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—yes, son of Phil Collins and a monster drummer in his own right—sat down with Drumeo to hear Opeth’s “Ghost of Perdition” for the very first time. And the result? A powerful meeting of precision, passion, and prog-metal fury.
But Nic didn’t just listen. He played along. And if you know Opeth, you know this track’s relentless time signature changes and intensity are no walk in the park.
In this Gear Breakdown from the Drumeo YouTube performance, we will take you through the behemoth of a kit, snare, cymbals and heads Nic utilized to conquer the complicated marathon of a song put before him.
For this performance, Nic played on Brandon Toews’ personal Gretsch Broadkaster in a stunning Blue Sparkle finish—an absolute tank of a kit that offered the thunderous response and clarity this song demands.
If you’re looking for something similar, the Gretsch Broadkaster 4-piece Shell Pack (Europe option Renown Maple Studio) will get you part of the way, and will deliver the warm, punchy vintage tone Nic used here—perfect for rock, fusion, and of course… progressive metal. You can piece together the rest at Sweetwater and Thomann.
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’s music, balanced between brutality and beauty, and a masterclass in contrast.
Nic’s tuning choices and head combinations made every note cut through. The setup delivered a punchy low end and articulate highs—perfect for complex meter changes and aggressive fills.
Remo P4 on the kick gave him that clean thud, while the Emperor X on the snare delivered durability and punch—especially necessary when blasting through Opeth’s heaviest moments.
This wasn’t just a playthrough—it was a statement. “Ghost of Perdition” moves through a couple of tricky time signatures, making it the perfect introduction to Nic’s new Drumeo course: 30-Day Odd Time.
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’ve ever wanted to conquer songs like this one—or write your own—this is your chance to learn from someone who’s mastered both pop stadiums and progressive grooves.
Learn more about 30-Day Odd Time here
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 “Ghost of Perdition” like a true pro.
If you want to sharpen your chops and learn to navigate the world of odd-time drumming, check out his new course—then come back and take on Opeth yourself. We’ll be waiting.
You can find everything mentioned in this Gear Breakdown at Sweetwater or Thomann 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 Drumeo, free for 7 Days.
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Drumeo Team - We're professional, award-winning drummers and drum teachers, coaches, recording artists, and content specialists who are passionate about drums and helping drummers around the world. This post was written and/or edited by Brandon Toews, Jared Falk, Dave Atkinson, or another pro on our team (which has a combined 1000+ years of drumming experience). Are you looking for inspiration, education, and support to take your playing to the next level? Join the Drumeo community today!
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