In the underground world of black-metal Devin Townshend is something of an icon. Not just for producing some of the genre's most blistering albums, but for starting his career as the one time vocalist for guitar God Steve Vai's band.

The fact that Devin suffers from a bi-polar multiple personality disorder explains not only some of his infamous stunts, but also sheds light on the fire that fuels the maniacal intensity of Strapping Young Lad's work. His latest self-titled opus is the musical equivalent of an atomic bomb--with lyrics that would make Slayer cringe and a voice that resembles that of a rabid banshee on fire.

This is, without a doubt, the angriest record I've ever heard--it's not your everyday cup of tea, and certainly not for everybody. But if the current crop of angry metal outfits just aren't hitting the right nerve, Strapping Young Lad will happily obliterate your nervous system altogether.