Spiritual Demons

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
'spiritual demons' by roxword is spoken word that rocks in a variety of musical and intellectual directions. It moves seamlessly from r & b to jazz to rock to classical to soundscape to new age to music beyond category, all expertly punctuated with the mind-bending poetry of roxword. The disc features 21 original compositions and over 55 minutes of aural and mental stimulation...provocative visions to haunt your inner world and inspire your outer life. roxword is the latest in spoken word.

Tracks:

Inner Strength (Intro)
Throwing Your Life Away
Salt in Your Wounds
One Man Army
Through the Halls
Treading Water
Dying Every Day
Born to Die
Born to Die (Reprise)
In My Blood
Elusive
Sleeping with One Eye Open
No One Heard

Tracks:

Monster Astronauts [Live][*]
Angel of Betrayal [Live][*]
Young Man, Old Soul [Live][*]
Wonderful World [Live][*]
Blind Mountain [Live][*]
Guitar Solo [Live][*]
Look Back [Live][*]
Not Fragile (Jam) [Live][*]

Album Details

Following on from their Massively Successful and Influential 'ad Astra' Album (Which was Released to Critical Acclaim in April 2000), "Spiritual Beggars" Returned in Late 2002 with a New Line-up and Album 'on Fire' which Has Been Certified by Critics the World Over as a Stone-cold Classic Slab of Timeless, Melodic Heavy Rock. "Spiritual Beggars" Are Still One of the Only Classic / Traditional / Groove-laden Rock Bands that Really Walk it Like They Talk It. Includes a Bonus Live CD "Live in Japan (Tokyo, April 18th 2003)".

Customer Reviews:

Fresh Take On Classic Metal, Horribly Overlooked.......2005-12-18

The stoner rock/metal pool is a considerably large one, full of bands venerating the 70's sound of the giants such as Sabbath and Deep Purple. As with most cult genres, there is a lot of rubbish floating about, and often the music is extremely one-dimensional and simply ripps off the sound. Of course there are some real gems around, and certainly "Demons" is a gravely overlooked stroke of genius. For one thing the general feel of the album is far superior to many of the stoner bands. The initial impression of the special edition version is accomplished, dark and refined cover art, recalling the mysterious and tongue-in-cheek stylings of Sabbath. This is wonderfully fresh when you consider the somewhat token art of many stoner bands, such as Bongzilla and Monster Magnet's wacky colours and cover designs. So straight away you get the sense of a "serious" group of musicians trying to professionally re-create the olden metal days with a new twist. And the job is done very admirably.

The first thing that strikes me about this album is the fantastic groove throughout that never at any point becomes tiresome. Too many times these type of bands simply re-hash repetitive riffing, but on "Demons" Amott's guitar writing is spot on. Sumptuous time changes and riff chopping/changing that simply floors you as a listener, making you guess the next direction they will take makes this a display of refined and ultimately skilful playing.

There are plenty of straight up hard rock songs, such as the energetic "Throwing Your Life Away", which acts as a perfect kick-start after the scene-setting intro. The next two tracks are once again simplistic in approach but executed with such energy and power, the chorus to "Salt In Your Wounds" is extremely catchy, and the commanding vocal delivery from JB in "One Man Army" is sure to get your adrenaline going. The last of the simple formula comes in "Treading Water", which while being decent, is possibly the weakest track on the album, as it simply becomes a bit mundane after a few listens.

In between the formulaic (but still very fun) rockers, Amott shows off his writing and playing ability on some absolutely gorgeous pieces. This is mostly in the middle of the album, in the form of "Through The Halls", "Dying Every Day", "Born To Die" and "In My Blood". These songs simply ooze class, mostly in the structure department, for example the dreamy, swimming verse and chorus of "Through The Halls" gives way to a thunderous sludging riff with excellent time changes and flowery guitar work. "Dying Every Day" is perhaps my favourite part of the album, it flows through so many different directions seamlessly, from the adrenaline pumping main riff, the slower dreamy chorus, then (similar to "Through The Halls") into a massively heavy low end riff, some more fine solos, time changes, riff changes...quite simply everything you can desire from a classic metal song. "In My Blood" is definitely the heaviest song on the album; JB's low growly vocals give it a dirty, gritty feeling, complemented perfectly by the most brutal of riffs, a definite killer track. Mention should also go to the fine closer `No One Heard', possibly the darkest song on the album with a fine `bleak' quality that ends a superb album with a fine sophisticated edge.

If you are a fan of the old metal days, giants such as Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Deep Purple etc...then you should seriously consider this album. It is horribly overlooked, but they seem to be getting more recognition with the release of `Demons', which is certainly deserved.

...new spin on "old school" metal..........2005-12-16

...I love this band...why haven't more people heard of them?...all six CD's draw from obvious vintage metal influences and they continue to evolve melodically with each recording..."Demons" and "On Fire" build on more of a classic Deep Purple/UFO/Uriah Heep groove, while maintaining some of the raw riffing of earlier releases...the "Beggars" manage to sound both fresh and familiar at the same time...the 2-cd version of "Demons" contains an extra "Live in Japan" cd...great stuff for those of us who fondly remember the golden days of heavy metal...

A Classic? , its quite possible.......2005-10-23

Demons is the newest addition in Spiritual Beggars catalog, this ensamble founded by ex-carcass Michael Ammott in this offer included Raninbow, Purpple and Dio influences in a interesting way, even Whitesnake similarities can be appreciated (70s Whitesnake, no way 80s Whitesnake), sound is very well structured in all parts , vocals, guitars, bass, drums and keyboards, purpples Jon Lord could have recorded that parts actually, JB s vocal mixture is able to perform like Gillan, or Dio and Coverdale sometimes, production is also awesome, in the spirit of the sound that is searched, Ammott (who is also coproducer) choosed analog tape for the recording sessions, so this warm vibe and mood can be tested in the final result, Demons have all the elements to be considered a classic album in the field of the so called stoner rock, and spiritual beggars have enough potential to become the leaders in the genre
HM

Duojett71.......2005-08-22

This album is a fine return to form from this great Swedish band. I did not think they could top 2002's 'On Fire', but somehow they did! Singer J.B. never falls short of amazing. He has got to be one of the greatest Hard Rock/Metal singers of the day. Michael Ammot's guitar playing is top notch and draws alot from his influences such as Michael Schenker, Robin Trower, and Frank Marino. If you are into Deep Purple and Dio era Rainbow, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this. This along with 'Wolf's Return' by J.B.'s other band Grand Magus are my two picks for best albums of 2005.

Average customer rating:

Demons
Spiritual Beggars
Manufacturer: Inside Out Germany
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Ad Astra
Spiritual Beggars
On Fire
Adagio
Synchestra

ASIN: B0009LNRN2
Release Date: 2005-06-27

Tracks:

Inner Strength (Intro)
Throwing Your Life Away
Salt in Your Wounds
One Man Army
Through the Halls
Treading Water
Dying Every Day
Born to Die
Born to Die (Reprise)
In My Blood
Elusive
Sleeping with One Eye Open
No One Heard

Tracks:

Monster Astronauts [Live][*]
Angel of Betrayal [Live][*]
Young Man, Old Soul [Live][*]
Wonderful World [Live][*]
Blind Mountain [Live][*]
Guitar Solo [Live][*]
Look Back [Live][*]
Not Fragile (Jam) [Live][*]

Album Details

Average customer rating:

Fresh Take On Classic Metal, Horribly Overlooked
Stoner rock meets classic 70's heavy metal

Demons

Manufacturer: Phantom Sound & Vision
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00077D8SC
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Album Description

Includes bonus CD with first pressing. Toys. 2005

Customer Reviews:

Fresh Take On Classic Metal, Horribly Overlooked.......2005-12-18

Stoner rock meets classic 70's heavy metal.......2005-08-09

Anyone who's familiar with Michael Amott through his work with Arch Enemy, Carcass, Carnage, or any othe extreme metal band he played with (Candlemass, Kreator) might be quite surprised upon hearing his second band Spiritual Beggars. This band has been around since 1992 and finds Amott exploring a more groove-laden stoner rock type of music that is somewhat reminiscent of Trouble and the more classic 70's rock bands that run the gamut from Deep Purple to Uriah Heep to Black Sabbath.

Demons is the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2002 release On Fire which was the debut release for current singer JB (Grand Magus). Supporting Amott are his Arch Enemy bandmate Sharlee D'Angelo (formerly of Mercyful Fate and Dismember), new Opeth keyboardist Per Wiberg, and Ludwig Witt on drums. The fact that the lineup hasn't changed for the last couple of years has resulted in a collective musical vision of the band members. The songs are very organic sounding, as if they were parts of jam sessions. Along with the classic 70's rock songs "Throwing Your Life Away" and "Salt in Your Wounds", there are also groove-filled darker cuts in the form of "Dying Every Day" and "Treading Water". Whilst it's Sharlee D'Angelo's throbbing bass work on the more straightforward songs that will catch your attention right away, the stoner tracks see keyboardist Per Wiberg shining. Wiberg uses plenty of Hammond organ sounds that bring Uriah Heep's earlier work to mind during the instrumental workout on the longest song "Dying Every Day". He also incorporates various Deep Purple-like analog keys and marries them with Amott's expressive guitar solos.

Granted there aren't any hits like "Left Brain Ambassadors" or "Killing Time" on Demons, this album is still Spiritual Beggars' darkest and most midtempo sounding work. It also branches out from the classic Beggars sound lending itself to varied influences and experimenting with more uncommon themes such as the pianos blending with exquisite cello and violion work on the short instrumental "Born to Die (reprise)". Older Spiritual Beggars may not get into it on the first listen, but it certainly is worth checking out, especially for Amott's terrific guitar playing and the whole band proving themselves as a tight unit who are eager to pay their influences a nice homage. Last but not least, Fredrik Nordstrom's production work is nothing short of stellar.

(Please note that this review has been written based on the standard edition of the album. There is also a special edititon of Demons that comes with a bonus "Live in Japan" disc featuring eight live tracks from the band's 2003 Tokyo concert.)

Average customer rating:

Poetry in Motion
it just gets better and better
Listen up, drink up.
Spoken Word's Latest...
Please don't adjust your set

Spiritual Demons

Manufacturer: Roxword
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

Spoken Word | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000067843
Release Date: 2002-04-26

Tracks:

Descent Into Paradise
No One But One
Groovy Life
Sober Awakening
White Man's Burden
Another Roadside Attraction
Old Man of the Forest
Good Job
Gridlock Blues
Ecological Logic
Earth To God
Wide Awake In Eden
Return to Grace
Inside Out
Flux
Soul of Physics
Drunken Awakening
Buzzzzzzzen
Timely Awareness
Deathless Death
Immaterial Witness

Album Description

'spiritual demons' by roxword is spoken word that rocks in a variety of musical and intellectual directions. It moves seamlessly from r & b to jazz to rock to classical to soundscape to new age to music beyond category, all expertly punctuated with the mind-bending poetry of roxword. The disc features 21 original compositions and over 55 minutes of aural and mental stimulation...provocative visions to haunt your inner world and inspire your outer life. roxword is the latest in spoken word.

Customer Reviews:

Poetry in Motion.......2004-12-29

Rox takes sharp witty sardonic look at man and brings his charged and challenging use of language to buzzing electric life with original music and unique delivery. Highly recommend this as a reminder to look at yourself, your values then to enjoy what life really is, in his words, from the poem Immaterial Witness:
"exactly perfect in your own imperfection" :-)

it just gets better and better.......2004-01-23

at first i didn't get it. i wasn't listening close enough. by the third time i was hooked.if he's ever in your town make sure you catch his performance. his voice reminds me of a beautiful,soulful,romantic leonard cohen. this man is truly gifted!!

Listen up, drink up........2003-09-23

Saw a few amazing shows in Vancouver this summer, the most electrifying, a night of spoken word with Roxword and Canadian sound poet legend bill bissett. Roxword ranted, whispered and exploded on stage. Haven't experienced something as wild and intoxicating in a long time. Left thirsty for more poetry and whisky or ale, as Roxword resurrected `The Ghost of Dylan Thomas' beautifully. A highlight of the show. Just recently purchased, "Spiritual Demons," a wild ride into the wisdom and humour of this artist. Throw Burroughs, Bill Hicks, Sam Beckett and Duchamp into a petri dish and see Rox emerge, smiling.

Spoken Word's Latest..........2002-08-02

...I'll also be the first to admit, I'm shallow and ordered the CD based on the cover art alone and as part of a creative writing poetry review assignment my college class is working on. When it arrived, I cued him up, poured a wine and started taking notes. Before long, I realized the CD was over and I hadn't taken a note. His words took me to the edge of the universe and back. It was dreamy and well worth putting on once more before falling asleep on the couch. His words fell into my dreams and I woke up smiling. He should be getting lots of airplay with 'Roadside Attraction'. I tried to check out his web site but couldn't get on. Check him out...

Please don't adjust your set.......2002-07-26

I bought roxword's CD solely on the recommendation of a friend, who has recently become a spoken word addict. I have never been much of a poetry fan (although my musical taste has been described as obscure) so I purchased his CD hoping that the conversations with my friend could now change from, 'Have you bought roxword yet?' to something more meaningfull, like, 'You wanna get pissed tonight?' Anyhow, I bought the disc, took a long New Mexico highway drive, and pressed play. Before long, I was lost in his words and his groove and felt like I had just popped a peyote bud. Kept hitting repeat on 'Roadside Attraction' until I was home again. I never got so far away on such a short ride. Now my friends call me up to get drunk and I keep asking them the same question my friend asked me...

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