Starting out under the name HAMMERHEAD in 2010, before transforming into SCHIZOPHRENIA in 2017, these Belgian thrashers are here with their first full length release Recollections of the Insane. After changing their name and with the addition of Marty and Lorenzo they released "Perpetual Perdition" as a single in 2019 and an EP in 2020 called Voices. The demo received great reviews, and with their first full release, they hope to cement their name with the likes of BÜTCHER and AFTER ALL.

The album starts off with a dark intro, then bursts into the song "Divine Immolation", which has a very KREATOR meets CARCASS feel. Thunderous double bass kicks and screeching guitars carry throughout the song with a strong pumping bass that flows to a short breakdown before some solo work, then picking up speed again with the high tempo opener. "Cranial Disintegration" is the band's attempt at collapsing your skull from the inside out and it works with this intense output of power. Ricky's vocals are never faltering in this song or on the album in general, are toned and giving the speed and intensity in which they are delivered along with the music, is really impressive. "Sea of Sorrow" is filled with snare drum blasts and rapid rolls, where Lorenzo is at his finest. With some almost 80's-like sync guitar solo, this song has a lot to offer the listener and keeps you guessing what is next to come. The vocals seem to be touching on some anxiety driven fears and issues that can create a tension in themselves.

The drums in the next track "Monolith" at times, has a jazzy flair, being short lived of course, but are there for the listeners interpretation. Lorenzo does not seem to ease up and is able to create some very clever fills by using a variety of techniques that add to each song. The guitars are merciless in this track, bringing riff after riff in this thrashy display of power. You get a little doom metal taste as "Onwards to Fire" opens up, but is quickly hastened and gradually becomes faster and faster as the song continues, which is impressive given the pace at the beginning. The album concludes with "Stratified Realities" and simply does not let up to any degree. As the guitars create a strong tension, Ricky's growl is fed and fueled, as the end results in a voracious musical assault to the listener.

The album from beginning to end is like being on a rollercoaster that doesn't seem to slow down. The drums are something to hear on their own, at no point do they falter to impress and are incredible. I don't think that SCHIZOPHRENIA will have any trouble keeping pace with the European thrash metal scene, as their first release should bring them the attention this album deserves.