Seventh Star
"Brood of Vipers"
Facedown Records

Just by listening to the band, you’d never guess this was a very Christian band, as are all bands on Facedown Records now. Seventh Star does something that is special. Not to demean their beliefs at all, but listening to this band, I don’t get the feeling they were Christian at all, because their music is what I like to label Thug-Core. Very rough based hardcore that will get your ass kicked (in a good way) when seeing this live.

The music on the CD is brutal as brutal can get. The vocals take some getting used to, as Seventh Star did replace their singer after their last full length “Dead Ends” but he picks up where the old singer left. Producing some of the strongest feelings in lyrics I’ve heard in some time.

The song that fully encompasses the sound of Seventh Star is the title Track. On “Brood of Vipers” it’s got breakdowns, a sing along chorus and everything a song of this nature should have. Singer Johnny Intravaia just lets loose and this is the song in which people should be become comfortable with his singing style.
Yet again, Kurt Ballou has kept himself busy by producing what could be one of the strongest hardcore albums of the year. Going back to the sound though reminds of Terror when I first heard them. It’s just honest music for people who love hardcore.

The only aspect that people might be turned off by is the strong religious presence on this record. The band is not afraid to tell the world that religion is a huge part of their lives. It’s a positive influence and right now I think Hardcore needs all the positive vibes it can get, for it’s often misunderstood. As long as the band is not preachy in their approach, they could do big things this year with Brood of Vipers.

Reviewed by: Chris Buehler
Reviewed on: August 7, 2005