There's something strangely endearing about Rio Grande's CRUCIFIXION. There are plenty of photos of them online dressed head to toe in black and grimacing in front of burning pentagrams, but unlike most po-faced Black Metallers, you get the distinct impression they're trying not to smirk. Look up their Facebook page and you'll see loads of studio pictures where they're all relaxed and smiling, while the customary cover shot consists of them performing in somebody's living room in front of an obviously homemade banner. Indeed, all the evidence available on Google points to them being a fun loving and cheerful group of head bangers.

Which is all the more unusual considering that "Destroying The Fucking Disciples Of Christ" is one of the most bile dripping and hate fuelled debuts of the year. Taking their cues from classic Scandinavian Black Metal and injecting it with pure testosterone, it's a brutal and nihilistic journey through pitch black vehemence. They're going to struggle to appeal to anyone but the most hardened Black and Death fans, but fans of grim, blood drenched misery who like dressing up as MARDUK and taking selfies in graveyards will love it.

The likes of "Slaves Of Christ" and "Eternal Judgement" for example are tailor made for destroying the main stage at the Damnation Festival. They are ferocious anti-anthems akin to being trapped in a whirlwind of hate, with some impressive larynx obliterating screams from frontman Lord Grave. "Future Memories Of Hell" and "Crucifixion" meanwhile are no less nasty and at times, listening to this album is like being played the death throes of an Uruk Hai over and over again.

Admittedly, there's nothing particularly adventurous about their unholy racket. They don't wander into progressive territory at all and this is largely just meat and potatoes Black Metal. But the meat here is a two dollar steak made of human flesh, the potatoes are all burnt and the Chef doesn't care! Some of the Christian baiting gets a bit ridiculous and they're not going to trouble the mainstream any time soon, but these sons (and daughter) of southern darkness may well be on their way to becoming underground heroes.