Spiritual Beggars

by Steve Huey 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 movements 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 Steers 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 1996s Another Way to Shine. 1998s Mantra III featured keyboardist Per Wiberg, who became an official member for 2000s Ad Astra. Two years later, Spiritual Beggars put together On Fire for Music for Nations.