Restless Spirit, the Long Island, NY trio find themselves delving into punchier territory on album number three, “Afterimage”. Tragedy and personal loss planted the seeds for Paul Aloisio’s vision for the LP. His own pain and experience has been laid bare on a painfully honest collection of songs that continues the band’s onward journey and desire not replicate previous works.
Thick, sludgy chords announce opening track “Marrow” as it builds into a pounding, driving powerhouse. There is an immediacy that sets a template for where this album is going to head. The greasy riff of “Shadow Command” is pushed along by some hard hit drums and the Type O Negative influence is apparent. A slightly progressive slant shows up on “Of Spirit And Form” and presents a band that is obviously multi-faceted but this in no way takes away from the sometimes sledgehammer impact of these songs. Indeed, “All Furies” is almost slipping into late ‘80’s Slayer aggression as they take the stoner doom sounds into thrashier territory to brutal effect.
Scott “Wino” Weinrich of Saint Vitus and The Obsessed fame makes a guest appearance playing guitar on “The Fatalist”. This is a luscious slab of ‘70’s inspired heavy metal. A lurching, swinging beast it reminds me of Mos Generator, especially in the pleading vocals. Make no mistake, this is solid, hard hitting stuff. The foot comes off the accelerator slightly on “Hell’s Grasp” which feels a little more introspective. Heavily led by Jon Gusman’s drumming, the track is tight and still has that in-your-face quality. Closing the album with a punchy, unforgiving tone, “From The Dust Returned” has a thick, rubbery bass line underpinning it. The chunky, urgent outro is a pure head bangers delight.
Focussed and in some ways cathartic, “Afterimage” is a truly heavy, powerful album. Restless Spirit live up to their name and show themselves as a band that can and will push their direction. No long-winded explorations for this one, just a platter of massive riffs without filler. For anyone who yearns for proper stoner heavy metal, this one will satisfy your cravings.
(8/10 Johnny Zed)
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