Representative Albums: "Ad Astra," "On Fire," "Another Way to Shine"
Biography
Guitarist Michael Amott is best known for his groove-heavy work in the death metal arena (late-period Carcass, Arch Enemy), but the Spiritual Beggars provided an outlet for his retro hard rock impulses, and in the process became one of the stoner metal movement's best-kept secrets. Amott formed the Beggars in Halmstad, Sweden, and employed a classic power-trio format, featuring bassist/vocalist Spice and drummer Ludwig Witt (who also played with ex-Carcass member Bill Steer's stoner band Firebird). The Spiritual Beggars debuted with a self-titled album in 1994, shortly after Amott departed Carcass. A deal with Music for Nations followed, and the Beggars made their bow on the label with 1996's Another Way to Shine. 1998's Mantra III featured keyboardist Per Wiberg, who became an official member for 2000's Ad Astra. Two years later, Spiritual Beggars put together On Fire for Music for Nations. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
Spiritual Beggars was formed in 1994 by Michael Amott, the band was started as a side project after Michael left the Britishdeath metal band Carcass. Spiritual Beggars debuted with the self titled Spiritual Beggars in 1994, and have since released albums as Michael's schedule permits (who is also the founder and full time member of the melodic death metal band Arch Enemy), including 1996's Another Way to Shine, 1998's Mantra III, 2000's Ad Astra, and 2002's On Fire.
A new album called Demons was released in Japan in March 2005 and in Europe on June 20. Demons was released in two versions – a single CD version and a two-CD version, which includes live material recorded in Japan during 2003.
