Is Black Out the Sun a good place to start with Sevendust?

Yes, Black Out the Sun is recommended as a starting point for new Sevendust listeners. A heavy blend of melodic riffs and raw emotional intensity that captures the essence of modern alternative metal. Released on January 1, 2013, Black Out the Sun marked Sevendust's first album since their return to their original label, Wind-up Records. This album came after a brief hiatus where the band reassessed their direction, following the release of their 2010 album, Cold Day Memory. By this time, Sevendust had solidified their status in the nu metal scene with a loyal fanbase eager for their signature sound.

Who is Black Out the Sun for?

Black Out the Sun works well if you're into steady mid-tempo listening experience, raw emotional intensity throughout and aggressive riffs with melodic undertones.

How many songs are on Black Out the Sun?

Black Out the Sun has 13 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Black Out the Sun

Sevendust · 2013

44 min · 13 tracks · alternative metal

A heavy blend of melodic riffs and raw emotional intensity that captures the essence of modern alternative metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Faithless Start here — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of inner turmoil and features powerful vocal delivery paired with driving instrumentals that showcase Sevendust's signature sound.
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Cold As War — The song's aggressive tone combined with poignant lyrics about conflict and emotional barriers makes it a standout representation of the album's darker themes.
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Black Out the Sun — Serving as the title track, it combines haunting melodies with anthemic choruses that highlight both vulnerability and strength, embodying the album's emotional core.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends heavy riffs with melodic elements, creating an engaging but somewhat conventional sound for its genre.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features consistently heavy guitar riffs and aggressive vocals, while the second half introduces more melodic elements and varied tempos.
Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, alternating between softer verses and explosive choruses, which enhances emotional intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo listening experience
raw emotional intensity throughout
aggressive riffs with melodic undertones
for focused afternoon sessions

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked a resurgence for the band, reflecting personal struggles and darker themes.
Themes: inner turmoil· emotional conflict
Career context: Released on January 1, 2013, Black Out the Sun marked Sevendust's first album since their return to their original label, Wind-up Records. This album came after a brief hiatus where the band reassessed their direction, following the release of their 2010 album, Cold Day Memory. By this time, Sevendust had solidified their status in the nu metal scene with a loyal fanbase eager for their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Mudvayne· Korn· Godsmack