Album Review: Spiritual Beggars - Earth Blues

Zappa reference aside, the phrase “best band you've never heard” seems rather pompous. That said, in the heavy music world, overlooked Swedes Spiritual Beggars fit the bill better than most. Now eight LPs in, their infectious, stoner-ised '70s hard rock nears two decades of spirited homage.

Arch Enemy/ex-Carcass guitarist/linchpin Michael Amott's hook-laden riffs and intricate, Schenker-fuelled leads are these songs' foundation, but heads an all-star line-up. He boasts genuine chemistry with keyboardist Per Wiberg (ex-Opeth), who offers a vintage Rainbow/Deep Purple quality, infusing dizzying melodies but realising when to exercise restraint. Now on his second Beggars album, former Firewind belter Apollo Papathanasio appears decidedly more comfortable, lending a David Coverdale-esque air on occasion. Sharlee D'Angelo (Arch Enemy) and Grand Magus sticksman Ludwig Witt comprise a versatile rhythm section. There's a tangible band vibe, though supergroup considerations never enter the equation because it feels so natural. This record recalls 2000 career high-point Ad Astra, often sounding like one gigantic party jam. Earth Blues is gleefully imperfect; raw and honest, without samples, triggers or other modern studio trickery that suck the life out of many revivalist acts. Sabbath (Turn the Tide, Kingmaker) and Uriah Heep's Hammond swirl are other obvious touchstones; Hello Sorrow's main riff recalls Jailbreak-era Thin Lizzy. There's less of a psychedelic edge this time, but bluesy Sweet Magic Pain and Too Old to Die Young are loaded with groove.

Only touring sporadically, Spiritual Beggars aren't paying any members' bills and thus emanate a rare authenticity. They merely sound like they're revelling in this caper, 'retro rock' trends be damned. Besides, quality music never goes out of style.