Martin Axenrot

Who is Martin Axenrot?

Erik Martin "Axe" Axenrot is a Swedish death metal drummer. Known for his intricate playing style, Axenrot is currently the drummer for the bands Opeth, Bloodbath and Witchery. Axenrot has been jokingly referred to as the The Lord of the Rings character Legolas by band members and fans. "He's kind of pretty, looks like Legolas," remarked Mikael Åkerfeldt who has also named him, "the most confused man I have ever met".

On Blabbermouth.com Åkerfeldt also said that Axenrot completed his drumming part for eleven tracks on the Opeth album 'Watershed' in just seven days. In an interview, Martin said, "Rudiments and technique in general were encouraged by my drum teacher Stig Bendric, who played in the army and with the Norrköping Symphonic Orchestra. He was a huge Buddy Rich fan, and could play really impressive stuff. It made me appreciate the sense of swing when playing".

Axenrot's girlfriend, Nathalie Lorichs, performed vocals on "Coil" on Opeth's Watershed album.