Conquer Divide: The Rise of an All-Female Metalcore Force Redefining Rock
Conquer Divide emerged from Michigan in 2013, founded by guitarist and songwriter Kristen Sturgis alongside Suzie Reagan. What began as a bold creative vision quickly took shape as a five-piece band with the addition of bassist Sarah Stonebraker, drummer Tamara Tadic, and vocalist Kiarely Castillo. The concept for the band had actually existed since around 2005, according to producer Joey Sturgis, making its eventual formation feel less like a beginning and more like the fulfillment of a long-held dream. By early 2014, Liverpool-based YouTube guitarist Izzy Johnson joined the lineup, cementing the band's international identity with members spanning the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
The band wasted no time making their presence felt. Their debut single, Eyes Wide Shut, was released via YouTuber BryanStars' channel in December 2013, and shortly after, they signed to Artery Recordings. Working alongside producer Joey Sturgis, known for his work with We Came as Romans, Asking Alexandria, and Blessthefall, Conquer Divide crafted their self-titled debut album featuring guest appearances from Denis Stoff of Asking Alexandria and Andrew Oliver of I See Stars. When the album officially dropped on July 24, 2015, at the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, it immediately climbed to number four on the iTunes Metal Chart and reached number eight on Billboard's Top HeatSeekers chart, signaling that the rock world had a powerful new voice to reckon with.
The momentum behind the debut album carried the band across North America and onto some of the most prestigious festival stages in rock. They performed at South By Southwest, South By So What, and Treasure Fest, sharing billing with acts like In This Moment, Motionless In White, Beartooth, and Enter Shikari. Their single What's Left Inside became a mainstream breakthrough moment, holding steady on Billboard's Top 40 Mainstream Rock chart for over six weeks and peaking at number 23 in August 2016. Meanwhile, Nightmares was featured daily in Journeys stores nationwide, and Sink Your Teeth Into This found its way into an NHL commercial for the Detroit Red Wings, further amplifying the band's reach beyond traditional rock audiences.
After a period of relative quiet, Conquer Divide returned in August 2020 with Chemicals, a track that announced their comeback with force and clarity. Alternative Press magazine hailed it as a contender for the best hard rock and metalcore crossover of the year, and SiriusXM Octane eagerly picked it up. The reinvigorated lineup now included Canadian drummer Samantha Landa, formerly of Nervosa, whose powerhouse playing immediately strengthened the band's sonic identity. Their follow-up single Messy, released in May 2021 and later featuring Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens, reached number one on Billboard's Hard Rock Indicator Chart and found a place in regular rotation on SiriusXM Octane, proving the band's commercial relevance had only grown during their hiatus.
The year 2022 marked a new chapter entirely. Conquer Divide signed to Mascot Records and released the muscular standalone single Atonement, followed by a thrilling collaboration with German metalcore band Electric Callboy on the infectious Fuckboi. Their single Paralyzed drew widespread critical praise, with Rock Sound Magazine declaring it was designed for arenas and Metal Hammer Magazine calling its chorus absolutely enormous. These releases laid the groundwork for their sophomore album Slow Burn, which arrived on September 8, 2023, and showcased a band fully comfortable exploring a broader sonic palette that blended alternative rock and hard rock with their metalcore roots. The album's release was supported by appearances at major festivals including Welcome to Rockville and Blue Ridge Rock Festival, where the band shared stages with Slipknot, Rob Zombie, and Queens of the Stone Age.
Musically, Conquer Divide draws from a rich pool of influences including Architects, Parkway Drive, and We Came as Romans, while their lyrical content dives unflinchingly into personal experiences ranging from relationships and addiction to family dynamics and internal struggles. This honesty has given the band an authenticity that resonates deeply with their audience. Beyond their own music, the members of Conquer Divide have been active collaborators across the rock world. Vocalist Kiarely Castillo has worked with The Plot In You's Landon Tewers and German band Annisokay, while guitarist Kristen Sturgis contributed vocal melodies to Miss May I and recorded backing vocals for Falling In Reverse on their reimagining of Papa Roach's iconic Last Resort.
As the band continues writing their third album, they remain an evolving and vital force in rock music. With nominations including a Kerrang Award nod for At War and a Metal Hammer nomination for best metal song for Paralyzed, their critical standing continues to grow alongside their fanbase. Conquer Divide's story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and an uncompromising commitment to making music that matters, and by every measure, they are just getting started.