The Submersed were formed in Texas in 2004, they are part of Wind-up Records (or were part, as it seems they broke up in 2008 after the release of their second album "Immortal Verses"), a record label for established artists like Creed, Evanescence, Seether, and 12 Stones.
Upon first listening to their debut, I suspected that the guitar and drums were played by Mark Tremonti and Scott Philips, members of Creed and Alter Bridge. I was right: Scott played on many tracks of the album, and Mark crafted the intro to "Flicker." However, the indirect influence of Tremonti is evident, as the talented guitarist of the band exhibits much of his style, though lacking his technique and creativity. Thus, an absolutely derivative band that presents nothing new, but delivers an honest album, with no track that calls for a miracle, yet all are enjoyable to listen to.
"Hollow" opens the album, a track that more than Creed brings to mind Breaking Benjamin, and the same goes for "At Peace", featuring the same basic components, powerful guitars alternating with catchy choruses in pure mainstream rock style. The title track is slightly more metallic, although it repeats almost the identical formula of the initial duo. The pouring rain then introduces "Dripping", arpeggios borrowed from Tremonti, a vocal performance sufficiently expressive, a good modern ballad and not the first. The already mentioned "Flicker" is the second: in which, after Tremonti's intro, the effective guitar work that links the verses to the chorus is noteworthy, pleasant. The third is "Deny Me", perhaps the best, even if, as mentioned, the quality of the songs is quite similar, nonetheless Eric Friedman's distorted solo is well done. Fourth and last, "Piano Song", which has only the piano intro, decent. Slightly above average are perhaps "You Run", built between brilliant guitar phrases and with a noteworthy refrain, and the oriental-like "Divide The Hate", the rest is filler.
An unpretentious album, well-played, but lacking too much in originality.
Just another modern band.
Meteora.