(Note: The track order on the press copy of the CD differs from the one posted on various music websites)

If the purpose of an album review were to discuss the competency of the individuals comprising a band (and their collective ability to make a single song), the members of Submersed would be delighted to read this.

Unfortunately, a review of an album is expected to address the overall quality of the music and the impact of the story resulting from the collection of songs. In those areas, Submersed's "Immortal Verses" fails to leave a lasting impact.

"Better Think Again," the opening track and lead single with clear influence from Saliva and Linkin Park, starts thing off on a very optimistic note. The production is far from inspiring, but the aggressive guitar, competent beat, well-paced verses and catchy chorus easily tilt the band in the direction of success.

"Price of Fame," a ballad, is generic post-grunge, but it leans far more on the side of Staind than Nickelback (a comparison that is intended to be a compliment, for those wondering). Donald Carpenter does a fantastic job on the vocals, and the lyrics, while simple in concept, are very effective. The absolutely addicting choral melody makes the song an obvious candidate for modern rock radio.

But, as good as "Price of Fame" is, it plants the seeds for the fundamental flaw of "Immortal Verses" -- the album grossly fails to convey a consistent voice.

Essentially, Submersed has tried its best to implant solid vocals, decent lyrics and loud guitar onto generic rock templates with familiar themes and even more familiar formulas. Whether it's Linkin Park, Staind, Papa Roach, Saliva or 12 Stones, each song bears resemblance to the style of another popular hard rock/post-grunge/alternative band but none synchronize to develop musical unity on the album.

While one can discuss the album track by track, it is very hard to adequately describe "Immortal Verses." Each song shifts things in a different direction, muddling any hopes to determine the identity of Submersed as a band (some of the ballads do have clear similarities, but the similarities are generally a product of the band limiting itself to a familiar genre sound, not a product of the band getting lazy nor a product of the band developing a recurring style). Instead, the album plays as a group of good musicians playing good music. That line definitely reads like a compliment, and it is, to a degree, but it is not the line a band wants to receive in a review for its latest album release.

Granted, some will like the variation on the album. With bands like Nickelback dominating the rock world by producing song after song that follows a proven and predictable formula, it is nice to see a band attempting to differ its sound. The fact that Submersed, a little known band, produces choruses that are far catchier and emotional than the big boys is also a great plus. And, while the guitar work is hardly epic, it definitely features enough polish to create an aura that makes the album perfect for background music at a gym.

But, the attempted variety is ultimately the album's downfall. Because Submersed tries not to commit itself to a specific style, it never appears truly passionate about the music it is making (no matter how effective Carpenter is as a vocalist). Coupled with the fact that the songs, while different from each other, are very generic and sans a unique voice or touch from the band, they are unlikely to resonate significantly with listeners. No one will have anything negative to say about the bulk of the songs on an individual basis; unfortunately, no one will have anything significant to say, period. There is just not enough on the album to hook listeners. Submersed, simply put, fails to make an impact.

The band's inability to put a unique stamp on its work hurts the back end of the album -- a tragic consequence considering the fact that "An Artist's Prayer" and "Answers" are among the best ballads on the album. But, by track five or six, it is clear that Submersed is doing nothing but playing a bunch of songs; the band is not communicating anything. And, while varied, the album is not unique enough (by a longshot) to get away with such a minimal band presence.

"Immortal Verses" was released by Wind-Up Records on 9/18. In addition to the songs mentioned, "We All Mistakes" is worth a listen. Those looking for rockers should check out "Life Without You," "Sarah and Johnny" and, to a degree, "Wonder." None are anywhere near as effective as the ballads, but they are generally decent songs.

Grade: C+

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