Lopez plays a Noble & Cooley Walnut drum kit.
What drum kit does Martin Lopez play?
Martin Lopez's drum kit is a Noble & Cooley Walnut shell pack, built around a Noble & Cooley Solid Shell 14"x6" maple snare drum, with Remo drumheads.
What drum set does Martin Lopez play?
Martin Lopez's drum set pairs Noble & Cooley Walnut shells and his 14"x6" maple snare with Zildjian K Dark Series cymbals and an Axis Percussion double pedal.
What cymbals does Martin Lopez use?
Martin Lopez uses Zildjian K Dark Series cymbals, including 14" K Dark Thin Hi-Hats, 18" and 20" K Dark Medium Thin Crashes, a 22" K Dark Light Ride, and an 18" K China.
What snare drum does Martin Lopez use?
Martin Lopez's primary snare is the Noble & Cooley Solid Shell, a 14"x6" maple drum.
What pedals does Martin Lopez use?
Martin Lopez plays an Axis Percussion double pedal, seated on a DW 9100 throne.
What drumsticks does Martin Lopez use?
Martin Lopez plays Vic Firth American Classic 5A drumsticks.
What drumheads does Martin Lopez use?
Martin Lopez uses Remo drumheads across his Noble & Cooley Walnut drum kit, favoring the warm, musical tone that suits Soen's dynamic shifts between delicate and heavy passages.