Album Review: Schizophrenia – Recollections of the Insane (Redefining Darkness Records/Self Released)

Back in January 2020, Schizophrenia came out of nowhere with their self-released debut EP Voices to hit the Extreme Metal underground like a bomb. With a relentless cocktail of high-adrenaline death metal and groovy mid-tempo elements, the band took the heavy scene by storm and soon became known for their distinctively heavy yet dynamic sound, bursting with detail and intensity.

Now, the four-piece from Antwerp, Belgium, return to release their highly anticipated debut studio album Recollections of The Insane, which will see the light of day on February 18th, 2022 via Redefining Darkness Records.

Carrying on where they left off with Voices, Schizophrenia bring us an abrasive blast of madness-inducing death metal with this debut full-length record. Hold on to your asses, Schizophrenia are about to blow them off.

A 40+ minute trawl through the caustic chaotic mind of this band, the 9 tracks that make up Recollections of The Insane can be simply described as ruthless. From the thrashy speed, death ferocity and groovier touches of Divine Immolation. To the moody, mind-altering blackened inferno that is Sea of Sorrow and the technical touches, blistering bleakness and lengthier trawl through lunacy that is Onwards to Fire. To the guttural filth that spews from Inside the Walls of Madness and the raging sycophancy of viciousness that is Fall of the Damned. Schizophrenia rage and rage mighty hard.

For all its exemplary heaviness, it would be remiss to not talk about the elements of this album that make it so much more than just another death metal release. Schizophrenia showcase an ear for groove and many times throughout, there will be an unexpected hook that turns a track from a good listen to a great listen. That and they have a surprising penchant for delivering tracks with variety while still being uncompromisingly brutal.

They turned heads with the previous EP and while this album does continue in a similar vein, it’s clear Schizophrenia are already progressing. This is one of the sleeper hits of 2022, don’t be caught napping.

Schizophrenia – Recollections of The Insane Full Track Listing:

1. Divine Immolation
2. Cranial Disintegration
3. Sea of Sorrow
4. Monolith
5. Onwards to Fire
6. Souls of Retribution
7. Inside the Walls of Madness
8. Fall of the Damned
9. Stratified Realities

Links

Bandcamp | Spotify | Big Cartel | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Redefining Darkness Records