Those top people at Cult Metal Classics have done it again and uncovered another lost gem from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal days. This time it’s the wonderfully misspelt Skitzofrenik who get the treatment.
An excellent double CD of various sessions and demos from the old days and a band who were different from the usual NWOBHM crowd at the time, probably a bit too different, however this anthology shows what a fine band they were.
As was usual with many bands back then – put Skitzofrenik down as one which certainly had the chops if not the breaks.
Lots of gigging, a solitary single, plans to record an album then it seems to have fallen apart for the band – which is such a shame when you hear what they had to offer. Refined, expansive and varied songs with the use of spiky riffs, chunky riffs, refined riffs, variety in delivery and lashings of synths bringing in that something a little different yet massively enjoyable.
Take Exodus as the first example. It has the spiky riff, the synths, excellent guitar work and it gets in your head. Keep Right On a more straight ahead rocker before USA goes back to the catchy, spiky, synth drenched style with some clever lyrics about, well, the US of A.
Fantasy Worlds is a monster epic of some eight minutes or so. Slowish intro breaks out in to an atmospheric faster paced riffage, superb guitar, swelling keys, changes of pace before a synth solo lead out. Have a listen:
Fool is in a similar style to Fantasy Words – another atmospheric, brooding rocker with definite progressive leanings showing just how well Skitzofrenik could write and arrange a song.
Some highlights from the second disc include an alternative version of Exodus, a cutting Dead Mongers having a poke at America’s involvement in Vietnam and the self-titled track which starts in a little stuttering way (If I can put it like that) before emerging in to one of the best elongated guitar breaks/jams you’ll hear anywhere. Stunning stuff.
The entire sixteen songs over the two CDs are all so good. Well written, constructed, arranged and performed. Each one different, each one so enjoyable and memorable.
Now, whilst this Skitzofrenik anthology from the good old NWOBHM days is so good – it is, as it the usual way with Cult Metal Classics, on a limited run of just 500 copies – so get in fast.
As ever I got mine from Sonic Age Records and as I type this review on 13 January 2022 they are showing availability. Here’s a link to Sonic Age if you’d like to snap one up before they are gone:
https://www.sonicagerecords.com/_shop/
You might find it in other outlets if you scout around.