{"id":52955,"date":"2025-05-16T04:45:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T11:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/?p=52955"},"modified":"2025-05-16T08:39:58","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T15:39:58","slug":"gear-breakdown-nic-collins-hears-opeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/gear-breakdown-nic-collins-hears-opeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Gear Breakdown: Nic Collins Hears Opeth For The First Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>What happens when a drummer known for touring with legends like Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics, and Better Strangers hears one of the heaviest progressive death metal tracks of all time?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nic Collins<\/strong>\u2014yes, son of Phil Collins and a monster drummer in his own right\u2014sat down with Drumeo to hear <em>Opeth\u2019s<\/em> &#8220;Ghost of Perdition&#8221; for the very first time. And the result? A powerful meeting of precision, passion, and prog-metal fury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But Nic didn\u2019t just listen. He played along. And if you know Opeth, you know this track\u2019s relentless time signature changes and intensity are no walk in the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PnDe1RnNNn8?si=ocGw6hAWMdCLXwKm\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>In this Gear Breakdown from the Drumeo YouTube performance, we will take you through the behemoth of a <a href=\"#kit\">kit<\/a>, <a href=\"#kit\">snare<\/a>, <a href=\"#cymbals\">cymbals<\/a> and <a href=\"#heads\">heads<\/a> Nic utilized to conquer the complicated marathon of a song put before him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kit\">\ud83e\udd41 The Kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For this performance, Nic played on <strong>Brandon Toews\u2019 personal Gretsch Broadkaster<\/strong> in a stunning Blue Sparkle finish\u2014an absolute tank of a kit that offered the thunderous response and clarity this song demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>14\u201dx24\u201d Bass Drum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>7\u201dx10\u201d &amp; 9\u201dx13\u201d Rack Toms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>16\u201dx16\u201d &amp; 16\u201dx18\u201d Floor Toms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>8\u201d &amp; 10\u201d Gretsch USA Custom Concert Toms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>6\u201d &amp; 10\u201d Remo Roto-Toms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/xLmv55\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">6.5\u201dx14\u201d Bell Brass Snare Drum<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/gretsch_14_x65_usa_bell_brass_snare.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking for something similar, the <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/BnG9PL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gretsch Broadkaster 4-piece Shell Pack<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/gretsch_renown_maple_2016_studio_vp.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe option Renown Maple Studio<\/a>) will get you part of the way, and will deliver the warm, punchy vintage tone Nic used here\u2014perfect for rock, fusion, and of course\u2026 progressive metal. You can piece together the rest at <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/JKjAVE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sweetwater<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/search_dir.html?sw=Gretsch+Toms&amp;smcs=dc14df_10582?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thomann<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cymbals\">\ud83d\udece\ufe0f The Cymbals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nic used a massive and nuanced Sabian setup for this session, blending dark, trashy, and brilliant finishes to full effect. The choice mirrors the sonic complexity of Opeth\u2019s music, balanced between brutality and beauty, and a masterclass in contrast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/dODvnk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10\u201d HHX Splash<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/sabian_hhx_10_splash.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/LK514Y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">12\u201d HHX Splash<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/sabian_hhx12_splash.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/je54Z0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">15\u201d Artisan Hi-Hats<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/sabian_15_hhx_groove_hihat.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe option HHX Groove Hats<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/e1Q2gz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">17\u201d HHX O-zone Crash<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/sabian_17_hhx_complex_o_zone_crash.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/VxQKBE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">18\u201d HHX Chinese<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/gOr7g9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">18\u201d HHX O-zone Crash<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/sabian_18_hhx_evolution_ozone_crash.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/RGLoZb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">19\u201d HHX X-plosion Crash<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/sabian_19_hhxplosion_crash.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/QjGXAo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">19\u201d HHX Complex Thin Crash<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/sabian_19_hhx_complex_thin_crash.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/je54QP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">20\u201d HHX Complex Thin Crash<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/sabian_20_hhx_complex_thin_crash.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/APAQRo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">21\u201d AA Holy China<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/sabian_21_vault_chad_smith_holy_chin.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/19gkZ9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">22\u201d HHX Legacy Ride<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/sabian_22_hhx_legacy_ride.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"heads\">\ud83e\udd41 The Heads &#8211; Remo \ud83d\udc51<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nic\u2019s tuning choices and head combinations made every note cut through. The setup delivered a punchy low end and articulate highs\u2014perfect for complex meter changes and aggressive fills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kick:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/BnG9Ry\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clear Powerstroke P4<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/remo_18_powerstroke_4_clear.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Concert Toms (8\u201d &amp; 10\u201d):<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/bOqKjv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clear Diplomat<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/search_dir.html?sw=Remo+Clear+Diplomat&amp;smcs=dc14df_10607?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rack Toms (10\u201d &amp; 13\u201d):<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/2ageV7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clear Emperor<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/search_dir.html?sw=Remo+Clear+Emperor&amp;smcs=dc14df_9670?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>) over <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/4GLAgn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clear Ambassador<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/search_dir.html?sw=Remo+Clear+Ambassador&amp;smcs=dc14df_1615?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Floor Toms (16\u201d &amp; 18\u201d):<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/2ageV7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clear Emperor<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp\/wp-admin\/post.php?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/search_dir.html?sw=Remo+Clear+Emperor&amp;smcs=dc14df_9670?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a><\/a>) over <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/YRjY2P\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clear Pinstripe<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/search_dir.html?sw=Remo+Clear+Pinstripe&amp;smcs=dc14df_1536?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Snare:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/7aDV1g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Coated Emperor X<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/search_dir.html?sw=Remo+Coated+Emperor+X&amp;smcs=dc14df_9314?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>) over <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/4GLAgn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clear Ambassador<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp\/wp-admin\/post.php?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/search_dir.html?sw=Remo+Clear+Ambassador&amp;smcs=dc14df_1615?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a><\/a>) Snare Side<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Roto-Toms:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/qz0vOY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clear CS Black Dot<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/search_dir.html?sw=Remo+Clear+CS+Black+Dot&amp;smcs=dc14df_12798?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remo P4 on the kick gave him that clean thud, while the Emperor X on the snare delivered durability and punch\u2014especially necessary when blasting through Opeth\u2019s heaviest moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udd5e 30-Day Odd Time With Nic Collins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This wasn\u2019t just a playthrough\u2014it was a statement. \u201cGhost of Perdition\u201d moves through a couple of tricky time signatures, making it the perfect introduction to Nic\u2019s new Drumeo course: <strong>30-Day Odd Time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the course, Nic teaches drummers how to not just survive but thrive in time signatures like 5\/4, 7\/8, and beyond. If you\u2019ve ever wanted to conquer songs like this one\u2014or write your own\u2014this is your chance to learn from someone who\u2019s mastered both pop stadiums and progressive grooves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Drummer Therapy (w\/ Nic Collins)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yr2q2avgVto?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/30-day-odd-time\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Learn more about 30-Day Odd Time here<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Verdict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Watching Nic Collins tackle Opeth for the first time is a rare treat. His command of dynamics, attention to phrasing, and ability to adapt on the fly show just how versatile he is. And with a monstrous kit and cymbal arsenal at his fingertips, Nic took on the rhythmic labyrinth of &#8220;Ghost of Perdition&#8221; like a true pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to sharpen your chops and learn to navigate the world of odd-time drumming, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/drumshop\/30-day-odd-time\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">check out his new course<\/a>\u2014then come back and take on Opeth yourself. We\u2019ll be waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/14134117\/2025-01-12-Drumeo-Nic-Collins-Day-3-Blue-Backdrop-123-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-52960\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/14134117\/2025-01-12-Drumeo-Nic-Collins-Day-3-Blue-Backdrop-123-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/14134117\/2025-01-12-Drumeo-Nic-Collins-Day-3-Blue-Backdrop-123-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/14134117\/2025-01-12-Drumeo-Nic-Collins-Day-3-Blue-Backdrop-123-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/14134117\/2025-01-12-Drumeo-Nic-Collins-Day-3-Blue-Backdrop-123-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/14134117\/2025-01-12-Drumeo-Nic-Collins-Day-3-Blue-Backdrop-123-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find everything mentioned in this Gear Breakdown at <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/e1Q2aO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sweetwater<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomannmusic.com\/?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thomann<\/a> if you are overseas. If this video lit a spark to start drumming (or sharpen your chops), take the next step and click the link to try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/trial?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=&amp;utm_term=drumeo&amp;utm_campaign=niccollinsopeth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Drumeo, free for 7 Days.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>*This article contains affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission from the product seller if you make a purchase. For more info, check out our<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/privacy#affiliate-disclosure\"><em> privacy page.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What happens when a drummer known for touring with legends like Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics, and Better Strangers hears one of the heaviest progressive death metal tracks of all time? Nic Collins\u2014yes, son of Phil Collins and a monster drummer in his own right\u2014sat down with Drumeo to hear Opeth\u2019s &#8220;Ghost of Perdition&#8221; for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":174,"featured_media":52958,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4019,4020],"tags":[4013,4093,4082,4104,4105],"class_list":["post-52955","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drummers","category-gear","tag-brandon-toews","tag-drumeo-youtube","tag-gear-breakdown","tag-nic-collins","tag-opeth"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52955","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/174"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52955"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52955\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52974,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52955\/revisions\/52974"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52958"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52955"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}