Stumbling across Conquer Divide’s self-titled debut in 2015, it didn’t quite click in all the right places though it had a few killer tracks (see “What’s Left Inside” or “Nightmares”). It combined some aggressive metalcore roots with more anthemic hard rock in a way that was catchy – it just felt like something was missing in the overall vision. Future potential was the biggest takeaway, to the point where this scribe began to eagerly await what the band would put out for round two. It was a lengthy wait for new material, but 2020 single “Chemicals” delivered exactly what Conquer Divide needed. The same bits of aggression and melody, but with a shiny new level of polish in the songwriting and a sense of urgency that made it a massive winner. Grabbing more ears with an entertaining cover of Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” it was 2021’s emotive single “Messy” that brought Conquer Divide into ‘must hear’ status for yours truly. Now in 2023, we are finally seeing the album follow up to their debut, and it was well worth the wait.
The long and the short of it is that regardless of whether Conquer Divide was already on your radar, Slow Burn will leave a strong positive impression. The same metalcore meets stadium rock vibes that they have survived on are still quite accurate descriptors, but it’s like they cranked up the intensity and enjoyment factors up to the next level. The visceral riffing and metalcore edge has more energy and snarl behind it, providing an experience that feels much heavier than their debut. Early single “welcome2paradise” feeds strongly into those feelings, with monster grooves, Samantha Landa’s thundering drums, and Janel Duarte’s screams all merging together with venomous energy. “Afterthought.wav” is another bruiser, with daunting atmosphere and riffing (and just the right amount of eerieness) that may take some aback with it’s raw power, but it also brings a more ethereal second half to meld into something really special.
On the other hand, the melodic side of the band shines equally bright in both more upbeat, dance friendly tracks as well as more punchy hard rock cuts. Lead off “Atonement” really wraps up everything the band has to offer – playful and melodic riffs, a heavy yet catchy chorus with Kiarely Taylor’s vocals in full earworm mode, and a sprinkling of metalcore energy. “Paralyzed” was the first offering to surface, and showcases hooks throughout, as well as that sense of urgency that Taylor provides in the chorus. “Over It” has some of the most rousing and upbeat moments of the album, combining hard rock galloping with a driving chorus that is sure to get a live crowd fully moving (if they weren’t already). “OnlyGirl” hints at the catchy, pop-oriented hooks that “Messy” executed so well, with just the right blend of power and melancholy, and “PRESSURE” fully channels those emotive feelings without being too sappy about it, as does the poignant and touching “the INVISIBLE.”
While it has taken a long time to get a proper follow-up, Conquer Divide shatter any notions about needing to stay in some sort of safe, metalcore-driven box with Slow Burn. They capitalize on a heavier sound, but one that nurtures and knows how to properly integrate some potent emotional resonance that also draws from rock and pop, to create an album that hits hard on many levels. Conquer Divide have crafted their own version of modern metal that’s just as appealing to those outside the genre fanbase as those within it without compromise. A tough feat, but one that should see the band reaping plenty of rewards as Slow Burn works its way into more people’s ears (and never lets go). Easily one of 2023’s brightest spots to date.