Conquer Divide
Conquer Divide[1] | |
---|---|
Origin | Michigan United States[2] |
Genres | |
Years active | 2013-2018, 2020-present [4][5] |
Labels | Artery |
Members | Kiarely Castillo Janel Duarte Kristen Sturgis Isabel Johnson Samantha Landa |
Past members | Tamara Tadic Ashley Colby Sarah Stonebraker[6] Suzie Reagan |
Website | Conquer Divide on Facebook |
Conquer Divide is an American post-hardcore band signed to Artery Recordings[7] whose members come from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, with one former member coming from Serbia. Although their official biography featured on the Artery Recordings website states that they were formed in late 2012,[8] the concept for the band had existed since about 2005 according to their producer Joey Sturgis.[9]
History
The band was formed in Michigan by guitarist and songwriter Kristen Sturgis[10] along with guitarist and vocalist 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.[11] 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 due to irreconcilable differences and was replaced by Janel Duarte.[12][13]
On December 2, 2013, Conquer Divide released a lyric video for their first single "Eyes Wide Shut" via YouTuber BryanStars channel. After the release, they received multiple offers and eventually signed to Artery Recordings in mid 2014.[14] The band worked with producer Joey Sturgis (We Came as Romans, Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada, Blessthefall) on their debut self-titled album.[15] It features guest vocals by Denis Shaforostov (known by his stage moniker Denis Stoff) formerly of Asking Alexandria.[16] It also features a collaboration with Andrew Oliver of I See Stars on the song "Lost".[17] They later posted a video about the process of making the band and the album.[18]
On July 24, 2015 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, Nevada, their album was officially released.[19][20] The same day, the album reached #4 on the iTunes Metal Chart and ranked #8 on Billboard's Top HeatSeekers chart.[21] 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.[22][23] 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 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.[24] 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, For Today, Sirens and Sailors, Like Moths To Flames, Marmozets, Chiodos, Palisades, Kublai Kahn, and Enter Shikari. The band has 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, Myka Relocate, Within The Ruins, The Browning, It Lies Within and The Funeral Portrait. [25][26][27][28][29] On December 25, 2015, the band announced on their Facebook page that bassist Sarah Stonebraker would leave on good terms and that her replacement was Ashley Colby.[30] 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.[31]
During the month of October 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.[32] Guitarist Kristen Sturgis released a playthrough video of their single "Nightmares" via Guitar World on August 4, 2015.[33] The band has also seen success on Japanese charts after partnering with Japanese label Five One Inc in February 2016.[34] They released a lyric video for the unplugged version of "Eyes Wide Shut" exclusive for Japan, on May 24, 2016.[35] "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.[36]
On August 6, 2020, the band released their first song since 2015, "Chemicals", along with an accompanying music video, with new member Samantha Landa on drums.[37]
Style, influences and lyrical content
The band's style has been described as metalcore, post-hardcore, screamo and 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.[38] Others have noted similarities in the band's sound to older metalcore bands such as Attack Attack![3] which has led them to be labelled "scenecore" by MetalSucks.[39]
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.[40]
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".[41] She also performed a cover of "Scream" by Michael Jackson with German band Annisokay [42] 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.[43] In 2018, Kristen 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. [44]
Awards
Their song "At War" was nominated for "Best Song" at the 2015 Relentless Kerrang Awards [45][46]
Members
Current[47]
- Kiarely "Kia" Castillo - clean vocals (2013–2018, 2020–present)
- Janel Duarte - unclean vocals (2014–2018, 2020–present), additional clean vocals (2014–2018, 2020–present), bass (2020-present),
- Kristen Sturgis - rhythm guitar (2013–2018, 2020–present), bass (2017–2018), drums (2017–2018), lead guitar (2013–2014)[48][49]
- Isabel "Izzy" Johnson - lead guitar (2014–2018, 2020–present)[49], bass (2017–2018), drums (2017–2018)
- Samantha Landa - drums (2020-present)
Touring
- Blake Howard - lead guitar (March 2016- April 2016, filling in for Izzy)
Former[47]
- Tamara Tadic - drums (2013–2017)
- Sarah Stonebraker - bass (2013-2015)
- Ashley Colby - bass (2015–2017)
- Suzie Reagan - unclean vocals, rhythm guitar (2013-2014), clean vocals (2013)
Timeline
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/timeline/iy15nv7kzbznsuymuxi3udru5e6m12j.png)
Discography
Studio albums
Year | Title | Tracks |
---|---|---|
2015 | Conquer Divide[3]
|
[50]
|
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 single | August 6, 2020 |
References
- ^ Rosenberg, Axl (March 21, 2014). "Conquer Divide's Name Makes No Sense". MetalSucks. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ Rumble, Darcy. "Conquer Divide". HM Magazine. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ a b c "Album Review: Conquer Divide - 'Conquer Divide'". New Noise Magazine. July 23, 2015. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "First Facebook Post". Facebook. March 24, 2013. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
- ^ "First Instagram Post". Instagram. June 19, 2013. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
- ^ Barkan, Jonathan (November 10, 2014). "Sara Ann, Bassist of Conquer Divide, Turned Me Into A Zombie (Interview)". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ Hercegova, Sandra (September 6, 2016). "Conquer Divide kicks major ass". The Concordian. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "Conauer Divide". Artery Recordings. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "Conquer Divide - Chapter 1". YouTube. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "Joeyismusick". instagram. August 5, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
- ^ "Conquer Divide - An Introduction (BryanStars Exclusive //// Interview 2014)". YouTube. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "Kiarely & Janel - Conquer Divide". Femme Metal Webzine. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "Conquer Divide Interview: Band chats current tour and new album". Youtube. March 1, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ "Artery Recordings signs Conquer Divide". Lambgoat. October 28, 2014. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "All-Girl Metal Band CONQUER DIVIDE Reveals "Crazy Tour Stories" (Video)". Blabbermouth.net. August 15, 2015. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "Asking Alexandria's Denis Shaforostov guests on all female metal band's new single". AlternativePress. June 17, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ "Lost - Conquer Divide | Song Info". AllMusic. July 24, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- ^ wookubus (July 1, 2015). "All-Female Metal Band Conquer Divide Post Behind The Scenes Look At New Album". Theprp. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "Conquer Divide at the Hard Rock LV". Setlist. July 24, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ "All Female Metal Band CONQUER DIVIDE: First Making-Of Webisode For Debut Album". Blabbermouth.net. July 2, 2015. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "Heatseeker Albums 8-15-2015". Billboard. August 15, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ "Chart History". Billboard. August 15, 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
- ^ "Sickestnurse". instagram. July 24, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ Allstars Lineup Revealed|publisher=MetalInjection|date=May 28, 2016|accessdate=January 4, 2017
- ^ "South By So What day 2". FlippenMusic. March 24, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ "Alesana Tour 2015". hxcmag. January 1, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ "Tour Dates". MetalUnderground. March 12, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ "South By Southwest Lineup 2016". SXSW. March 1, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ "The Allstars Tour lineup revealed". Lambgoat. May 21, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ Conquer Divide (December 25, 2015). "As some of you may already know..." Facebook. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
- ^ "Conquer divide live @ white oak music hall in van nuys CA". YouTube. Retrieved October 27, 2016 – via Youtube.
- ^ "Drop by Journeys in October, and buy some shoes while you listen to our killer playlist". Journeys. October 1, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- ^ "Conquer Divide Premiere "Nightmares" Playthrough Video — Exclusive". Guitar World. August 4, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ "Conquer Divide debuts in Japan". Five One Inc. February 1, 2016. Archived from the original on January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- ^ "Conquer Divide unleash cathartic new music video". AlternativePress. May 25, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ "89x Motor City Music minute featuring Conquer Divide". NHL. February 23, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ "Hear Conquer Divide's First New Song Since 2015: "Chemicals"". Revolver Mag. August 6, 2020. Retrieved August 6, 2020.
- ^ "Indie Band of the week is Conquer Divide". RockRevoltMagazine. August 14, 2014. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- ^ Rosenberg, Axl. "Conquer Divide's Name Makes No Sense". MetalSucks. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
- ^ "Conquer Divide release cathartic new music video". Alternative Press. May 25, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- ^ "Landon Tewers of The Plot In You releases new single feat Kiarely Castillo of Conquer Divide". CaliberTV. December 14, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Kristen Woutersz". Artist Direct. April 10, 2013. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
- ^ "Asking Alexandria - Into The Fire - Co-Lab Cover". Meytalll. September 29, 2018. Retrieved April 18, 2019.
- ^ "Nominated for best song". Twitter. April 17, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- ^ "Nomination". Instagram. April 19, 2015. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ Oliveira, Victoria. "INDIE BAND OF THE WEEK: CONQUER DIVIDE". Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ a b Bowar, Chad (July 23, 2015). "5 Questions With Conquer Divide". About.com. Retrieved January 14, 2017.
- ^ "All Female Metal Band CONQUER DIVIDE To Release Debut Album In July". Blabbermouth.net. March 28, 2015. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "CONQUER DIVIDE Releases "Sink Your Teeth Into This" Song Feat. ASKING ALEXANDRIA's DENIS SHAFOROSTOV". June 16, 2015. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ Sharp, Tyler (June 17, 2015). "Asking Alexandria's Denis Shaforostov guests on all-female band's new single". Alternative Press. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "All-Girl Metal Band CONQUER DIVIDE Releases "What's Left Inside"". Blabbermouth.net. May 24, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ Ralph, Caitlyn (May 25, 2016). "Conquer Divide unleash cathartic new music video". Alternative Press. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "All Female Metal Band CONQUER DIVIDE Releases New Single "At War"". Blabbermouth.net. November 4, 2014. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
- ^ "Conquer Divide Premiere New Music Video, "What's Left Inside"". Revolver Magazine. May 24, 2016. Archived from the original on October 28, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
External links
- "Conquer Divide - TRS". Revelator Show. Retrieved October 27, 2016.