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Seventh Star planted their roots in 2003 with their full-length debut, Dead End, a metallic hardcore record that, although tolerable, didn't offer anything memorable. After finding a new singer whose vicious barks brought the band an entirely new character, the group took a monstrous leap forward with Brood of Vipers. The album boasted more distinguished tones, tighter songwriting and sheer heaviness. Seventh Star sounded like a new band; not to mention a much better band.
Since the quartet found a comfortably bruising and effective stride on Brood of Vipers, it's no surprise that the progression on The Undisputed Truth isn't as bold. Gruff, chunky metallic hardcore still dominates Seventh Star's game, and front man Johnny Intravaia's broad-chested presence once again brings the record the kind of unmistakable force and confidence that most metallic hardcore bands only wish they could deliver. There are huge, chugging breakdowns; a mix of punk rock rhythms, NYHC-influenced beats and swampy grooves; and some subtle splashes of melody, all served up with crushing riffs and sinister staccato patterns.
While the title track (and opener) is painfully catchy and mostly what one would expect from Seventh Star, the band quickly shows that they've grown more confident and versatile in the past two years. A prominent Southern metal influence works its way into a healthy chunk of The Undisputed Truth and, while that tendency has become all too typical, it works really well with Seventh Star's gritty, groove-laden foundation and thick, all-balls recording style. "Isaiah Six" and "For All the Saints" slow the tempo and sound more rocked-out than anything else the band's done, but they're welcome changes of pace. "The World's Solution" is a mish-mash of sorts; the band spends two minutes alternating between straightforward, metallic hardcore and slow rock with a Southern drawl.
Despite the mild experimentation giving each song its own personality, Seventh Star always remembers to root their songs in what they do best: vicious, moderately paced metallic hardcore. While some listeners might not give The Undisputed Truth a chance because it's lyrically centered on strong, faith-based themes, the record quickly reveals Seventh Star's passion and distinguished character. This band is the cream of the Facedown Records crop and one of the best contemporary metallic hardcore bands.
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