In fairness Gene Hoglan is one of the older and original speed guys, the sort that I would think the majority of extreme metal drummers look up to as their early inspirations. I would love to have received contact from him, in the faster metal drumming world I think it's fair to call him a legend. I've never heard much of his stuff but his reputation has pre-ceeded him. What happened to Lopez? Isn't he with Opeth anymore? I really liked some of his stuff. As for an endorsement with Zildjian cymbals that doesn't strictly reflect on his playing ability; I have seen big company reps explain how it's not always the best players that get the endorsement, firstly often the ones that will be spreading their name on stage to huge crowds although nowadays it's not quite as relevant. In this case though, it's justified, however that being said I believe it's Sabian that endorse him, along with Pearl drums.