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"Annihilation Frenzy" has the courtesy to state its intentions up front with a sample: "Most of all, fuck you." Then, a gunshot. Then, blasting, barbaric black metal. If you've spent any time enlisted in Marduk's panzer division, you'll think you have a handle on what's to come. Then, Lord Worm emits a screech that's like a flock of murderous geese calling over more murderous geese to peck you into the afterlife. Goddamn.

Montreal's Rage Nucléaire have been the ex-Cryptopsy vocalist's roost for the past few years, and like their frontman they're not a fan of restraint. Their debut full-length was titled Unrelenting Fucking Hatred. Their follow-up, as you can see above, earned the name Black Storm of Violence. Rarely has an album's spine so aptly explained its contents.

Because of their anger, Rage Nucléaire are set to become an earbud accompaniment to situations and encounters you hate. You'll put them on when tasked with occupational drudgery, or when dealing with leering looks on the bus, or when waiting for Facebook feed reloaders to vacate gym equipment. Black Storm of Violence is a vicarious release and it's strangely therapeutic. It's something you can blast when you're not allowed to have a voice. It's the Falling Down of black metal albums.

Sure, Rage Nucléaire have other gears than 'fuck you,' but it's clear that's their favorite. Drummer Fredrick Widigs -- currently of Marduk's live ensemble, previously of Demonical -- has a forceful and precise style that comes through best when he's bashing the hell out of his kit during simple, midpaced grooves. Guitarist Dark Rage's tone is corrosive, whether he's spewing an onslaught of trems or layering misanthropic melodies. Keyboardist/bassist/sampler Alvater selects drops like a morning zoo producer on the verge of an assault charge. Together they're unrelenting fucking hatred and a black storm of violence. Most of all, it's fuck you.

Rage Nucléaire's Black Storm of Violence is out July 22 via Season of Mist. You can preorder the album now.

— Ian Chainey

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