Of all the many different names that have risen from the seething bed of the metal underworld in recent years, many have taken on the task of pushing the sound as far forward as they can without forgetting to give credence and reverence to what has come before. Hundreds upon thousands of names have come out from the woodwork with grand displays of tenacity, intensity, and general greatness to really show us what all can still be done when it’s done by the passionate and the talented with Restless Spirit certifiably a newer name that many took great heed to. If it was their second album, “Blood of the Old Gods”, that showed us what Restless Spirit has long hinted to then it’s with “Afterimage” that we see Restless Spirit become the beast they were always destined to become.

Without having to even hear a moment of this third opus, Restless Spirit had already poised itself for excellence from the very beginning of the preceding album. “Blood of the Old Gods” laid down a ton of foundation for what the sound of Restless Spirit would evolve into as their sound is much more dynamic than some stoned doom riffs. Rather, Restless Spirit stands monolithically tall as a beast not to be underestimated with the calculated power and unyielding presence that only the best of the sound is able to channel to such a degree. In no small way, “Afterimage” sees Restless Spirit further hone that talent to deadly effect. Faster, more aggressive, but never once missing out on the nuance and wonder that many have come to associate the band with, Restless Spirit is an unstoppable force for all eight of these tracks with their speed certainly quicker in a trade-off for a lesser focus on their doomy tendencies but never once forgetting to still bring them to the light. An infectious piece from the outset that offers much more than simple riffage or some different production just to try and claim that they’ve wildly changed their sound, “Afterimage” has real power and presence the likes of which only the best and unyielding of the sound can pull off even half as well as what we’re witness to here.

The overwhelming presence and furious energy that Restless Spirit has become synonymous with has reached an all-time high with this album as we’re able to really see what has happened after years of honing an already-masterful sound to a degree that it is red-hot to the touch and quite a sight to behold in every regard! Restless Spirit has never been a name to underestimate or deny in any form, but it is here with “Afterimage” that Restless Spirit is sure to further cement its status as an underground phenomenon that will rise above the masses to become a beacon of glory and magnificence the likes of which we bare witness to only on rare occasion.

“Afterimage” releases on October 10 via Magnetic Eye Records!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Afterimage” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Restless Spirit on Facebook here.