EP REVIEW: Voices – Schizophrenia

Thrash is carved into the roots of metal history and some would say it has already been perfected during its peak in the 80’s but new waves of bands continue to ascend to the challenge. One of those is Belgian upstarts SCHIZOPHRENIA which have just released their debut offering entitled Voices which is available via self release. What can this release bring to the table?

Structure of Death reaches breakneck speed as soon as you hit play with rampant guitar work and thunderous drum beats. The energy is incredibly captivating from the off providing addictive vibes reminiscent of WARBRINGER. It takes little time for the quartet to exhibit their instrumental acumen delivering a barrage of head-bang inducing riffing. Perpetual Perdition keeps the intensity at boiling point with enticing drumming and rapid fire guitar bursts. The caustic vocals courtesy of frontman Ricky Mandozzi are the perfect accompaniment to the ongoing chaos. The shifts in tempo keep it exciting adding a hardcore vibe to proceedings.

Mortal Sin injects some bouncy pacing into the mix before gearing up for another galloping assault. A huge bellowing scream from Mandozzi adds the exclamation point. The title Schizophrenia brings forth a resurgence of nostalgia for all things thrash metal and this track more than does it justice. Seamlessly merging killer lead work alongside effective drum pieces and abrasive vocal onslaughts with ease is not a simple task but SCHIZOPHRENIA make it look effortless. Stomping bass lines further supplement the intensity. Last but not least Beyond Reality ensures the acceleration doesn’t subside for even a second as the first minute is packed with enough shredding to melt your face clean off your bones. Additional instances of ferocious riffing encourage a sea of circle pits as far as the eye can see to emphatically bring this effort to a triumphant close.

The 20 minute run time of this EP is just enough to sink its teeth into your flesh and leave you craving more. SCHIZOPHRENIA have harnessed all the elements of classic thrash metal which brought it such acclaim in its hay day and have given it a polished, razor sharp edge which is going to have the old faithful and a flock of newcomers clambering to get a piece of the action.

Rating: 8/10

Voices is out now via self-release.

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