Long Island doom metal pioneers Restless Spirit are set to release their fourth studio album on May 8th. Restless Spirits vocalist/guitarist Paul Aloisio spoke with Metal Express Radio about their upcoming album, their upcoming North American tour with Gozu, his hopes to tour with Crowbar, and more. Check out the chat below!
Metal Express Radio: Restless Spirit is set to release their self-titled album on May 8th. What can you tell fans about the upcoming release?
Aloisio: We worked really hard on this album to make it the most accurate representation of the band to date. I dug deep lyrically, as I always try to do, and came up with some of the most personal songs that we’ve ever put out. It’s about finding your way and finding the strength to carry on.
MER: How was the writing and recording process, being your fourth album?
Aloisio: Same as it always was. Jon and I, our drummer, get into a practice space and just jam. We generally get a full song per session – not much changes from that initial jam. Recording-wise, it was also more of the same, being done at The Animal Farm with John Forrestal. We love that place and we love working with him.
MER: How did it come about having the album self titled?
Aloisio: We wanted the music to speak for itself. No pretense. There was never a question. The goal was to write a pure Restless Spirit album and name it as such. I think we accomplished that.
MER: You’ve released three songs from the album so far, do you feel those three songs give the fans a good idea of what to expect from the full album?
Aloisio: Actually, no! We chose the three simplest songs on the record. I get bummed when a band puts out a bunch of singles and then the album is more of the same. The songs that have yet to be released are all much longer and much proffer than the three singles. It’s like there are two types of songs – the straight up rockers, which are out, and then the prog songs.
MER: You’ll soon be touring North America with Gozu, what are your expectations on the upcoming tour?
Aloisio: We just want to make sure people can connect with what we’re doing and give them a release from the mundane or the hardships everyone faces in day to day life. Live music is about connection. And Gozu just rules!
MER: What do you see as plans for yourself and Restless Spirit after the Gozu tour?
Aloisio: You never know. Part of the fun of the music business is that things just come up. And generally, for us, they’ve been really good things! We’d like to play some places we’ve never played before. Europe and more, but I’m not sure when it makes sense to go over there. Hopefully soon.
MER: Is there anyone you hope to tour with and why?
Aloisio: We’ve been lucky to tour with a bunch of our musical inspirations. Weedeater, The Obsessed, Truckfighters. I’d love to do a run with Crowbar. They’re the heaviest band ever.
MER: Is there anywhere you hope to play live that you haven’t and why?
Aloisio: We’ve covered the entire United States, except we’ve never been to Maine somehow. So I’d like to play there, and Europe like I said previously. Also Japan. I’ve been over there two times and I love the culture.
MER: Out of Restless Spirit’s four albums, what is one you would suggest to a new fan and why?
Aloisio: Blood of the Old Gods. It’s where we found our sound. To me it will always be the most special album we’ve ever done. Jon rejoined the band after being in school and it felt like things were just right. It was like starting over in the most perfect way possible. The new album is a good starting point too, but Blood with always be dear to me in a way that I don’t think any other album ever will.
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