How to Sound Like Martin Axenrot — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Martin Axenrot's Opeth drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gear does Martin Axenrot use?
Axenrot plays a Sonor SQ2 Series kit built around twin 22"x18" bass drums, a Sonor SQ2 14"x5.75" maple snare, Meinl Byzance cymbals (14" Traditional Medium Hi-Hats, 16"/18"/19" Crashes, 22" Traditional Ride, 18" China), a Tama Iron Cobra double pedal, and Vic Firth American Classic 5B sticks.
How did Martin Axenrot join Opeth?
Axenrot replaced Martin Lopez mid-tour in 2006 during Opeth's Ghost Reveries cycle after Lopez departed due to health issues. He made his studio debut with the band on Watershed (2008) and has remained Opeth's drummer ever since.
What other bands has Martin Axenrot played in?
Beyond Opeth, Axenrot has been a core member of death metal supergroup Bloodbath since 2008 and played in Witchery from 1997 to 2010. His extreme metal background across Bloodbath and Witchery shapes the heavier attack he brought to Opeth's drum chair.
How is Martin Axenrot's style different from Martin Lopez?
Lopez's technique emphasized jazz-influenced feel and musicality, while Axenrot brought a heavier, more aggressive attack informed by his extreme metal background. Axenrot's twin-bass-drum setup also gave Opeth's post-2006 material more low-end density than Lopez's single-kick rig, though Axenrot has adapted his playing to serve Opeth's progressive rock direction just as convincingly.
Can I get Martin Axenrot's sound on a budget kit?
Yes. A twin-kick-capable entry kit with moderate muffling gets you most of the way there — the dynamic contrast between full-intensity passages and restrained, texture-focused playing matters more than boutique gear. Focus on developing both registers of his style rather than chasing exact equipment.