Full Album Stream: Conquer Divide - Conquer Divide

The "Full Album Streams" section of this blog not only gave folks something to listen to when they are cruising the site (being that the original intention of this site was to act as a hub to explore), but also a chance for you all to explore new artists, new genres, and new albums before deciding to purchase them (also from links on AFGM's site).

Full album streams seem to be a fad that a lot of internet savvy people are jumping on.  It can be in the form of a Soundcloud widget, a YouTube playlist, or even a single YouTube video.  This often gives record labels a chance to promote new artists and for people to subscribe to their social media pages.  So hopefully this provides you access to some new music, bands, and/or artists.  Cheers!

PS - Feel free to send us an email if you have any albums you think you should be on this list or a new one coming out we missed.  We're always listening!

(Artwork by AFGM.  Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Hailing from three countries (UK, USA, and Serbia), this six-piece all female group rose to the ranks in 2015 with the release of their debut self-titled album, which put them on various supporting tours across the US.  Although the debut was not released until 2015, the group has maintained consistency since 2005, when the initial ladies (Kristen Woutersz and Suzie Reagan) started creating their original tracks.  This caught the attention of producer Joey Sturgis, who also produced their debut album.

After a few changes, the lineup has consistently been:

Kiarely "Kia" Castillo - Vocals | Janel Duarte - Vocals | Kristen Woutersz - Guitar

Isabel "Izzy" Johnson - Guitar | Tamara Tadic - Drums

Conquer Divide's debut self-titled album was released on July 24th, 2015 via Artery Recordings.  As mentioned before, it was produced by Joey Sturgis, who has also worked with bands such as We Came As Romans, Asking Alexandria, The Devil Wears Prada, and more.

(Album artwork is courtesy of Conquer Divide and Artery Recordings)

1. Sink Your Teeth Into This (feat. Denis Stoff)*
2. Self Destruct
3. Eyes Wide Shut*
4. Nightmares
5. Lost
6. What's Left Inside*
7. At War
8. Despicable You
9. Heavy Lies the Crown*
10. Broken

(* = AFGM Recommendations)

Lyrically and musically this album is full of things to love. If you enjoy fast-paced metal with killer female vocalists (such as Kittie) you will definitely find this enjoyable. What’s more is that these gals bring these songs to life in a way you wouldn’t imagine live! Such charisma and energy… go catch them at a show. More importantly, Conquer Divide, is out now on Artery Recordings and you should get out there and pick it up! -New Transcendence



The songs that comprise Conquer Divide are solid musical works, however the beautiful vocal pairings (“Heavy Lies The Crown”) alongside melodic choruses and heavy leads (“Despicable You”)just feel dated. The technical skill and production quality make Conquer Divide a truly fine record, but a record without any remarkable innovation. Now that Conquer Divide have their feet planted in the music scene, though, they may have more room to branch out and create something spectacular next time around. - New Noise Magazine

Full Album Stream: Volumes - Different Animals

So one of the new(er) sections I created was "Full Album Streams".  Not only did this gave folks something to listen to when they are cruising the site (being that the original intention of this site was to acts as a hub to explore), but also a chance for people to explore new artists, new genres, and new albums before deciding to purchase them (also from links on AFGM's site).

Full album streams seem to be a new fad that a lot of internet savvy people are jumping on.  It can be in the form of a Soundcloud widget, a YouTube playlist, or even a single YouTube video.  This often gives record labels a chance to promote new artists and for people to subscribe to their social media pages.  So hopefully this provides you access to some new music, bands, and/or artists.  Cheers!

PS - Feel free to send us an email if you have any albums you think you should be on this list or a new one coming out we missed.  We're always listening!

(Artwork by AFGM.  Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the six piece djent metal band Volumes has made great success with Mediaskare Records since their debut EP in 2009, titled The Concept of Dreaming.  Their blend of djent, rap, and funk give this group some versatility through their past two albums, Via, and No Sleep.  The group is known for its bouncy riffs, and catchy melody hooks.

The group had a slight change up in vocals, but for the past few years, the lineup has been:

Gus Farias – Vocals | Diego Farias – Guitar, keyboards | Raad Soudani – Bass

Nick Ursich – Drums | Myke Terry - Vocals

Different Animals was released on June 9th, 2017 via (newly inked) Fearless Records.  The album was produced by Brandon Paddock and Diego Farias.

(Album artwork is courtesy of Volumes and Fearless Records)

1. Waves Control
2. Finite
3. Feels Good*
4. Disaster Vehicle
5. Pieces
6. Interlude
7. Hope
8. Tide's Change
9. On Her Mind (ft. Pouya)*
10. Heavy Silence
11. Pullin' Shades*
12. Left for Dead

(* = AFGM Recommendations)

"That’s exactly what you get with the second and second-to-last tracks, with Terry’s vocals bouncing off buoyant hip hop production. “Finite” and “Pullin’ Shades” are two of Volumes’ best tracks to date and push their sound to new and more adventurous territory. The djent/prog metalcore undertone and groove is still there, but these songs are smooth, silky numbers first and foremost. I hesitate to call it urban metalcore because that gives the notion that this is nu nu-metal…" -New Noise Magazine



"I wouldn’t say this is a themed album, so much as it’s really well-balanced. Every song compliments the others without being filler, and they don’t jam all the heavy or all the tearful together. My only gripe would be that they end the album one song late – “Pullin’ Shades” is an incredible album finisher, but then we get another, perfectly acceptable “metal” track to round out the album." -Heavy Mag

Art of Anarchy - The Madness

When the music world lost Scott Weiland, he left behind lots of great memories, and also some fellow musicians that still had the urge to continue on with their music endeavors.  While most people would list Stone Temple Pilots or Velvet Revolver as the first choices for this void, I was referring to his loosely associated band Art of Anarchy.  Now, let's be real, Scott didn't invest much time and effort into this band, despite the lineup having some fame with GnR's Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal or Disturbed's John Moyer.  Once hearing the band put out their debut album, I was very impressed with both the production and the musicianship.  The vocal were obviously awesome, but the band definitely had a good sound going.

So after the untimely death of Scott, the band was left with yet another void to fill.  It's almost uncanny they hired another 90's hit maker, and a singer with his own personal issues to work out.  In a shock to the music world, Creed's Scott Stapp had come out of hiding (after his series of drug abuse and counselling session) and stepped up to the plate.  This was a different dynamic for Scott to work with.  It was heavier, faster, and more along the lines of metal.  I guess that's interesting on how the other members of Creed formed an equally heavier band called Alter Bridge.


(Photo courtesy of Century Media Records)

Anyways, Art of Anarchy came roaring back with their new singer, and a new album.  I was over impressed with the compatibility of the members.  While Scott's voice was recognizable, Scott's deep voice complimented the sound of the band, and can be heard throughout the first few tracks such as "No Surrender", and "The Madness".  Keep in mind that they can definitely keep the ballads coming as well, such as "Let You Down".



While I have always been a Scott fan since his "Human Clay" days, I really hope that Scott continues on with Art of Anarchy.  I think it's a great fit for him, and the band has sounded better than ever (there are a few shredding moments throughout the album that are fantastic).  It also seems like a great mutual benefit for all parties as well; Scott gets to continue making music like he always has, as well as his name bringing a slew of fans and some popularity.

"The Madness" was released on March 24th, 2017 via Century Media Records.

(Album artwork courtesy of Century Media)

1. Echo of a Scream
2. 1000 Degrees
3. No Surrender
4. The Madness
5. Won't Let You Down
6. Changed Man
7. A Light in Me
8. Somber
9. Dancing with the Devil
10. Afterburn