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Opeth Fires Drummer

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Band Photo: Opeth (?)

Gene Hoglan has replaced Opeth drummer Martin Lopez who was fired only a couple days ago. More info on this as we get info. Some reports already say that Gene is sounding tired after just one day of this.

Source: antiMUSIC

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15 Comments on "Opeth Fires Drummer"

Anonymous Reader

1. Jupiter writes:

This is not true. Way to post blatant lies on your website.

# Jul 28, 2005 @ 4:13 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
RememberMetal?'s avatar

Former Contributor

2. RememberMetal? writes:

This does sound a bit far-fetched but I have read about Ackerfeldt complaining that Lopez is very capable with high speed rhythms but actually struggles with more simple ones when they're called for.

But if this is a joke then it resonates with the bit about Hoglan being tired.....They don't call him Gene the Machine for nothing....then again he would be playing for both SYL and Opeth on the tour right now....which would be asking alot....hmmm.

# Jul 28, 2005 @ 7:01 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

3. noahmo writes:

I saw SoTU and Lopez sucked. Was as if he was loaded. Meter was off, sounded disoriented, could not keep it together, looked tired, he just plain sucked.

# Jul 28, 2005 @ 8:44 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
RememberMetal?'s avatar

Former Contributor

4. RememberMetal? writes:

I guess he's more of a studio drummer.....Must have let himself get out of shape or perhaps something worse.......

You can't f*** around when your in a perfectionist band like Opeth, sort of like Dream Theatre or Dillinger Escape Plan.....You can't be under the influence while performing with all the tempo changes and absurd speeds..... it wont work.

# Jul 28, 2005 @ 12:09 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

5. bla writes:

gene played with opeth in vancouver at sotu. he is amazing and doesnt get tired.

# Jul 28, 2005 @ 1:59 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

6. Symbolic writes:

Ok I really hope this aint f***ing true, Im a big fan of Lopez, I think hes an amazing drummer, This is In my opinion the worst metal news I have heard all year!

# Jul 28, 2005 @ 8:15 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

7. mylovedenied writes:

I won't believe it 'till I hear it from Opeth.

Also, if this IS legit, why would Gene be tired? Both bands have a 30-minute set, which would be the size of a full set (if not less).

# Jul 28, 2005 @ 10:36 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

8. Marauder writes:

His drumming sounds amazing on the new album.I really hope the situation isn't too bad(Like say, a drug addiction).If he does depart, I wish him the best of luck.I really hope he does stay in the band though.

# Jul 28, 2005 @ 10:59 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
RememberMetal?'s avatar

Former Contributor

9. RememberMetal? writes:

I can answer post 7.

It's easier to play through one extended set than to play one stop and then play another....Not to mention the incredible and somewhat differnt demands placed on Gene for SYLS sound versus Opeth.....

SYL plays honest to God "songs" 3-6 minutes mostly BUT they're very, very demanding.

Opeth rely somewhat less on the sonic speed drumming, but it's still pretty quick and the "songs" (if you can even call them that) are f***ing EPIC sometimes going on for 15 minutes......It amazes me at all that he knows how to play their songs, let alone can do it right after a set with Townsend and crew.

He's a f***ing saint just for trying.

# Jul 29, 2005 @ 7:40 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
RememberMetal?'s avatar

Former Contributor

10. RememberMetal? writes:

Ha...straight from Mtv.com, yo....

According to a Roadrunner spokesperson, Opeth drummer Martin Lopez has not been fired, but rather, went back to Sweden for treatment of a rare blood disorder he's had for most of his life. Until he returns, the band — currently on the Sounds of the Underground tour — has enlisted Strapping Young Lad drummer Gene Hoglan to fill in for him.

That answers that question.

# Jul 29, 2005 @ 8:27 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

11. Symbolic writes:

haha may sound sad RememberMetal?, but you just put me out of my misery, haha good work!

# Jul 29, 2005 @ 9:10 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
RememberMetal?'s avatar

Former Contributor

12. RememberMetal? writes:

No prob, happy to help.

Thought that might cheer some people up....I was just listening to Blackwater Park yesterday thinking "f***, it'll be a shame if he's "really" fired....." I found comfort in this too. Hope he gets well soon.

# Jul 29, 2005 @ 9:14 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

13. Gandoof writes:

That is definately a relief, hopefully Martin gets all the treatment he needs and makes a good recovery for the sole purpose of him touring the states in support of Ghost Reveries, yeah, I'm selfish.

# Jul 29, 2005 @ 6:23 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

14. Brittney H. writes:

I saw Opeth at SOTU on July 10th and Hoglan played for them then...

# Aug 17, 2005 @ 5:21 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
RememberMetal?'s avatar

Former Contributor

15. RememberMetal? writes:

One of the top 10 metal drummers of all time no less. Hoglan is a metal-god himself......but Martin Lopez is almost as impressive as Danny Carrey of Tool, they are all so impressive it's absurd. Listen to Hoglan on SYL's "Alien" or "City", I nearly had a car accident when I heard "City" the first time.....no joke, almost broad-sided a Honda.....Music that intense should be regulated.

# Aug 17, 2005 @ 6:03 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

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