Morgan Ågren Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Devin Townsend Drummer | MetalForge
Morgan Ågren Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Morgan Ågren, Swedish drum virtuoso known for work with Devin Townsend and Frank Zappa. Explore his remarkable technique, jazz fusion b...
Quick Facts: Morgan Ågren
| Band | Mats/Morgan Band / Kaipa / Fredrik Thordendal's Special Defects |
|---|---|
| Genre | Progressive Rock / Progressive Metal / Jazz Fusion |
| Country | Sweden |
| Primary brand | Sonor |
| Drum kit | Sonor SQ2 Designer Series |
| Snare | Sonor Designer 14x5.5" Maple |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 5A |
Morgan Ågren Biography
Morgan Ågren (born November 4, 1967, in Umeå, Sweden) is a Swedish drummer and multi-instrumentalist renowned for his extraordinary technical ability and musical versatility. A child prodigy who was performing professionally by age 13, Ågren gained international recognition for his work with Frank Zappa's band in 1988 and later with Devin Townsend Project.
Ågren's drumming combines jazz fusion sophistication with rock power, making him one of the most technically accomplished drummers in progressive music. His work with the Mats/Morgan Band alongside keyboardist Mats Öberg showcases his incredible improvisational abilities and compositional skills.
Career Highlights
- 1981: Formed Mats/Morgan Band with Mats Öberg at age 14
- 1988: Toured with Frank Zappa's band, hand-picked by Zappa himself
- 1991: Released first Mats/Morgan Band album
- 2002: Joined Swedish progressive band Kaipa
- 2005: Released solo album "Morgan Ågren's Conundrum"
- 2012: Joined Devin Townsend Project for "Epicloud" album
- 2014: Recorded "Z²" with Devin Townsend, including Ziltoid material
- 2016: Performed on "Transcendence" with Devin Townsend Project
- 2019: Continued session work and Mats/Morgan Band activities
Style & Influences
Morgan Ågren's drumming style blends jazz fusion complexity with rock intensity. His technique is remarkable, combining incredible independence, odd-time signature mastery, and improvisational brilliance. He approaches drums as a melodic instrument, capable of "singing" through his kit.
Key Influences:
- Terry Bozzio: Zappa-era complexity and technique
- Vinnie Colaiuta: Technical precision and versatility
- Tony Williams: Jazz fusion foundation
- Frank Zappa: Compositional complexity and artistic vision
Signature Techniques:
- Extreme four-limb independence
- Fluid navigation of complex odd time signatures
- Jazz-influenced touch and dynamics within rock
- Melodic approach to drum kit
- Ability to follow and complement complex compositions
Gear Highlights
Morgan Ågren uses Sonor drums and Paiste cymbals, choosing gear that allows for dynamic expression across his diverse musical contexts.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Sonor SQ2 Beech (various configurations)
- Snare: Sonor Designer 14"x5.5" Maple
- Cymbals: Paiste Signature and 2002 Series (14" Signature Heavy Hi-Hats, 18"/20" Signature Fast Crashes, 22" Signature Dry Heavy Ride, 18" 2002 China)
- Hardware: Sonor hardware; Sonor Giant Step double pedal
- Sticks: Vic Firth American Classic 5A
- Heads: Remo (Ambassador/Emperor)
Setup Philosophy:
- Versatile configuration for different musical contexts
- Focus on dynamics and expression
- Quality instruments that respond to subtle playing
- Customized to each project's needs
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Morgan Ågren use?
Morgan Ågren plays a Sonor SQ2 Designer Series drum kit — a custom-configured setup reflecting the exacting standards behind his decades of polyrhythmic playing across the Mats/Morgan Band, Kaipa, and Devin Townsend Project. It's built around a Sonor Designer 14"x5.5" Maple snare.
What drum set does Morgan Ågren use?
Morgan Ågren's drum set pairs his Sonor SQ2 shells and maple snare with a Sonor Giant Step double pedal, the configuration he has used since co-founding the Mats/Morgan Band with Mats Öberg in 1981.
What cymbals does Morgan Ågren play?
Morgan Ågren plays Paiste Signature and 2002 Series cymbals: 14" Signature Heavy Hi-Hats for tight control on his rapid polyrhythmic patterns, 18" and 20" Signature Fast Crashes, a 22" Signature Dry Heavy Ride, and an 18" 2002 China.
What snare does Morgan Ågren use?
Morgan Ågren's snare is a Sonor Designer 14"x5.5" Maple, delivering a warm, articulate crack suited to both his jazz-fusion sensibility and his work with Devin Townsend Project.
What sticks does Morgan Ågren use?
Morgan Ågren uses Vic Firth American Classic 5A drumsticks.
What bass drum pedal does Morgan Ågren use?
Morgan Ågren plays a Sonor Giant Step double pedal, seated on a Sonor throne.
What drumheads does Morgan Ågren use?
Morgan Ågren uses Remo drumheads across his Sonor SQ2 kit.
What band is Morgan Ågren in?
Morgan Ågren co-founded the Mats/Morgan Band with keyboardist Mats Öberg in 1981 and has drummed for Devin Townsend Project (2012-2016), Kaipa (2002-2005), and toured with Frank Zappa's band in 1988.
How did Morgan Ågren start working with Frank Zappa?
Morgan Ågren was personally selected by Frank Zappa to tour with his band in 1988, a milestone that introduced his virtuosic playing to a global audience alongside his ongoing work co-founding and drumming for the Mats/Morgan Band since 1981.