Martin Axenrot facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Martin Axenrot
Axenrot with Opeth in 2015
Background information
Birth name	Erik Martin Axenrot
Also known as	Axe, Devastator, Skeleton, Legolas
Born	(1979-03-05) 5 March 1979 (age 46) Linköping, Östergötland, Sweden
Genres	Progressive death metal, death metal, progressive rock, thrash metal, black metal, jazz fusion
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Drums, percussion, guitar, piano, vocals
Years active	1992– present
Associated acts	Opeth, Bloodbath, Witchery, Satanic Slaughter, NCO, Nifelheim, Nathalie Lorichs, Jon Lord

Erik Martin Axenrot, also known as Axe, is a talented Swedish drummer. He was born on March 5, 1979, in Linköping, Sweden. He is most famous for being the drummer for the progressive metal band Opeth from 2005 to 2021. Since 2004, he has also been the drummer for the band Bloodbath.

Martin Axenrot is known for his detailed and complex drumming style. Other musicians, especially those from Opeth, have praised his skills. Mikael Åkerfeldt, Opeth's leader, once said it was "a joy to play with" him. Fans and band members sometimes jokingly call him Legolas, a character from The Lord of the Rings.

Mikael Åkerfeldt also mentioned that Martin finished all his drumming parts for Opeth's album Watershed in just seven days. This shows how skilled and fast he is! Nathalie Lorichs, who sang on the song "Coil" from Watershed, is Martin Axenrot's girlfriend.

Axenrot's Musical Journey

Early Bands and Joining Witchery

Martin Axenrot's second band was called Triumphator. They formed in 1995. Martin was only involved in their demo recording, "The Triumph Of Satan," released in 1996. He left the band after that.

In 1999, Martin became a member of two other bands: Witchery and Nifelheim.

Axenrot with Bloodbath in 2023

Joining Bloodbath and Opeth

In 2004, Martin Axenrot joined Bloodbath as their new drummer. He took over from Dan Swanö, who then focused on playing guitar and writing songs for the band. Martin met Mikael Åkerfeldt through Bloodbath. Mikael rejoined Bloodbath in 2005. Martin said, "Everybody knows everybody" in the Swedish music scene, so he already knew Mikael.

In August 2005, Martin Lopez, Opeth's drummer at the time, had to take a break due to health issues. Opeth needed a temporary drummer. Patrik Jensen suggested Martin Axenrot, who was his bandmate in Witchery. Mikael Åkerfeldt knew Martin from Bloodbath, so he asked him to fill in for five tours. On May 12, 2006, Martin Axenrot officially became Opeth's permanent drummer. Martin Lopez decided not to return to Opeth and focused on his band Soen.

Collaborations and Leaving Opeth

In 2010, Martin Axenrot and Opeth's bassist, Martin Mendez, performed with the famous musician Jon Lord and an orchestra. This special concert took place in Nidarosdomen in Trondheim, Norway.

After 16 years with Opeth, it was announced on November 16, 2021, that Martin Axenrot had left the band. This was due to different ideas about touring. Sami Karppinen then filled in as the drummer for Opeth's North American tour with Mastodon.

Musical Gear

Martin Axenrot uses specific equipment for his drumming. He plays DW Drums, uses Sabian cymbals, Evans drumheads, and Pro Mark drumsticks.

Discography

Martin Axenrot has played on many recordings with different bands. Here are some of them:

See also

In Spanish: Martin Axenrot para niños