New Years Day came to conquer Manchester’s Academy 3 with a sold-out show accompanied by rising legends Conquer Divide serving a trip through melody and romantic darkness.

Words & photos by Sabrina Ramdoyal (sabrinaramdoyal)| Feb 09, 2024

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The current metal music scene in the United Kingdom is thriving, characterised by a series of live performances that celebrate past musical achievements while also revitalising contemporary expressions. One such notable event occurred at the sold-out Manchester Academy 3, where the established band New Years Day shared the stage with the rising group Conquer Divide. It was time to take a trip through melody and romantic darkness.

Conquer Divide commenced their set with Atonement, effectively engaging the audience from the outset and establishing a compelling tone for the evening. Despite encountering minor technical issues, the quintet sustained high levels of energy, enchanting the enthusiastic Manchester crowd. Their distinctive sound fused the soaring, clean vocals of Kiarely Castillo with the intense growls of touring bassist Spencer Maybe, producing a powerful auditory experience.

Her playful comment, “Do not fear, mummy is here,” sparked some audience participation, resulting in a spirited mosh during Paralysed. The band’s dedication to those who identify as outsiders was particularly impactful, with  ‘INVISIBLE’ and ‘system_failure’ underscoring the vital role of providing comfort and connection for individuals who feel marginalised. Their performance culminated with the new single ‘Bad Dreams’, while their final track ‘Welcome2paradise’ left a lasting impression on the audience.

Headliners New Years Day took to the stage with a commanding presence, commencing their set with the powerful ‘Vampyr’e. Revisiting popular tracks like the thunderous ‘Come For M’e, the dynamic elevation of energy was evident. ‘Shut Up and Disgust Me’ sustained excitement in the sold-out crowd.

A standout moment occurred during ‘Fearless’, where drummer Tommy Rockoff delivered a remarkable drum solo, reviving a traditional element of live performances. Even amidst technical difficulties, the band seized this moment to celebrate the contributions of their entire touring crew, enhancing the sense of community within the concert. Ash Costello’s charisma was evident in her robust vocal performance and engaging interactions with the audience. The collaboration between guitarists Jeremy Valentine and Nikki Misery significantly contributed to the overall intensity of their sound.

Their rendition of ‘Gangsta’ (originally sung by Kehlani) fostered lively audience engagement, while the highly popular ‘Hurts Like Hell’ generated an electrifying atmosphere, culminating in T-shirt giveaways that delighted several attendees. In a notable effort to promote audience intimacy, Ash and Nikki descended from the stage to perform Skeletons and ‘I Am About To Break You’ among the crowd, fostering a closer connection often absent in larger venues.

In conclusion, New Year’s Day demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering an exceptional performance, wrapping up with the formidable closing duo of ‘Defame Me and Kill or Be Killed’. The palpable energy and mutual appreciation created a rewarding experience for both the band and the audience. Fans hope the band will return to vibrant Manchester sooner than the five-year interval that has passed since their last visit, as the connection established during this performance underscores the potential for future successful engagements.

Check out the full gallery below:

New Years Day

Conquer Divide