Conquer Divide- Conquer Divide (Album Review)

Musician: Conquer Divide
Album Title: Conquer Divide
Genre/ Subgenre: Metalcore
Label: Artery Recordings 
Release Date: June 16, 2015

The self-titled debut album from all female metalcore group Conquer Divide is a catchy little bit of groove laden music. They worked with producer/ engineer Joey (Asking Alexandria, Blessthefall, Of Mice & Men) Sturgis, who really helped them catch a great sound on the album. The result is that it ranked in at #13 on the Billboard’s HeatSeeker charts.

The band does the duel vocal thing quite well. The melody filled signing parts are handled excellently by Kiarely Castillo. She has a great voice that is filled with emotion and not only recalls but rival's that of Paremore's Haley Williams. While, the screaming bits are aggressive and play a nice counterpart. The music is filled with hooks and rolling breakdowns which help to make the music really enjoyable and fun to listen to. 

In fact, I think the band is great at playing the melodic and more soothing against the heavier and more pounding parts. I do wish the bass was mixed in a little thicker but the do guitars sound great. They soar and crunch quite nicely. The catchy songs definitely make you wanna move and bang your head, and sometimes that's all one can ask for. 

Highlight songs including the rolling and melodic "Self Destruct" which plays the melody versus heavy aspect of the band excellently. The breakdowns are particularity kick ass on this one. "Nightmares" has a great and soaring intro that goes full steam in pounding heaviness. I love how Castillo's beautiful vocals play so well against the overall crunch of the song. Throw in some chainsaw guitar sounds and you have a real winner. Proving that the band is also quite good at keeping melodic throughout one song, the beautiful and emotion filled "What's Left Inside" (the latest single from the band) really ranks as one the best tracks on the entire album. The catchy chorus will be stuck in your head for days on end.

Conquer Divide's debut does not not break any real ground. But, what they do, they do quite well. Great signing and an awesome heavy vs. melodic sound, will makes this an album you'll want to listen to a lot. And, more than probably you'll also end up signing along to it. I know I have been both since I heard it. 

***1/2 out of *****

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Conquer Divide Premiere new Music Video/Single on Revolver Magazine

I just watched the new video, "What's Left Behind" from all female metalcore group Conquer Divide from their self-titled, debut album released by Artery Recordings. And, I gotta say I love the song and video! The track is emotional, catchy, and driving and the video is powerful. It made it's premiere today at Revolver Magazine's website (the link to the video is below)

From the Artery Recordings Press Release:


Conquer Divide

Conquer Divide
Artery Recordings
16 June 2015
  Conquer Divide release new single "What's left Inside" on Artery Recordings, premiering the new music video on Revolver Magazine here. Based in the United States and England, Conquer Divide (For Fans of Asking Alexandra, Flyleaf, Pvris) have made a name for themselves with their catchy hooks, and their ability to quickly embarrass guys who don't think girls can play.

The six-member all female band (consisting of Kiarely Castillo, Janel Duarte, Kristen Woutersz, Isabel “Izzy” Johnson, Tamara Tadic and Ashley Colby) has managed to capture the attention and gain the respect from their ever growing fan base and critics alike. Over the past three years, the band have toured with Alesana, Slaves, Iwrestledabearonce, Upon A Burning Body with multiple featured showcases at SXSW.

In their recently released self-titled album, Conquer Divide was pushed to their limits and thought outside the box as they worked with gold record producer/engineer Joey Sturgis (Asking Alexandria, Blessthefall, Of Mice & Men). As a result of a stellar album and allot of hardwork, Their debut album “Conquer Divide” ranked #13 on Billboard’s HeatSeeker charts.

To date, the band have released videos for “At War” and “Nightmare” acquiring a million plus views, along side single "Sink Your Teeth Into This" featuring Denis Stoff of Asking Alexandria which garnished praise from critics and skeptics alike.

Conquer Divide is set to hit the air waves with a very personal single “What’s Left Inside.” Kristen describe the song to be “cathartic,” and hopes to motivate fans to turn a negative situation into something positive.

Conquer Divide is excited to release their new single/music video and ready to prove they can hang with the best of them. Be sure to keep your eye on Conquer Divide as they are primed and ready to take the music industry by storm.

And, keep your eyes here, as my review of this album will be up soon!

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