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Michael Amott
Michael Amott
Michael Amott
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Key Information

Michael Amott (born 28 July 1969) is a Swedish guitarist, founding member of the metal bands Arch Enemy, Spiritual Beggars and Carnage, as well as a former member of Carcass. He is the older brother of Christopher Amott.

Amott was ranked No. 74 out of 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time by Guitar World.[2]

Biography

[edit]
Amott performing with Arch Enemy in 2010

Amott was born in Halmstad, Sweden, to a British father and Swedish mother. Soon after his birth the family moved to England where Amott lived the first five years of his life, after which they moved back to Sweden.[3]

Amott co-formed the death metal band Carnage in 1988 with singer Johan Liiva, and released two widely traded cassette demos, gaining instant underground interest. Plagued by constant lineup changes, Carnage eventually recorded their only album Dark Recollections with Amott as the sole original member, but by the time the album came out on Necrosis records in 1990, the band was broken up.[4]

Soon afterwards, Amott was recruited by Carcass in 1990, and released the seminal album Necroticism – Descanting the Insalubrious in 1991. The band would go on to release their highest selling album, Heartwork (Columbia/Sony), in 1993, helping to define what is now known as melodic death metal.

Amott left Carcass in 1993, and decided to form a classic rock influenced band, Spiritual Beggars. The band released their debut album Spiritual Beggars in 1994, which led to a European record deal with Music for Nations, who released Another Way to Shine in 1996.

Still heavily into extreme metal, Amott formed a new melodic death metal project in the same vein as Carcass, whose Heartwork album was now considered a death metal masterpiece. Amott contacted original Carnage vocalist Johan Liiva, as well as his younger brother Christopher Amott, who was attending music school at the time, and put together Arch Enemy. Featuring then session drummer Daniel Erlandsson, the band's first album Black Earth was originally intended to be a one-off project, but the album's first single, "Bury Me An Angel" received unexpected airplay on Japan's MTV Rocks! program, and in 1997 Arch Enemy was signed by major Japanese label Toy's Factory, and invited to tour Japan. Amott decided to put a full band together, recruiting drummer Peter Wildoer (Darkane), and bassist Martin Bengtsson.

After the Japanese tour, Amott returned to Spiritual Beggars and released Mantra III early in 1998, now featuring Per Wiberg on keyboards. In April the same year, Arch Enemy returned with Stigmata, their first album released outside Japan, now on Century Media records. The album would prove to be a critical success, and Arch Enemy toured for the better part of the year. Later the same year Amott also contributed guitars to the Candlemass album Dactylis Glomerata.

Amott with Spiritual Beggars at the Rockharz Open Air 2016 in Germany

Arch Enemy returned in 1999 with Burning Bridges and Burning Japan Live 1999 which would prove to be Johan Liiva's last recording with the band. Amott went on to release Ad Astra with Spiritual Beggars in 2000, then returned to Arch Enemy, and recruited amateur German vocalist Angela Gossow to replace Liiva in 2000. Arch Enemy released Wages of Sin in 2001, and propelled by the new frontwoman, the band achieved new worldwide success. Arch Enemy toured worldwide in support of Wages of Sin, and Amott did not return to his Spiritual Beggars project until late 2002, releasing On Fire, again on Music for Nations. In 2003, Arch Enemy released Anthems of Rebellion, again on Century Media, and for the first time, Arch Enemy received US MTV airplay with the video for "We Will Rise". The band would reach new heights in popularity worldwide, and toured constantly until the release of 2005s Doomsday Machine. Amott returned once again to Spiritual Beggars in 2005, releasing the album Demons.

He has also performed guest guitar solos on the following recordings:

In 2006, Amott made his voice acting debut when he appeared on the Adult Swim show Metalocalypse. In the episode "Snakes 'n Barrels", he voiced scientist Dr. Amomolith Chesterfield and Snakes 'n Barrels bassist Antonio Tony DiMarco Thunderbottom, who would end up getting his memory erased during the first song of their reunion show. Amott returned for more voice acting in the second season of Metalocalypse in the episode "Snakes n' Barrels II" (Part 1 and 2).

In 2007, Arch Enemy released Rise of the Tyrant on Century Media and embarked on a world tour dubbed "World Tyranny".

In 2008, Amott joined the re-united Carcass and toured with them extensively in Europe, North America, South America, Australia, South Africa and Japan until the summer of 2010.

Today, Amott is busy touring the world with Arch Enemy on the band's current Will to Power touring cycle. Amott has also sporadically returned to Spiritual Beggars for the "Return To Zero" (2010), "Earth Blues" (2013) and "Sunrise to Sundown" albums and tours.

Personal life

[edit]

Amott has been a vegetarian since the age of 14.[5][6] He is a self-taught guitar player. He dated former band member Angela Gossow (at one point being engaged to marry her in 2003), but the two are no longer together after thirteen years and still remain friends.[7]

Guitar style and influences

[edit]

Amott began playing guitar as a young teenager, learning to play by copying hardcore punk and heavy metal out of his record collection. His guitar style is characterized by extensive use of pentatonic-based phrasing and a pronounced, expressive application of the wah pedal. Amott's guitar style was influenced by lead guitarists such as Michael Schenker, Uli Jon Roth, Gary Moore and Frank Marino, and also by rhythm guitarists such as James Hetfield, Dave Mustaine, Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. He has also cited Tony Iommi and Ritchie Blackmore as early inspirations, and noted that bands associated with the traditional heavy metal movement such as Judas Priest, Saxon, Motörhead and Accept, helped shape his overall musical direction.[8][9][10]

Equipment

[edit]

Guitars

[edit]
  • Dean Michael Amott Signature Tyrant Bloodstorm (2009)[11]
  • Dean Michael Amott Tyrant Signature Battle Axe Custom Graphic[12]
  • Dean Schenker Flame V (2008)[13]
  • ESP 2008 Ninja (used in the Black Crusade Tour '07/08; 2 versions, one with Floyd Rose tremolo, also 24 frets and 24.75 scale)
  • ESP Michael Amott Ninja V[14]
  • ESP AV-310MA Flying V models (previous signature model only available in Japan, discontinued)
  • ESP Custom F-Series model (seen in Arch Enemy Live Apocalypse DVD)
  • ESP Vintage Plus (seen in the Spiritual Beggars "Killing Time" promotional video)
  • Ibanez RG 550 Road Flare Red (no longer used. Used in Carcass 1990–1992)
  • Fernandes "Burny" Les Paul Custom (White, used 1996–1999, featured in the Arch Enemy video 'The Immortal')
  • Fernandes "Burny" Les Paul Custom (Black, used 1996–1999.)

The 'Tyrant' series is similar to his previous ESP Signature V's, but does feature some differences from them. The 'Tyrant' series features a customized V body shape, Dean's traditional headstock shape, custom graphics and custom pearl Valknut inlays. The 'Tyrant' series are equipped with Dean USA Pickups: a Michael Amott signature humbucker in the bridge and a Time Capsule humbucker in the neck. The guitar has 22 frets.[15]

Amps

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  • Marshall JVM410H[16]
  • Marshall JCM800 2205 50w[16]
  • Marshall JCM2000 (Khaos Legions tour)
  • Randall MTS Series RM100 with Ultra XL modules (Rise of the Tyrant)
  • Peavey 5150 (previously used)

Effects

[edit]
  • Morley Pedals Morley Michael Amott Signature Mini Wah
  • Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
  • DigiTech GSP1101 (Multi effects processor)

Other

[edit]

Guitar Rig and Signal Flow

[edit]

A detailed gear diagram of Michael Amott's 2006 Arch Enemy guitar rig is well-documented.[17]

Bands

[edit]
  • Disaccord (guitars, 1983–1984 and 1986–1988)
  • Carnage (guitars, 1988–1990) (founding member)
  • Carcass (guitars, 1990–1993; re-union shows in 2008–2010)
  • Spiritual Beggars (guitars, 1994–) (founding member)
  • Arch Enemy (guitars, 1996–) (founding member)
  • Candlemass (guitars, 1997) (studio musician)

Discography

[edit]

Carnage

[edit]

Carcass

[edit]

Spiritual Beggars

[edit]
  • Spiritual Beggars (1994)
  • Another Way to Shine (1996)
  • Mantra III (1998)
  • Ad Astra (2000)
  • On Fire (2002)
  • Live Fire! (2005, DVD)
  • Demons (2005)
  • Return to Zero (2010)
  • Return to Live (2011)
  • Earth Blues (2013)
  • Sunrise to Sundown (2016)

Arch Enemy

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Black Earth

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  • Black Earth "20 Years of Dark Insanity: Japan Tour 2016" DVD + 2-CD (2017)
  • Black Earth "Path of the Immortal" (2019)
  • Black Earth "20 Years of Dark Insanity: Japan Tour 2016" Blu-ray (2019)

Guest appearances

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Michael Amott

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael Amott (born 28 July 1969) is a Swedish guitarist and songwriter renowned for his contributions to melodic death metal and extreme metal genres. He is best known as the founding member and primary guitarist of the band Arch Enemy, which he established in 1995 following his tenure with influential acts like Carcass. Amott's career, spanning over three decades, has also included founding roles in Carnage and Spiritual Beggars, as well as significant work with Carcass, where he helped shape the melodic death metal sound through albums like Heartwork (1993). Amott's early career began in the late 1980s with the band Carnage, contributing to their 1990 debut album Dark Recollections and establishing his reputation for intricate guitar work in the underground metal scene. After Carnage's 1990 album, he joined the British pioneers Carcass in 1990, where he played a key role in their evolution toward melodic elements, departing in 1993 to pursue new projects. In 1992, Amott co-founded , a classic rock-influenced outfit that has released nine albums, providing a contrast to his heavier endeavors and showcasing his versatility as a musician. Under Amott's leadership, rose to international prominence in the 2000s with albums such as (2001) and (2003), blending aggressive riffs with soaring melodies and featuring vocalists like and . The band's enduring success includes their 12th studio album Blood Dynasty in 2025, marking their 30th anniversary and solidifying Amott's influence on modern metal. His signature style, drawing from influences like , , and pioneers, has earned him recognition as a pivotal figure in innovation.

Early life

Childhood and family

Michael Amott was born on July 28, 1969, in , Sweden, to a British father and Swedish mother. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to , where Amott lived until the age of 5. In 1974, the family returned to , Sweden, fostering Amott's bicultural identity shaped by both English and Swedish cultural influences. Amott has a younger brother, , who later became a and joined him as a bandmate in .

Musical influences and beginnings

Michael Amott's introduction to heavy metal came in the early 1980s, when he discovered influential bands such as , UFO, and Scorpions, which ignited his passion for the genre's powerful riffs and soaring guitar work. Growing up in , , after moving there from at a young age, this exposure to international heavy metal sounds shaped his early musical tastes, fostering an openness to diverse styles beyond local traditions. Around the age of 13, Amott began teaching himself to play guitar without formal lessons, drawing inspiration from his record collection of heavy metal and albums. He practiced by emulating the techniques of his favorite guitarists, honing basic skills through trial and error in his hometown. This self-directed approach allowed him to experiment freely with electric guitars. In the mid-1980s, Amott immersed himself in Sweden's burgeoning local metal scene, connecting with like-minded enthusiasts through informal gatherings and the underground practice of tape trading demos and recordings. This network in and nearby areas provided access to rare international metal tapes, fueling his growth and helping him refine his playing amid a vibrant, DIY community of emerging musicians.

Musical career

Carnage (1988–1990)

In 1988, Michael Amott co-founded the death metal band Carnage in , , alongside vocalist , with the lineup soon incorporating future Dismember members such as drummer Fred Estby and guitarist David Blomqvist. Initially named Global Carnage, the band quickly dropped the prefix and established itself as a key early player in the scene, drawing from influences while forging a distinct raw edge. Amott served as lead guitarist, contributing heavily to the band's two 1989 demo recordings—"Infestation of Evil" and "The Day Man Lost..."—which showcased aggressive, underground appeal and circulated widely in tape-trading circles. These efforts culminated in the band's sole album, Dark Recollections, released in 1990 via and recorded at Sunlight Studios in . Amott's guitar work on the album emphasized raw riffs, characterized by the buzzsaw tone of the pedal, which became emblematic of the early sound—frantic, unpolished, and heavily riff-driven. Carnage disbanded in 1990 shortly after the album's release, amid lineup instability as members pursued other projects. This period marked Amott's entry into , paving the way for his subsequent role in Carcass as a natural progression within the genre.

Carcass (1990–1993)

Michael Amott joined the British band Carcass in 1990, having recently recorded with Carnage on their debut album Dark Recollections earlier that year, after receiving an invitation from the band to relocate to and contribute to their evolving sound. His early involvement focused on live performances, including supporting tours for Carcass's 1989 album , where he helped expand the band's stage presence as a four-piece unit alongside , Jeff Walker, and . These tours marked Amott's introduction to international audiences, including opening slots for on their Spiritual tour in the United States, solidifying his role in transitioning Carcass from raw toward more structured . Amott's studio debut came with Carcass's third album, (1991), where he co-wrote two tracks and provided guitar solos that added melodic contrast to the band's technical aggression, such as the relatively fluid solo in "Incarnated Solvent Abuse." His contributions helped refine Carcass's sound, blending intricate riffs with emerging harmonic elements while maintaining the gore-themed lyrics and complex structures that defined their evolution from earlier roots. During this period, Amott participated in key live outings, including the 1992 Gods of Grind tour, which showcased the band's growing technical prowess and Amott's dual-guitar interplay with Steer. On (1993), Amott played a pivotal role by co-writing six of the ten songs with Steer, introducing prominent melodic guitar harmonies and tuneful leads that shifted Carcass toward what would become a blueprint for , exemplified in tracks like "Buried Dreams." His harmonized solos and riff contributions emphasized accessibility without sacrificing intensity, marking a significant departure from the band's prior brutality. Amott performed at events like the 1993 Full of Hate Festival in before departing shortly after the album's recording. Amott left Carcass in 1993 amid creative differences, particularly his growing interest in melody and blues-influenced rock, which led him to form ; bandmates Walker and Steer ultimately asked him to exit before the tour, with Mike Hickey stepping in as replacement. This tenure with Carcass, spanning three years, laid foundational elements for Amott's later melodic style in .

Spiritual Beggars (1992–present)

Michael Amott founded in 1992 as a alongside his commitments to Carcass, drawing on his passion for 1970s and stoner influences to create a more groove-oriented outlet. The band, initially comprising Amott on guitar, Christian "Spice" Sjöstrand on vocals and bass, and Ludwig Witt on drums, debuted with their self-titled album in 1994 via Wrong Again Records, establishing a raw stoner metal sound rooted in psychedelic riffs and bluesy undertones. The band's evolution became evident with subsequent releases, such as Another Way to Shine in 1996 on , which refined their blend of heavy metal aggression and melodies, incorporating organ-driven grooves reminiscent of and . By the time of Earth Blues in 2010 on InsideOut Music, had deepened this fusion, emphasizing blues-rock riffing and layers to evoke the earthy, expansive feel of 1970s icons while maintaining a modern stoner edge. Amott has remained the driving creative force as primary songwriter and lead guitarist throughout, shaping the band's direction amid various lineup shifts, including the addition of keyboardist in 1998 and bassist in 2004. In contrast to the intense melodic death metal of Arch Enemy, Spiritual Beggars provides Amott a platform for more laid-back, psychedelic explorations. The band continued this trajectory with Sunrise to Sundown in 2016, featuring vocalist Apollo Papathanasio and focusing on concise, hook-laden songs that balance heaviness and . Recent activity has included the release of the single "Gift of God" on November 12, 2025, retrospective releases, and interviews where Amott affirms the project's ongoing vitality, with the group prioritizing occasional live performances and archival reissues.

Arch Enemy (1995–present)

Michael Amott founded in 1995 following his departure from Carcass in 1993, seeking to pursue a vision of that built on his experiences in the UK scene. The band released its debut , Black Earth, in 1996 through Wrong Again Records, establishing Amott as the primary songwriter and guitarist responsible for the group's signature blend of aggressive riffs and harmonized leads. This sound drew melodic elements from Amott's Carcass era, particularly the cleaner guitar tones explored on Heartwork. Arch Enemy achieved broader recognition with subsequent albums, including Wages of Sin in 2001, which marked a commercial breakthrough via , and War Eternal in 2014, featuring expanded production and thematic depth. The band's vocalist lineup evolved significantly: original frontman fronted the group from 1996 to 2000, followed by from 2001 to 2014, whose growling delivery defined the mid-period sound, and current singer Alissa White-Gluz joining in 2014 to bring a mix of harsh vocals and melodic cleans. These shifts influenced the band's trajectory, with each era reflecting Amott's consistent role in crafting intricate guitar work amid lineup flux. Amott's younger brother, , co-founded the band in 1995 and contributed to its dual-guitar attack until leaving in 2005, rejoining briefly from 2007 to 2012 to reinforce the twin guitar harmonies that became a hallmark of Arch Enemy's style. These harmonies, often featuring synchronized leads and neoclassical phrasing, were central to albums like (1998) and . Christopher's intermittent involvement underscored the familial core of the project, though the band has adapted with various guitarists since his full departure. In 2025, released its twelfth studio album, Blood Dynasty, on , celebrating the band's 30th anniversary with a return to raw, aggressive roots while incorporating experimental elements in the songwriting process. Amott discussed the creative process in interviews, emphasizing authenticity and boundary-pushing despite the challenges of lineup stability. The album's promotion included singles like "Dream Stealer" and a North American headline tour starting April 14 in , supported by , , and Thrown into Exile.

Other projects and activities

In addition to his primary musical endeavors, Michael Amott has contributed to the metal scene through production roles on select s. He served as and engineer for Furbowl's debut Those Shredded Dreams in 1992, providing a polished sound to the band's heavy metal tracks. Similarly, Amott produced Armageddon's in 1997, a side project featuring Carcass alumni, where he shaped the arrangements alongside his guitar work. Amott has maintained ties to his early band Carnage through non-performance projects, including supervising the remastering of their demo anthology Crema Insanity in the early , ensuring high-fidelity preservation of the original 1988–1990 recordings for later releases. Beyond recording, Amott actively engages with the metal community via participation in major festivals and instructional sessions. He has performed at events like in 2008 as part of , contributing to the event's lineup of heavy metal acts. Additionally, Amott shares guitar techniques through rig rundowns and interviews, such as his 2022 discussion on gear setups for Deceivers, offering insights into his tone and effects preferences for aspiring players. In a March 25, 2025, feature, Amott reflected on his , emphasizing his underground metal roots: "I grew up in the underground metal scene. It’s a ... I have a lot of fondness for the underground." He discussed Arch Enemy's evolution over 30 years, from small clubs to arenas holding 8,000–9,000 fans, while expressing reluctance to pursue commercial mainstream success, stating, "It’s cool to reach more people, but I don’t want to go ‘commercial.’" These retrospectives highlight his enduring commitment to metal's subcultural essence amid ongoing tours.

Personal life

Family relationships

Michael Amott shares a close professional and personal bond with his younger brother, , born in 1977, with whom he co-founded the melodic death metal band in 1995 alongside vocalist and drummer . The brothers have collaborated extensively in , where Christopher served as rhythm guitarist from its until 2005, rejoined in 2007, and departed again in 2012 to pursue other projects before returning briefly in later years; Michael has described their working relationship as strong and mutually supportive, noting in a 2005 interview that Christopher contributed significantly to albums like both as a performer and mixer. This sibling partnership extends beyond , with Christopher occasionally guesting on Michael's other projects, reflecting ongoing family encouragement in their musical endeavors. In the early 2000s, Amott was in a serious romantic relationship with , who joined as lead vocalist in 2000 and remained with the band until 2014; the couple, together for at least three years by 2003, kept their personal involvement private amid public speculation, though Amott publicly acknowledged it in interviews during that period. Details about Amott's current marital status or any children remain limited in public records, as he has consistently prioritized privacy regarding his beyond professional family ties.

Residence and hobbies

Michael Amott previously resided in , , where he maintained a long-term presence since his early years. This hometown connection keeps him tied to the local metal scene, as —formed there in —frequently records albums in Halmstad studios to leverage the familiar environment and community. In his personal time, Amott has expressed that music remains his primary passion and effectively his only hobby, stemming from a lifelong dedication to guitar playing that began in his teens. For relaxation away from heavy metal, he listens to non-metal artists like , appreciating their melodic style as a contrast to his professional output. This downtime helps him recharge amid Arch Enemy's demanding touring schedule.

Guitar playing style

Techniques and approach

Michael Amott's guitar playing is characterized by a distinctive wide , which contributes to the expressive, quality of his leads and allows for sustained, emotive note delivery in contexts. This technique, often paired with pentatonic and Aeolian scales, forms the backbone of his soloing and melodic phrasing, drawing from classic heavy metal traditions to create memorable, hook-driven lines rather than relying on rapid technical displays. In composition and performance, Amott emphasizes melodic solos that prioritize emotional resonance over sheer speed, contrasting with the genre's more shred-oriented approaches. His riffing style features "sledgehammer" rhythms—heavy, pounding downstrokes that drive the aggressive foundation of tracks—while twin guitar harmonies with bandmates like his brother add layered, symphonic depth to songs, enhancing their anthemic quality. Amott employs a soft picking approach for greater control and nuance, enabling him to navigate dynamic ranges without excessive aggression, which supports both precise execution and fluid lead transitions. In live settings, he adopts an improvisational style, spontaneously developing solos and adapting to the band's energy, ensuring performances remain fresh and responsive to the moment. This method is facilitated by high-gain amplifier setups that provide the saturated tone essential to his sound.

Key influences

Michael Amott's guitar playing draws heavily from classic heavy metal pioneers, emphasizing melodic phrasing and riff structures over technical virtuosity. His primary influence is of UFO and Scorpions, whose expressive pentatonic and Aeolian-based licks, combined with signature wah-wah tone, shaped Amott's approach to . Amott has cited Schenker as a key figure from the who elevated guitar playing during his formative years, influencing his choice of modeled after Schenker's designs. Another major inspiration is of , particularly for riffing and song structure. Amott admired Mustaine's work on albums like Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?, which helped him develop his lead techniques within aggressive, riff-driven compositions. This influence is evident in Amott's tight, dynamic rhythm work that blends speed with melodic hooks. Early inspirations include of , whose pioneering downtuned riffs and heavy tone laid the foundation for Amott's riffing style, as seen in his appreciation for Paranoid as the genesis of heavy metal. Similarly, Iron Maiden's guitarists, such as Adrian Smith, impacted Amott through their complex harmonies and modal minor runs, fostering his passion for technically proficient yet emotionally resonant music. These elements briefly inform the dual-guitar harmonies in . Amott deliberately avoids neo-classical styles, such as , in favor of classic heavy metal phrasing rooted in pentatonic and Aeolian scales, distinguishing his sound from more shred-oriented players like his brother .

Equipment

Guitars

Michael Amott's guitar choices have evolved significantly throughout his career, reflecting shifts in musical style and technological advancements in instrument design. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, during his tenure with Carnage and Carcass, Amott relied on models, which were common in the burgeoning scene for their affordability, playability, and suitability for high-speed riffing and solos. These guitars, often modified for heavier tunings, helped define the raw, aggressive sound of albums like Carcass's Necroticism – Descending into Total Transparency. With the formation of Arch Enemy in 1996, Amott sought instruments tailored to melodic death metal's demands for clarity and sustain, leading to his long-term endorsement with ESP. His signature Ninja series, launched around 2006, includes the USA-made ESP Ninja V and the more accessible LTD Ninja 600, both featuring a distinctive V-shaped body with sharp points and a rounded central section for ergonomic balance during extended performances. Constructed with a mahogany body (quilted maple top on higher-end versions), three-piece set mahogany neck, bound 22-fret ebony fingerboard, and Floyd Rose locking tremolo, these guitars prioritize stability in drop tunings like C standard. Standard pickups are Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge for cutting highs and tight lows, paired with a '59 in the neck for warmer leads, though Amott has occasionally used EMG 81/85 active humbuckers in custom or modified versions for enhanced gain and reduced noise in live settings. In later Arch Enemy work, particularly from the mid-2010s onward, Amott incorporated 7-string guitars to explore extended range riffing without detuning 6-strings excessively, though the band maintains a core preference for 6-string instruments to preserve melodic focus. Examples include Dean's Michael Amott Tyrant X, a 7-string model with basswood body, bolt-on neck, jatoba , and high-output humbuckers, used selectively on albums like for tracks requiring deeper lows. This shift marked a departure from his earlier ESP exclusives, as Amott transitioned to Dean signatures around 2009 for their versatile metal designs. For , Amott's and project since 1992, he opts for Les Paul-style guitars to achieve warm, vintage-inspired tones with rich overdrive. Early recordings featured a 1970s for its lightweight feel and single-cutaway access.

Amplifiers

Throughout his career, Michael Amott has favored Marshall amplifiers for their versatile gain structures, particularly in his work with . The Marshall JVM410H, a 100-watt all-tube head with four independent channels, serves as his primary amplifier for live performances and recordings, allowing seamless transitions between clean, crunch, and high-gain overdrive tones essential for . This setup's high-gain channels help achieve the aggressive, mid-focused sound characteristic of . In the mid-2000s, Amott collaborated with Randall on signature amplifiers tailored to his heavy riffing style. The Randall MTS Series RM100 head, equipped with Ultra XL modules for customizable preamp voicings, was used during the recording of Arch Enemy's 2007 album Rise of the Tyrant. Later, the Randall V2 Ninja, his official signature model released in 2008, featured a hybrid design with an all-tube channel for enhanced overdrive and programmability, reflecting his input on achieving precise metal tones. For his stoner rock project , Amott has incorporated amplifiers suited to warmer, cleaner sounds while maintaining rock edge, though specific models vary by album era. Earlier rigs included heads for dynamic response in heavier passages. Amott's cabinet configurations consistently emphasize 4x12 enclosures for projection and low-end punch, typically loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers known for their articulate mids and tight bass response. These setups pair with his heads to deliver the full-spectrum tone required for both studio and stage applications across his bands.

Effects pedals

Michael Amott maintains a minimalist effects pedal setup, emphasizing to support his aggressive, high-gain guitar sound in death metal contexts. His pedalboard typically features only a select few units essential for tone shaping and performance reliability, eschewing elaborate modulation or time-based effects in favor of core tools that integrate seamlessly with his amplifier's . A cornerstone of Amott's early sound is the Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal pedal, renowned for its heavy distortion and midrange boost that produce the iconic "buzzsaw" tone characteristic of Swedish death metal. He employed this pedal on Carnage's 1990 album Dark Recollections, where it helped define the band's raw, chainsaw-like guitar riffing. For live performances, Amott relies on the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor to manage feedback and hum generated by high-gain setups, ensuring clean signal paths during intense palm-muted riffs and solos. This pedal's gating function is crucial for maintaining clarity in the dense, fast-paced arrangements of bands like Arch Enemy. Amott incorporates the Dunlop Cry Baby Wah for dynamic lead work, adding vocal-like sweeps and expressiveness to his melodic phrases without overpowering the core tone. Models such as the signature variant have appeared in his rig, providing a versatile sweep range suited to metal's soaring harmonics. Overall, Amott's avoidance of complex delays, choruses, or other modulations underscores his preference for a straightforward pedalboard that prioritizes reliability and tonal purity over experimentation.

Signal chain

Michael Amott's signal chain emphasizes a straightforward, high-gain path that captures the aggressive, harmonized tones central to Arch Enemy's sound, with variations for live and studio contexts. In typical recording setups, the flow begins with the guitar feeding into a tuner and to ensure clean tuning and eliminate unwanted hum, followed by the Heavy Metal pedal for its signature chainsaw-like , which has been a staple since early works like Carnage's Dark Recollections. From there, the signal proceeds to an amplifier head—often an Engl—miked through a cabinet or captured via (IR) for digital processing, allowing flexibility in mixing. For live performances, Amott employs a wet/dry/wet configuration to achieve wide , particularly for dual guitar harmonies with his brother . The dry signal runs center stage through a clean amp stack for direct attack and clarity, while left and right wet stacks incorporate effects like delay and reverb—routed via a system such as the Providence PEC-2—for spatial depth, with the overall blend controlled at the front of house to maintain punch in large venues. This setup, which starts with the guitar into a Boss TU-2 tuner before splitting to effects and amps like dual Krank Krankenstein heads powering Celestion Vintage 30-loaded cabinets, enables the brothers' interlocking riffs to envelop the audience without muddiness. In recent years, including adaptations for the 2025 Blood Dynasty tour, Amott has integrated digital modeling units like the Kemper Profiler for enhanced reliability, serving as both a primary tone source and backup to analog rigs during extensive global travel. This hybrid approach mitigates risks from equipment failure while preserving the organic feel of tube amps. For studio work on albums like Deceivers, he favors direct injection (DI) methods, recording a clean signal through plugins or Kemper for initial rhythms, followed by re-amping to add mic'd amp character, ensuring precise control over the final tone.

Discography

Carnage

Michael Amott served as the lead and rhythm guitarist for Carnage on their sole studio album, Dark Recollections, released in November 1990 through Necrosis Records. Recorded at Sunlight Studio in , , the album features Amott's blistering riffs and solos across all eight tracks, with him also handling bass duties due to the absence of credited bassist Johnny Dordevic during sessions. Amott shared songwriting responsibilities for music and lyrics with drummer Fred Estby and the band collectively, shaping the record's intense aggression fused with elements. Prior to the album, Amott contributed to Carnage's two cassette demos released in 1989, both showcasing his raw guitar tone central to the band's embryonic sound. The debut demo, The Day Man Lost..., independently issued in January 1989, includes four tracks where Amott delivered grinding riffs and leads alongside early bandmates Jeppe Larsson on drums and Johan Axelsson on vocals and bass. The follow-up demo, Infestation of Evil, recorded and mixed in November 1989 at Sunlight Studio, served as pre-production for Dark Recollections and credits Amott on guitar for its five tracks, including reworked versions of album material like "Infestation of Evil" and "Torn Apart." Posthumous releases have preserved and expanded Carnage's output, with Amott occasionally providing input on reissues. The remastered edition of Dark Recollections from 2000 appends six bonus tracks from the 1989 Infestation of Evil demo, highlighting Amott's foundational guitar contributions. In 2024, F.O.A.D. Records issued The Day Man Lost... / Infestation of Evil – The 1989 Demos, a comprehensive anthology compiling both demos plus rarities, complete with a 20-page booklet featuring extensive from Amott detailing the sessions and his role. Amott's guitar work and co-writing on these releases helped pioneer the raw, influential edge of early .

Carcass

Michael Amott joined Carcass as lead guitarist in 1990, contributing to the band's evolving sound during its transition from to more structured . His tenure resulted in three key releases: the studio album Necroticism – Descanting the Insalubrious (1991), the Tools of the Trade EP (1992), and the studio album Heartwork (1993). Amott's recording debut with Carcass came on , where he is credited with and additional vocals alongside . The addition of a second allowed for more elaborate arrangements, with Amott's playing enabling Steer to focus on solos while contributing to the album's technical riffs and dual guitar interplay. Tracks like "Unfit for Human Consumption" showcase the band's increased complexity, bolstered by Amott's precise lead work. In 1992, Amott performed guitar on the EP, a single-track release that highlighted the band's grinding intensity with harmonized riffs and aggressive solos from both guitarists. The EP served as a bridge between albums, demonstrating the growing synergy between Amott and Steer in crafting tight, riff-driven compositions. Amott's most prominent contributions appear on (1993), where he is credited with co-writing music for several tracks, including leads, harmonies, and riffs that introduced melodic elements to Carcass's sound. Songs such as "Buried Dreams" and "No Love Lost" feature his soaring guitar solos and harmonized leads, which added emotional depth and accessibility while maintaining the band's brutal edge; for instance, the title track's intricate riffing and dual solo section exemplify his melodic additions. Amott handled all parts, complementing Steer's rhythms to create the album's signature polished aggression. Following the completion of , Amott departed the band in 1993 to pursue other projects, with no further studio involvement in Carcass releases thereafter. The melodic guitar approach he helped pioneer on would influence his later work in bands like .

Spiritual Beggars

Michael Amott served as the founder, primary guitarist, and main songwriter for , channeling his rock influences into the band's stoner and sound across multiple decades. Unlike his death metal contributions with bands like , this project emphasized groovy riffs and 1970s-inspired compositions. The band's debut studio album, (1994), featured Amott on guitar and handling songwriting credits for tracks like "Yearly Dying" and "If This Is All," establishing the group's raw, psychedelic edge. Follow-up Another Way to Shine (1996) saw Amott co-writing most songs, including the title track, with guest vocals from Zoë Kidd and a polished vibe. Mantra III (2000) highlighted Amott's compositional growth, where he wrote or co-wrote all material, blending Eastern motifs with heavy grooves on songs like "Bad Karma." In Ad Astra (2002), Amott's guitar work and songwriting drove the album's cosmic themes, crediting him for pieces such as "Angel of Betrayal." Demons (2005) marked a return to aggressive riffs, with Amott composing key tracks like "One Man Army" and providing lead guitar throughout. Return to Zero (2010) showcased his songwriting on introspective numbers like "Lost in Yesterday," reinforcing the band's enduring rock foundation. Amott continued his central role in Earth Blues (2013), writing blues-infused compositions such as "" while handling guitar duties. Most recently, Sunrise to Sundown (2016) featured Amott's guitar and primary composition credits, extending the project's legacy into contemporary rock. In 2001, Amott contributed to the split 7" single "It's Over / Twilight Train" with , providing songwriting and guitar on the title track.

Arch Enemy

Michael Amott co-founded the band in 1996 alongside his brother , following his departure from Carcass, and has remained the band's lead guitarist and main songwriter on every release. The group quickly established itself within the metal scene through its blend of aggressive riffs and melodic elements, with Amott's guitar work central to their sound. Arch Enemy's studio discography, featuring Amott's dual guitar contributions, spans over two decades and includes the following albums:
  • Black Earth (1996)
  • Stigmata (1998)
  • Burning Bridges (1999)
  • Wages of Sin (2001)
  • Anthems of Rebellion (2003)
  • Doomsday Machine (2005)
  • Rise of the Tyrant (2007)
  • Khaos Legions (2011)
  • War Eternal (2014)
  • Will to Power (2017)
  • Deceivers (2022)
  • Blood Dynasty (2025)
In addition to studio efforts, Amott contributed to live recordings that captured the band's high-energy performances, such as Burning the Funnels (2001), a live EP documenting early tours, and Tyrants of the Rising Sun (2008), a full live album recorded in . Regarding the latest release, Amott described Blood Dynasty in interviews as an "" collection of tracks emphasizing relentless intensity.

Black Earth and other releases

Following his departure from Carcass, Michael Amott initiated the project that became Arch Enemy's debut album Black Earth, released on October 2, 1996, through Wrong Again Records. The album, featuring nine tracks of characterized by Amott's intricate guitar work and harmonized riffs, was entirely written by Amott, who also handled bass duties alongside contributions from vocalist , drummer , and guest guitarist . This release marked Amott's exploration of neoclassical influences and aggressive melodies, bridging his roots with a more structured sound. The Black Earth album was reissued on April 24, 2007, by Regain Records, expanding the original tracklist with bonus material including the B-side "Losing Faith," covers of Iron Maiden's "" and Judas Priest's "Starbreaker," and a for "Bury Me an Angel." In January 2016, Amott revived Black Earth as a live project, reuniting the original lineup—including Liiva, Erlandsson, , and bassist —to perform material from 's first three albums. This iteration culminated in the 2017 release of 20 Years of Dark Insanity: Japan Tour 2016, a live package featuring two CDs and a DVD documenting their performances in , with tracks like "Black Earth," "," and "Burning Bridges" capturing the band's high-energy delivery. Black Earth's activities continued with the March 20, 2019, compilation Path of the Immortal, issued via Savage Messiah Music and Trooper Entertainment in . This 19-track collection included remastered versions of key songs from Arch Enemy's early era—such as "Bury Me an Angel," "," and "Sinister Mephisto"—alongside two new original compositions, "Burn on the Flame" and "The Immortal," co-written by Amott and the lineup. The release emphasized the project's nostalgic appeal, blending archival audio with fresh material to honor the style Amott pioneered. No further Black Earth output has emerged as of 2025.

Guest appearances

Amott has made several guest appearances on other artists' recordings:
YearArtistAlbumContribution
1992FurbowlThose Shredded DreamsLead guitar on "Damage Done" and "Nothing Forever"
1994DerangedArchitects of PerversionsLead guitar on "Architects of Perversions", "Coagulated Seminal Fluids", and "Rigid Anatomy Art"
1997ArmageddonCrossing the RubiconAdditional backing vocals
1998CandlemassDactylis GlomerataLead guitar
2003The HauntedOne Kill WonderGuitar solo on "Bloodletting"
2005KreatorEnemy of GodGuitar solo on "Murder Fantasies"
2007AnnihilatorMetalGuitar solo on "Operation Annihilation"
2017DoyleDoyle II: As We DieGuitar on "Kiss Me As We Die"
2025SoulflyChamaLead guitar on "Ghenna"

References

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