Conquer Divide
OriginMichigan U.S.[1]
Genres
Years active2013–2018, 2020–present[3][4]
Labels
Members
  • Kiarely Castillo
  • Janel Duarte
  • Kristen Sturgis
  • Isabel Johnson
  • Samantha Landa
Past members
  • Tamara Tadic
  • Ashley Colby
  • Sarah Stonebraker[5]
  • Suzie Reagan
Websiteconquerdivideofficial.com

Conquer Divide is an American rock band whose members are from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, with one former member coming from Serbia.

History

The band was formed in Michigan by guitarist and songwriter Kristen Sturgis [6] along with Suzie Reagan. The lineup initially began as a five-piece with the addition of bassist Sarah Stonebraker, drummer Tamara Tadic and singer Kiarely Castillo in 2013.[7] On March 1, 2014, Conquer Divide announced that they had recruited Liverpool based YouTube guitarist Izzy Johnson to become a member, making it a six-piece. A short time later, Suzie was let go and replaced by Texas-based vocalist Janel Duarte.[8][9] Although their official biography featured on the Artery Recordings website states that they were formed in 2013,[10] the concept for the band had existed since about 2005 according to their producer Joey Sturgis.[11]

Career

2013–2017: Self-titled debut album

On December 2, 2013, Conquer Divide released a lyric video for their first single "Eyes Wide Shut" via YouTuber BryanStars channel. Shortly after the release, they signed to Artery Recordings in mid 2014.[12] The band worked with producer Joey Sturgis (We Came as Romans, Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada, Blessthefall) on their debut self-titled album.[13] It features guest vocals by Denis Shaforostov (known by his stage moniker Denis Stoff) formerly of Asking Alexandria.[14] It also features a collaboration with Andrew Oliver of I See Stars on the song "Lost".[15] They later posted a video about the process of making the band and the album.[16]

On July 24, 2015, at the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada, their album was officially released.[17][18] The same day, the album reached #4 on the iTunes Metal Chart and ranked #8 on Billboard's Top HeatSeekers chart.[19] On May 24, 2016, the band released a video for their song 'What's Left Inside' which held steady on Billboard's top 40 Mainstream Rock chart for over six weeks, peaking at #23 in August 2016.[20][21] They were the first band on Artery Recordings to have a song in active top 40 rock rotation according to a statement made by the label's then-president Shan Dan Horan on his personal Facebook page.

The band went on to support the release of their album on the Allstars Tour, which went across North America.[22] They also played festivals such as South By Southwest, South By So What and Treasure Fest supporting Crown The Empire, Beartooth, In This Moment, Motionless In White, Attila, The Color Morale, Chiodos, and Enter Shikari. The band also toured across North America with Upon A Burning Body, Dance Gavin Dance, Iwrestledabearonce, Capture The Crown, Slaves, Outline In Color, Alesana, Dayshell, A Skylit Drive, Oceano, Within The Ruins, The Browning, and The Funeral Portrait. [23][24][25][26][27] On March 10, 2016, vocalist Janel Duarte announced that Izzy Johnson was temporarily unable to tour with the band due to wrist surgery. She was replaced by former Hopeless Records's SycAmour member Blake Howard for one tour.[28]

During 2015, their music video for "Nightmares" was featured daily in Journeys stores nationwide. "What's Left Inside" was also featured nationwide in Journey's stores in 2016.[29] Guitarist Kristen Sturgis released a playthrough video of their single "Nightmares" via Guitar World on August 4, 2015.[30] The band has also seen success on Japanese charts after partnering with Japanese label Five One Inc in February 2016.[31] They released a lyric video for the unplugged version of "Eyes Wide Shut" exclusive for Japan, on May 24, 2016.[32] "Sink Your Teeth Into This" was featured in an NHL commercial for the Detroit Red Wings hockey team via Windsor-Detroit's 89x CIMX-FM radio station.[33]

On June 22, 2017, a tour with I Set My Friends On Fire and Arsonists Get All The Girls was announced.[34] Later the same year, they toured with Famous Last Words.

2020–2021

On August 6, 2020, after a brief hiatus, the band released their first song since 2015, "Chemicals", along with an accompanying music video, featuring Canadian drummer Samantha Landa (ex-Nervosa).[35] Chemicals went on to receive critical acclaim and was hailed as "a contender for best hard rock / metalcore crossover of the year" by Alternative Press magazine, and was later picked up by SiriusXM Octane.[36] On August 14, 2020, they released a cover of Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy" which was picked up by SiriusXM Octane's Accelerator and landed the number 17 spot on their Octane Costume Covers Countdown Contest out of 100 active rock cover nominations.[37][38][39]

On May 11, 2021, they released a new single titled "Messy", with the music video featuring all band members. Unlike many of their previous songs, "Messy" is entirely sung by clean vocalist Kia Castillo. Messy was added into regular rotation on Sirius XM Octane and reached number 6 on the Foundations Chart, as well as number one most added to Billboard's Hard Rock Indicator Chart. They released a version featuring Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens on July 16, 2021.[40]

On October 19, 2021, the band announced on social media that they would be direct support for Attack Attack in 2022.[41] The band also announced a 2022 fall tour supporting Outline In Color, Attack Attack! and Electric Callboy[42]

2022–present: Slow Burn

On May 17, 2022, it was announced that the band signed to Mascot Records by President Ron Burman, who also signed Nickelback to Roadrunner Records in 1999 when he was Senior Vice President of A&R at Roadrunner.[43] To coincide with the announcement, the band released a new standalone single, "Atonement."[44]

On June 8, 2022, they released a single and music video called "Fuckboi" with German metalcore band Electric Callboy via Century Media, of which both bands are featured in the music video. The song is included on Electric Callboy's 2022 album Tekkno.[45]

The band released a new single "Paralyzed," on October 26, 2022, alongside its official music video. They also confirmed that they have begun work on their second studio album "Slow Burn".[46] Rocksound Magazine stated the song was "designed for arenas" and a "monster" (of a track), while Metalhammer Magazine stated "Conquer Divide are showing off their own capability for massive earworms with the ultra-addictive Paralyzed... the true MVP of Paralyzed is the absolutely enormous chorus".[47][48]

It was announced that the band would be playing Welcome To Rockville, supporting Slipknot, Rob Zombie, Queens of the Stoneage, Trivium, Bullet for My Valentine and Black Veil Brides on Thursday, May 18, 2023.[49] They later announced they were added to Blue Ridge Rock Festival supporting Slipknot, Flyleaf, Motionless In White, Lorna Shore, Sleep Token and Tech N9ne on September 8, 2023.[50] The band announced they would support Electric Callboy on their sold out Tekkno tour and would follow up as direct support for Icon for Hire across North America.[51]

On May 11, 2023, the band released "welcome2paradise", along with a music video. They also announced the name of the second album titled "Slow Burn", which will be released on September 8, 2023.[52][53] On July 27, 2023, the band released a 5th single and music video towards their sophomore effort "Slow Burn" titled "N E W H E A V E N". The song was praised by Metal Hammer Magazine, "Melding soaring melodies with crunching riffs and a booming, Nine Inch Nails-inspired industrial underbelly, New Heaven makes it immediately clear why Conquer Divide are pricking ears up right across the metal scene.".[54] New Heaven was also praised on the air by BBC Radio, "Here’s a new one from Conquer Divide. I’m obsessed. Powerful, triumphant, anthemic…NEWHEAVEN" [55]

Style, influences and lyrical content

Conquer Divide's style has been primarily described as metalcore, post-hardcore and alternative rock. Among the band's influences are August Burns Red, We Came as Romans and Parkway Drive, while Demi Lovato is one of Castillo's favorite singers.[56] Others have noted similarities in the band's sound to metalcore bands such as Attack Attack![2] which has led their earlier releases to be labeled "scenecore" by MetalSucks.[57]

Although the band's self-titled debut album is primarily a metalcore record, its successor Slow Burn features a more varied alternative rock and hard rock sound, while preserving the band's original metalcore style on some tracks.[58][59][60]

The lyrical content of the band's music is inspired mainly by personal experiences, which include dealings with prior band members, family, addiction, and relationships.[61]

Collaborations

Vocalist Kiarely Castillo collaborated with The Plot In You's vocalist Landon Tewers on his self-titled solo project. On December 14, 2015, they released a song together titled "Waste of My Time".[62] She also performed a cover of "Scream" by Michael Jackson with German band Annisokay.[63] Guitarist Kristen Sturgis wrote a vocal melody for Miss May I's song "Turn Back The Time" from their 2015 release Deathless. She also did vocal engineering, gang vocals and translation work on Chunk No Captain Chunk's album Pardon My French in 2013.[64] In 2018, Sturgis worked with popular YouTuber Meytal Cohen on an all-female rendition of Asking Alexandria's song "Into The Fire" for her new "Co-Lab" video series.[65] Kiarely traded places with Sleeping With Sirens frontman Kellin Quinn in November 2020 on a "Freaky Friday" episode for Joey Sturgis Tones where Quinn sang "Chemicals" and Kiarely sang "P.S. Missing You" by Sleeping With Sirens.[66][67] In April 2022, it was announced that the band would be featured on Electric Callboy's sixth album Tekkno, on the song "Fuckboi", which was co-written by Sturgis.[68][69]

Awards

The band's song "At War" was nominated for "Best Song" at the 2015 Relentless Kerrang Awards [70][71] Their cover of "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish was nominated for "BigUns of the year" in 2020 by SiriusXM Octane.[72] "Paralyzed" was nominated for "Best Metal song of 2022" by Metal Hammer Magazine in the UK.[73]

Members

Current[74]

  • Kiarely "Kia" Castillo – clean vocals (2013–2018, 2020–present)
  • Janel Duarte – unclean vocals (2014–2018, 2020–present), backing clean vocals (2020–present), bass (2020–present)
  • Kristen Sturgis – rhythm guitar (2013–2018, 2020–present), lead guitar (2013–2014),[75][76] backing vocals (2023-present)
  • Isabel "Izzy" Johnson – lead guitar (2014–2018, 2020–present)
  • Samantha "Sam" Landa – drums (2020–present)

Touring

  • Blake Howard – lead guitar (March–April 2016, filling in for Izzy)
  • Niko Karras – lead guitar (October–November 2022, filling in for Izzy)

Former[74]

  • Tamara Tadic – drums (2013–2017)
  • Sarah Stonebraker – bass (2013–2015)
  • Ashley Colby – bass (2015–2017)
  • Suzie Reagan – unclean vocals (2013–2014)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected details
Title Details
Conquer Divide[2]
Slow Burn
  • Released: September 8, 2023
  • Label: Mascot

Singles

List of singles
Single Album Release date
"Eyes Wide Shut" Non-album singles (later re-recorded for Conquer Divide) November 29, 2013
"At War" November 4, 2014
"Sink Your Teeth Into This" (feat. Denis Stoff of Asking Alexandria) Conquer Divide June 16, 2015
"Nightmares" July 29, 2015
"What's Left Inside" May 24, 2016
"Eyes Wide Shut" (acoustic) Conquer Divide (Japan exclusive) September 11, 2016
"Chemicals" Non-album singles August 6, 2020
"Messy" May 11, 2021
"Messy" (feat. Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens) July 16, 2021
"Atonement" Slow Burn March 28, 2022
"Paralyzed" October 26, 2022
"welcome2paradise" May 10, 2023
"the INVISIBLE" June 15, 2023
"N E W H E A V E N" July 27, 2023

Other songs

Title Album Release date
"FCKBOI (with Electric Callboy)" Tekkno July 8, 2022

References

  1. ↑ Rumble, Darcy. "Conquer Divide". HM Magazine. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 Natasha Van Duser (July 23, 2015). "Album Review: Conquer Divide - 'Conquer Divide'". New Noise Magazine. Archived from the original on August 10, 2015. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  3. ↑ "First Facebook Post". Facebook. March 24, 2013. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  4. ↑ "First Instagram Post". Instagram. June 19, 2013. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  5. ↑ Barkan, Jonathan (November 10, 2014). "Sara Ann, Bassist of Conquer Divide, Turned Me Into A Zombie (Interview)". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Kristen Sturgis Instagram Page". instagram. August 5, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  7. ↑ "Conquer Divide - An Introduction (BryanStars Exclusive //// Interview 2014)". YouTube. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  8. ↑ "Kiarely & Janel - Conquer Divide". Femme Metal Webzine. October 2, 2015. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  9. ↑ "Conquer Divide Interview: Band chats current tour and new album". Youtube. March 1, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  10. ↑ "Conquer Divide". Artery Recordings. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Conquer Divide - Chapter 1". YouTube. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  12. ↑ "Artery Recordings signs Conquer Divide". Lambgoat. October 28, 2014. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  13. ↑ "All-Girl Metal Band CONQUER DIVIDE Reveals "Crazy Tour Stories" (Video)". Blabbermouth.net. August 15, 2015. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  14. ↑ "Asking Alexandria's Denis Shaforostov guests on all female metal band's new single". AlternativePress. June 17, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  15. ↑ "Lost - Conquer Divide | Song Info". AllMusic. July 24, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  16. ↑ wookubus (July 1, 2015). "All-Female Metal Band Conquer Divide Post Behind The Scenes Look At New Album". Theprp. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Conquer Divide at the Hard Rock LV". Setlist. July 24, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  18. ↑ "All Female Metal Band CONQUER DIVIDE: First Making-Of Webisode For Debut Album". Blabbermouth.net. July 2, 2015. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  19. ↑ "Heatseeker Albums 8-15-2015". Billboard. August 15, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  20. ↑ "Chart History". Billboard. August 15, 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Sickestnurse". instagram. July 24, 2016. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  22. ↑ Allstars Lineup Revealed|publisher=MetalInjection|date=May 28, 2016|accessdate=January 4, 2017
  23. ↑ "South By So What day 2". FlippenMusic. March 24, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  24. ↑ "Alesana Tour 2015". hxcmag. January 1, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  25. ↑ "Tour Dates". MetalUnderground. March 12, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  26. ↑ "South By Southwest Lineup 2016". SXSW. March 1, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  27. ↑ "The Allstars Tour lineup revealed". Lambgoat. May 21, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  28. ↑ "Conquer divide live @ white oak music hall in van nuys CA". YouTube. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  29. ↑ "Drop by Journeys in October, and buy some shoes while you listen to our killer playlist". Journeys. October 1, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  30. ↑ "Conquer Divide Premiere "Nightmares" Playthrough Video — Exclusive". Guitar World. August 4, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  31. ↑ "Conquer Divide debuts in Japan". Five One Inc. February 1, 2016. Archived from the original on January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  32. ↑ "Conquer Divide unleash cathartic new music video". AlternativePress. May 25, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  33. ↑ "89x Motor City Music minute featuring Conquer Divide". NHL. February 23, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  34. ↑ "Facebook Post". Arsonists Get All The Girls. June 22, 2021. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  35. ↑ "Hear Conquer Divide's First New Song Since 2015: "Chemicals"". Revolver Mag. August 6, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
  36. ↑ "MUST-SEE MUSIC: NEW TRACKS FROM HALESTORM FEAT. AMY LEE, JOJI AND MORE". Alternative Press Magazine. August 7, 2020. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  37. ↑ "ConquerDivide Instagram Story". Conquer Divide. October 30, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  38. ↑ "ConquerDivide Instagram Story". Conquer Divide. October 30, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  39. ↑ "ConquerDivide Instagram Story". Conquer Divide. October 30, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  40. ↑ "Rockfeed Post". Rockfeed. July 16, 2021. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  41. ↑ "Facebook Post". Conquer Divide. October 19, 2021. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  42. ↑ "Rockfeed Post". Rockfeed. October 19, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  43. ↑ "Executive Interview Ron Burman President North America Mascot Label Group". Rockfeed. May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  44. ↑ "Conquer Divide sign to Mascot Records reveal new song Atonement". Rocknloadmag. May 17, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  45. ↑ "YouTube Video". Electric Callboy. July 8, 2022. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  46. ↑ Staff (October 26, 2022). "Hear Conquer Divide Face Inner Demons On New Song "Paralyzed"". Revolver. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  47. ↑ Staff (October 26, 2022). "Hear Conquer Divide releases gigantic new track "Paralyzed"". Rocksound. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  48. ↑ Staff (October 28, 2022). "Best new metal songs this week". LouderSound. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  49. ↑ "YouTube Video". Welcome To Rockville. December 14, 2022. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  50. ↑ "Blue Ridge Lineup". Blue Ridge Rock Festival. July 31, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  51. ↑ "Tour Schedule". Bandsintown. July 31, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  52. ↑ "Conquer Divide Premiere New Single & Music Video "welcome2paradise" From Upcoming New Album "Slow Burn"". Metal Underground. May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  53. ↑ "Conquer Divide Announce New Album, Share 'welcome2paradise' Video". Rock Sound. May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  54. ↑ "The best new metal songs you need to hear right now". Metal Hammer Magazine Louder Sound. July 27, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  55. ↑ "BBC Sounds". BBC Radio One. August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  56. ↑ "Indie Band of the week is Conquer Divide". RockRevoltMagazine. August 14, 2014. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  57. ↑ Rosenberg, Axl (March 21, 2014). "Conquer Divide's Name Makes No Sense". MetalSucks. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
  58. ↑ Amelio, Caeman (September 7, 2023). "Album Review: Conquer Divide's "Slow Burn"". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  59. ↑ Oken, Ashley (September 8, 2023). "Interview: Janel Duarte of Conquer Divide Talks the Band's Evolution on Emotional New Album 'Slow Burn'". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  60. ↑ Vapour, DJ (September 14, 2023). "Interview: Conquer Divide talk "Slow Burn" with Heavy New York!". Metal Noise. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  61. ↑ "Conquer Divide release cathartic new music video". Alternative Press. May 25, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  62. ↑ "Landon Tewers of The Plot In You releases new single feat Kiarely Castillo of Conquer Divide". CaliberTV. December 14, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  63. ↑ "We present our cover SCREAM feat. Kiarely Castillo from Conquer Divide orig. performed by Janet and Michael Jackson!". Twitter. June 24, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  64. ↑ "Kristen Woutersz". Artist Direct. April 10, 2013. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  65. ↑ "Asking Alexandria - Into The Fire - Co-Lab Cover". Meytalll. September 29, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
  66. ↑ "Kellin Quinn & Kia Castillo Trade Places On Each Others Songs Pt. 1". Joey Sturgis Tones. November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  67. ↑ "Kellin Quinn & Kia Castillo Trade Places On Each Others Songs Pt. 2". Joey Sturgis Tones. November 20, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
  68. ↑ "Electric Callboy to release new album Tekkno in September". Lambgoat. April 19, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  69. ↑ "So excited to announce our collab and co-write with Eskimo Callboy". Facebook. April 15, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  70. ↑ "Nominated for best song". Twitter. April 17, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  71. ↑ "Nomination". Instagram. April 19, 2015. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  72. ↑ "Octane Big Uns Christmas 2020". SiriusXM. December 9, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  73. ↑ "vote for the best metal song of 2022". MetalHammer. December 7, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  74. 1 2 Meer, Noor (April 5, 2016). "My Interview With Conquer Divide: The All Female Metal Band Taking The World By Storm". The Odyssey Online. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  75. ↑ Oliveira, Victoria (March 29, 2014). "Indie Band of the Week: Conquer Divide". Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  76. ↑ Bowar, Chad (July 23, 2015). "5 Questions With Conquer Divide". About.com. Archived from the original on January 16, 2017. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
  77. ↑ "All Female Metal Band Conquer Divide To Release Debut Album In July". Blabbermouth.net. March 28, 2015. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.