Conquer Divide

Conquer Divide: An International Powerhouse in Modern Rock

Conquer Divide stands as a formidable force in the modern rock landscape, an all-female outfit boasting a diverse, multi-national lineup. Hailing from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, with a former member from Serbia, this dynamic band transcends borders, bringing a truly global perspective to their hard-hitting sound.

History

The genesis of Conquer Divide can be traced back to Michigan, where the vision for the band was cultivated by guitarist and songwriter Kristen Sturgis, initially alongside Suzie Reagan. While official biographies, including their profile on the Artery Recordings website, pinpoint their formation to 2013, producer Joey Sturgis reveals the concept for Conquer Divide had been brewing since as early as 2005.

The foundational lineup solidified in 2013 as a powerful five-piece, welcoming bassist Sarah Stonebraker, thunderous drummer Tamara Tadic, and commanding vocalist Kiarely Castillo into the fold. A pivotal moment arrived on March 1, 2014, when Conquer Divide announced the recruitment of Liverpool-based YouTube guitar sensation, Izzy Johnson, expanding their ranks to a six-piece. Shortly thereafter, a lineup change saw vocalist Suzie Reagan depart, with the band enlisting the formidable talents of Texas-based vocalist Janel Duarte to take her place, further cementing their evolving sound.

Career

2013–2017: Self-Titled Debut Album

Conquer Divide wasted no time making their mark. On December 2, 2013, they unleashed their potent debut single, "Eyes Wide Shut," via a captivating lyric video premiered on prominent YouTuber BryanStars` channel, immediately capturing the attention of the scene. This impactful introduction led to a significant milestone in mid-2014: a coveted signing with Artery Recordings, a label known for its roster of heavy hitters.

For their highly anticipated self-titled debut album, Conquer Divide tapped none other than renowned producer Joey Sturgis, an architect behind some of modern metalcore and post-hardcores most iconic records for bands like We Came as Romans, Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada, and Blessthefall. The album also featured a notable collaboration, showcasing powerful guest vocals from Denis Shaforostov (better known as Denis Stoff), formerly of Asking Alexandria, underscoring the bands strong ties and presence within the scene.