Schizophrenia (1987) - Sepultura

Released on October 30, 1987, Schizophrenia is the second studio album by Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura. This album marks a significant evolution in the band's sound, transitioning from the black metal influences of their debut, Morbid Visions, to a more refined fusion of thrash and death metal. Notably, Schizophrenia is the first album to feature lead guitarist Andreas Kisser, whose addition brought enhanced technical proficiency and complexity to the band's music.

Tracklist:

1. From the Past Comes the Storms – 4:55
2. To the Wall – 5:36
3. Escape to the Void – 4:41
4. Inquisition Symphony – 7:13
5. Screams Behind the Shadows – 4:48
6. Septic Schizo – 4:31
7. The Abyss – 1:30
8. R.I.P. (Rest in Pain) – 4:36
9. Troops of Doom (Bonus Track on 1990 Reissue) – 3:21

Schizophrenia opens with From the Past Comes the Storms, immediately showcasing the band's shift towards intricate guitar work and dynamic tempo changes. The track sets a relentless pace, blending aggressive riffs with melodic solos. To the Wall and Escape to the Void continue this trajectory, featuring complex arrangements that highlight the band's growing technical prowess.

A standout composition is Inquisition Symphony, an instrumental piece that spans over seven minutes. This track underscores Sepultura's versatility, weaving together classical influences with thrash metal intensity. The composition's intricate structures and melodic passages offer a glimpse into the band's experimental inclinations.

Tracks like Screams Behind the Shadows and Septic Schizo maintain the album's aggressive momentum, characterized by rapid-fire drumming and ferocious vocal delivery from Max Cavalera. The brief instrumental The Abyss serves as a prelude to R.I.P. (Rest in Pain), a track that encapsulates the album's themes of inner turmoil and existential dread.

The 1990 reissue includes Troops of Doom as a bonus track, a re-recording of a song from their debut album. This version benefits from improved production quality and showcases the band's progression since their initial release.

Schizophrenia represents a pivotal moment in Sepultura's discography, marking their transition towards a more sophisticated and technically adept sound. The addition of Andreas Kisser cannot be overstated; his influence is evident in the intricate guitar work and the overall compositional complexity of the album.

Personal highlights include Inquisition Symphony for its ambitious fusion of classical and metal elements, and Escape to the Void, which exemplifies the band's ability to balance melody with aggression. The raw energy and innovative structures present throughout the album have solidified Schizophrenia as a classic within the thrash and death metal genres.

While the production quality reflects the limitations of the time and resources available to the band, it adds a certain rawness that complements the album's intensity. Schizophrenia stands as a testament to Sepultura's evolution and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of their musical capabilities.