Submersed
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 in Stephenville, Texas, United States |
| Defunct | 2008 |
| Fate | Ceased activities in 2008; reassembled between late 2021 and early 2022 |
| Headquarters | Stephenville , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada |
Key people | Donald Carpenter, Eric Friedman, Garrett Whitlock, Kelan Luker, TJ Davis, Aaron Young, Justin Finley, Josh Hissem |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Number of employees | 5 (core members) |
| Parent | Wind-up Records (former label) |
Submersed (occasionally stylized as SubmerseD) is a rock group originating from Stephenville, Texas, United States. The band ceased activities in 2008 but reassembled between late 2021 and early 2022.
History
Submersed was under contract with Wind-up Records and partnered with Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti for their first full-length album, In Due Time. This record featured singles such as "You Run", "Hollow", and the album’s title track. The band embarked on tours across the United States and Canada, supporting notable acts including Trapt, Crossfade, Seether, Rob Zombie, Chevelle, Mudvayne, Taproot, and Alter Bridge.
After a short break and the exit of guitarist Eric Friedman, Submersed collaborated with producer Rick Beato to create their sophomore album. Released on September 18, 2007, Immortal Verses featured singles like "Better Think Again" and "Price of Fame". The band continued touring in the US, performing alongside groups such as 12 Stones, Evans Blue, and Fuel.
In a blog post on MySpace, lead singer Donald Carpenter addressed the band's dissolution following the departure of several members shortly before the release of "Price of Fame." Despite attempts to push forward, the single garnered minimal attention, resulting in Submersed being released from their contract with Wind-up Records. Carpenter highlighted difficulties in connecting with their audience due to challenges in digital distribution. On November 24, 2008, a brief message appeared on their MySpace page stating "SUBMERSED WILL BE BACK!" though no additional information was shared.
Break-up
Following the band's split, Donald Carpenter became part of Million Man Army alongside Mike Moye and later joined Nothing In Return with Lance Arny. After both projects concluded, he formed Eye Empire with former members of Dark New Day, Corey Lowery and B.C. Kochmit; however, Carpenter departed from Eye Empire by April 2014. Subsequently, he took on vocal duties for Apollo Under Fire.
By November 2020, Carpenter had completed recording the debut album for his new venture Blisskrieg with guitarist Todd Whitener, bassist Jesse Vest, and drummer Matt Taul, all previously associated with Days of the New and Tantric. Their album Remedy was released in early 2021.
Meanwhile, Eric Friedman served as lead guitarist for Los Angeles-based Daughters of Mara before joining Creed as a touring guitarist during their 2009–2010 tours. Since 2012, he has been active in the supergroup Projected and also plays in Tremonti, which includes Submersed’s drummer Garrett Whitlock.
Reunion
On March 4, 2019, Submersed partially regrouped when Donald Carpenter, Eric Friedman, and Kelan Luker performed an acoustic set consisting of six songs at "Lukerpalooza," a benefit concert dedicated to Seth Luker, who managed the band for many years and was Kelan’s brother. The show took place at Twisted J Live in Stephenville, Texas, and featured performances by Drowning Pool and Tremonti as well.
Between late 2023 and early 2024, Submersed began creating new material, regularly updating fans through their official social media channels. On September 11, 2024, they unveiled the EP Grand Illusion Army, marking their first release of original music in seventeen years.
Members
- Donald Carpenter – lead vocals (2003–2008)
- Garrett Whitlock – percussion (2003–2008)
- TJ Davis – rhythm guitar (2003–2008)
- Kelan Luker – bass guitar (2003–2008)
- Aaron Young – lead guitar, backing vocals (2003)
- Eric Friedman – lead guitar, backing vocals (2003–2006)
- Justin Finley – lead guitar, backing vocals (2006–2008)
- Josh Hissem – drums (2003)
Discography
- In Due Time (2004) (Reached No. 16 on Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart)
- Immortal Verses (2007) (Peaked at No. 35 on Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart)
- Grand Illusion Army (2024)
Singles
| Year | Title | Chart Positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "You Run" | — | In Due Time |
| 2004 | "Hollow" | 19 | |
| 2005 | "In Due Time" | 31 | |
| 2007 | "Better Think Again" | 36 | Immortal Verses |
| 2008 | "Price of Fame" | — |
Other notable songs
- The track "Complicated" was included on the soundtrack for the film The Punisher.
- Various B-sides and unreleased material such as "Broken Man," "Leave," "Come To Me," "Lonely Road," and "Everything" originating from different recording sessions.
- Early recordings and live renditions of tracks including "Holyland," "Flicker," and "Can't Make It On My Own," some of which were later re-recorded by Donald Carpenter's subsequent bands Million Man Army and Apollo Under Fire.
- Several demos from the Immortal Verses era were made available on the band’s Myspace page.
- Instrumental covers and live performances, notably Metallica's "For Whom the Bell Tolls?" performed on multiple occasions.