Sound Bytes

By Beniah Wade, Staff writer

Submersed
Immortal Verses
[Wind-up Records; 2007]

“I’m searching truth and lies I’ve made, I’ve prayed to see a better day.”

The September 18, 2007 release of Submersed’s new album Immortal Verses marks the day which hard rock can once again be proud of its genre. Although the name “hard rock” gives the impression of screaming and anger, a more accurate discription of it comes from bands like Soundgarden, Chris Daughtry, Shinedown, Buckcherry, Guns and Roses, and even Led Zeppelin.

Immortal Verses is a testament to the genre as Submersed’s second album brings stellar, soulful, blues-like lyrics that are deeper in content than most mainstream rock while still retaining messages with which people resonate. The guitar work is acoustic at times and driving in others, bringing not only a variable tide of sound but displaying a range of skill that compliments a heavy sound while supporting the vocals.

Many acoustic artists have vocals very similar to lead singer Donald Carpenter’s lyrics, but others lack the range and clarity of Carpenter’s passionate tributes. Immortal Verses’ lyrics are heart-wrenching at times and thought provoking in others, but the whole album is driving and beautiful.

Both Submersed’s first album In Due Time and Immortal Verses retain content about life, love, and heartbreak through heavy sounds and angelic vocals, but all the while leaning into the mainstream of what popular rock has come to sound like to appeal to a broader audience. The first album, In Due Time, is more raw and driving than the new release, and although the first track of Immortal Verses sounds like Linkin Park’s screaming style, the rest of the album is softer and more melodic. Submersed can be found providing music to films and shows like Elektra, The Punisher, The World’s Strongest Man Competition, Saw IV, and The Fantastic Four along with bands like 12 Stones and Shinedown- who share the same producer as Submersed Rick Beato. Overall the album is vibrant, thought provoking, passionate and moving; worth a listen if you prefer bands like Shinedown, Chris Daughtry, Soundgarden, or acoustic guitarists.