Restless Spirit – Afterimage
Reviewed by: Jim Harrison
Review Score: 8.5
Stoner, doom instigators, Restless Spirit will release their anticipated third album via Magnetic Eye Records on October 6, 2023.
The Long Island Trio wanted to go into a slightly different direction than previous releases with punching tight guitars, pounding rhythems and emotionally raw vocals and they definitely accomplished that with this killer collection of songs.
The personal feel of this album lyrically can be a cautionary tale of how to deal with personal loss and tragedy and singer/guitarist Paul Aloisio made this a labor of love with band mates Jon Gusman, drums and Marc Morello, bass.
The superb cover art created by artist Luca “ Sollomacello” Martinelli gives you some insight into their albums content. Some of the band’s influences including Black Sabbath, Type O Negative and The Sword puts you in that frame of mind something awesome is coming.
The album starts with “Marrow” one of the three early releases giving fans a sneak peek how great this album is. That soul piercing guitar riff starts the song off than the thumping bass and drums kick in. This has a solid Sabbath sound with strong vocals giving a sludgy doom sound.
“Shadow Command” with Mike Hall as a guest vocalist adds a thick sound which gives this song a heavy spooky groove. This is one of three of my favourites on this album.
“Of Spirit and Form” has a killer bass/drum beat mixed with a crunchy, darker guitar sound. The vocals on this song are amazing and the guitar solo is fantastic. This is another one of my favourite tracks and could make my list for top songs in 2023.
“All Furies” was another early release that included guest guitarist Scott “Wino” Weinrich from The Obsessed. This is my third favourite track and the heavy guitar riff right out of the gate blows the lid off this song. Fast and heavy, how I would describe this song.
“Brutalized” the midway instrumental really shows of the musicianship of this band.
“The Fatalist” another early release plows a big sound with a Type O Negative groove. That eerie doom intro gives way to a superb vocal performance. This would be a cool track to see live.
“Hel’s Grasp” is the longest song at 6:25 takes you on a multi directional journey. The heavy drum intro speeds this up and than it slows. The bluesy guitar riffs works great showcasing the vocal performance. About half way through the song things get heavier and faster.
The last track “From the Dust Returned” sends this album off in style just how it began, heavy and dark. That cool base line at the beginning thumps and when the drums and guitar kicks in that sludgy doom sound dominates. Great finish to a solid album.
Restless Spirit has created something special on this album successfully combining a classic stoner vibe with a cool updated doom sound. The vocals mix perfectly with the musicianship and the listener gets a definite feel how talented this band is.
Usually by the third album bands typically solidify their sound. Restless Spirit has done that as well as augment each release keeping themselves not only relevant but original.
I recommend this album for metal fans looking for the real deal. This band delivers on all points so pick it up and play it at eleven.
Paul Aloisio: guitar, vocals
Jon Gusman: drums
Marc Morello: bass
Guest musicians:
Scott “ Wino” Weinrich guitars on “The Fatalist”
Mike Hall vocals on “Shadow Command”