Jump to content

Torche (band): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
GreenC bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
2,551,386 edits
Reformat 2 archive links. Wayback Medic 2.5 per WP:USURPURL and JUDI batch #20
 
(196 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use American English|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
{{Short description|American stoner metal band}}
| Name = Torche
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
| Img =
{{Infobox musical artist
| Img_capt = Torche live
| Img_size = 250
| name = Torche
| Landscape = Yes
| image = Torche-2013-02-07-WillButler.jpg
| Background = group_or_band
| caption = Torche performing in 2013
| Alias =
| image_upright = 1.25
| Origin = [[Miami]], [[Florida]], [[United States]]
| alias =
| Genre = [[Stoner metal]], [[sludge metal]]
| origin = [[Miami, Florida]], U.S.
| Years_active = 2004–present
| genre = {{flatlist|
*[[Stoner metal]]<ref name="mk" >{{Cite web |title=Torche {{!}} Discography, Members |url=https://www.metalkingdom.net/band/torche-5356 |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=Metal Kingdom}}</ref>
| Label = [[Hydra Head Records|Hydra Head]], [[Rock Action Records|Rock Action]], [[Robotic Empire]]
*[[sludge metal]]<ref name="mk" />
| Associated_acts = [[Floor (band)|Floor]], [[Cavity (band)|Cavity]], Mehkago N.T., Shitstorm, Tyranny of Shaw, Tunes for Bears to Dance To, [[MonstrO (band)|MonstrO]]
*[[stoner rock]]<ref name="mk" />
| URL = [http://www.torchemusic.com/ Torche music]
*[[alternative rock]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Treppel |first=Jeff |date=2019-07-11 |title=Album Review: Torche Enter A More Mature Phase with Admission |url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2019/07/11/album-review-torche-enter-a-more-mature-phase-with-admission/ |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=[[MetalSucks]]}}</ref>
| Current_members = Steve Brooks<br>Rick Smith<br>Jonathan Nuñez<br>Andrew Elstner
}}
| Past_members = Juan Montoya
| years_active = 2004–2022
| label = {{flatlist|
*[[Relapse Records|Relapse]]
*[[Hydra Head Records|Hydra Head]]
*[[Rock Action Records|Rock Action]]
*[[Robotic Empire]]
}}
| website = {{url|torchemusic.com}}
| past_members = Steve Brooks<br />Rick Smith<br />Jonathan Nuñez<br />Eric Hernandez<br />Juan Montoya<br />Andrew Elstner
}}
}}
'''Torche''' is a band from [[Miami]], [[Florida]], whose sound is often described as [[stoner metal]], or [[sludge metal]].


'''Torche''' was an American [[stoner metal]]/[[sludge metal]] band from [[Miami, Florida]]. The group formed in 2004 and has released five full-length studio albums, four EPs, two split albums, and three singles. They released their fifth and final full-length studio album, ''[[Admission (album)|Admission]]'', in 2019.
==Biography==
[[Image:SteveBrooks(by Scott Dudelson).jpg|thumb|150px|left|Steve Brooks - live in concert]]
The group was formed in 2004<ref>[http://www.starpulse.com/Music/Torche/Biography/ Torche Biography] starpulse.com. Retrieved on 2009-07-31.</ref> by Steve Brooks (ex-[[Floor (band)|Floor]]), Juan Montoya (ex-Floor, ex-[[Cavity (band)|Cavity]], ex-Ed Matus Struggle), Jonathan Nuñez and Rick Smith (who also played in the [[grindcore]] bands Shitstorm and Tyranny of Shaw, and the [[screamo]] band Tunes for Bears to Dance To).<ref>[http://www.stonerrock.com/interviews/index.asp?InterviewID=161 An Interview with Steve and Rick of Torche] stonerrock.com. 2005-07-24. Retrieved on 2009-07-30.</ref>
According to MTracks.com: "Their music has a unique, hard-hitting sound that provokes a wide range of emotions, and they have a large fan base throughout the world." <ref>http://www.mtraks.com/blog/article/torche_interview_casbah_carries_the_torche</ref>
They have toured with [[Mogwai]], [[Isis (band)|Isis]], [[Pelican (band)|Pelican]], [[Black Cobra (band)|Black Cobra]], [[Baroness (band)|Baroness]], [[Jesu (band)|Jesu]], [[The Sword (band)|The Sword]], [[Stinking Lizaveta]], [[Harvey Milk (band)|Harvey Milk]], [[Boris (band)|Boris]], and [[High on Fire]].<ref>[http://www.torchemusic.com/ Band Bio - by J. Bennett]</ref> Steve Brooks, however, has said that they don't consider themselves a [[Heavy metal music|metal]] band.<ref>[http://www.decibelmagazine.com/features/sep2006/gaysinmetal.aspx?terms=gay+metal&searchtype=2&fragment=True Decibel Magazine<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In describing the band's sound, Smith said in an interview: "To me it's mostly a combination of everything we listen to collectively as a band. We take what we like from what we grew up on and use it as creatively as we can. I think the meshing of different sounds comes naturally just because we all have different musical backgrounds yet have a ton of common interests." <ref>http://deafsparrow.com/Torche-Interview.htm</ref> In terms of touring, Brooks said Torche is getting more of a young crowd. <ref>http://www.stonerrock.com/interviews/index.asp?InterviewID=161</ref>


== History ==
On April 8, 2008, the band released their second full-length, entitled ''[[Meanderthal]]''. It was produced by [[Kurt Ballou]] ([[Converge (band)|Converge]], [[Genghis Tron]]). <ref>http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/multiarticlesub.aspx?csid1=120&csid2=4&fid1=30243</ref>
The group was formed in 2004<ref>[http://www.starpulse.com/Music/Torche/Biography/ Torche Biography] starpulse.com. Retrieved on July 31, 2009.</ref> by Steve Brooks (ex-[[Floor (band)|Floor]]), Juan Montoya (ex-Floor, ex-[[Cavity (band)|Cavity]], ex-Ed Matus Struggle), Jonathan Nuñez and Rick Smith (who also played in the [[grindcore]] bands Shitstorm, Tyranny of Shaw, Adore Miridia, the [[screamo]] band Tunes for Bears to Dance To, and punk band Post-Teens).<ref>[http://www.stonerrock.com/interviews/index.asp?InterviewID=161 An Interview with Steve and Rick of Torche] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928050349/http://www.stonerrock.com/interviews/index.asp?InterviewID=161 |date=September 28, 2011 }} stonerrock.com. July 24, 2005. Retrieved on July 30, 2009.</ref>
It was met with critical acclaim, including that from [[Decibel Magazine]] who ranked ''Meanderthal'' #1 on their list of the Top 40 Extreme Albums of 2008<ref>http://decibelmagazine.com/Content.aspx?ncid=140019</ref> as well as an 8.2/10 by [[Pitchfork Media]]<ref>http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12020-meanderthal/</ref>. In an interview, Brooks said the band themselves came up with the album's concept in terms of artwork and packaging, along with [[Aaron Turner]]<ref>[http://paradeofflesh.blogspot.com/2008/05/torche-interview.html Torche interview] paradeofflesh.blogspot.com. 2008-05-29. Retrieved on 2010-07-21.</ref> Brooks has also said that in terms of writing material, the band focuses on what they like, rather than worrying about a "backlash" from their fans. <ref>http://www.smnnews.com/2008/03/27/torche-steve-brooks-vocalsguitars/</ref>
According to MTracks.com: "Their music has a unique, hard-hitting sound that provokes a wide range of emotions, and they have a large fan base throughout the world."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtraks.com/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220023754/http://www.mtraks.com/blog/article/torche_interview_casbah_carries_the_torche|url-status=usurped|title=Best Music Making Software – Free Production Creation Download|archivedate=December 20, 2008}}</ref>
They have toured with [[Mogwai]], [[Isis (band)|Isis]], [[Pelican (band)|Pelican]], [[Clutch (band)|Clutch]], [[Black Cobra (band)|Black Cobra]], [[Baroness (band)|Baroness]], [[Jesu (band)|Jesu]], [[The Sword]], [[Coheed and Cambria]], [[Stinking Lizaveta]], [[Harvey Milk (band)|Harvey Milk]], [[Boris (band)|Boris]], and [[High on Fire]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.torchemusic.com/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215025224/http://www.torchemusic.com/|url-status=dead|title=Torche|archivedate=December 15, 2007|website=Torche}}</ref> Steve Brooks, however, has said that they do not consider themselves a metal band.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120313131551/http://www.decibelmagazine.com/features/sep2006/gaysinmetal.aspx?terms=gay+metal&searchtype=2&fragment=True] </ref> In describing the band's sound, Smith said in an interview: "To me it's mostly a combination of everything we listen to collectively as a band. We take what we like from what we grew up on and use it as creatively as we can. I think the meshing of different sounds comes naturally just because we all have different musical backgrounds yet have a ton of common interests."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://deafsparrow.com/Torche-Interview.htm |title=Torche Interview – Deaf Sparrow Zine |publisher=Deafsparrow.com |accessdate=December 31, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209025610/http://www.deafsparrow.com/Torche-Interview.htm |archivedate=December 9, 2012 }}</ref> In terms of touring, Brooks said Torche is getting more of a young crowd.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stonerrock.com/interviews/index.asp?InterviewID=161 |title=All That is Heavy |publisher=Stonerrock.com |accessdate=December 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928050349/http://www.stonerrock.com/interviews/index.asp?InterviewID=161 |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


On April 8, 2008, the band released their second full-length, entitled ''[[Meanderthal]]''. It was produced by [[Kurt Ballou]] ([[Converge (band)|Converge]], [[Genghis Tron]]).<ref>{{cite web |last=Carman |first=Keith |url=http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/multiarticlesub.aspx?csid1=120&csid2=4&fid1=30243 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730183629/http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/multiarticlesub.aspx?csid1=120&csid2=4&fid1=30243 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 30, 2012 |title=Torche Make It Quick • Interviews • |publisher=Exclaim.ca |accessdate=December 31, 2012 }}</ref>
Guitarist Stephen Brooks is one of the few openly gay musicians in the punk rock / metal scene. He did an interview round table in 2008 on thestranger.com with other openly gay musicians such as Brian Cook ([[Russian Circles]], [[These Arms Are Snakes]], [[Botch (band)|Botch]]), and Juan Velazquez of [[Abe Vigoda (band)|Abe Vigoda]].<ref>Reighley, Kurt B. [http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=729140 A Big, Gay Roundtable] thestranger.com. 2008-10-28. Retrieved on 2010-10-29.</ref>
It was met with critical acclaim from publications including [[Decibel (magazine)|''Decibel'' magazine]], who ranked ''Meanderthal'' No.&nbsp;1 on their list of the Top 40 Extreme Albums of 2008,<ref>[http://decibelmagazine.com/Content.aspx?ncid=140019] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222154828/http://decibelmagazine.com/Content.aspx?ncid=140019|date=December 22, 2008}}</ref> and ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'', who gave the album an 8.2/10 score in their review.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12020-meanderthal/ |title=Torche: Meanderthal &#124; Album Reviews |publisher=Pitchfork |date=July 31, 2008 |accessdate=December 31, 2012}}</ref> In an interview, Brooks said the band themselves came up with the album's concept in terms of artwork and packaging, along with [[Aaron Turner]].<ref>[http://paradeofflesh.blogspot.com/2008/05/torche-interview.html Torche interview] Paradeofflesh.blogspot.com. May 29, 2008. Retrieved on July 21, 2010.</ref> Brooks has also said that in terms of writing material, the band focuses on what they like, rather than worrying about a "backlash" from their fans.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smnnews.com/2008/03/27/torche-steve-brooks-vocalsguitars/ |title=Torche – Steve Brooks, Vocals/Guitars |publisher=SMNnews.com |date=March 27, 2008 |accessdate=December 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322221321/http://www.smnnews.com/2008/03/27/torche-steve-brooks-vocalsguitars/ |archive-date=March 22, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Singer/guitarist Stephen Brooks is one of the few openly gay musicians in the metal scene.<ref name="Dirty Laundry Presents: Torche">{{cite web|title=Dirty Laundry Presents: Torche|url=http://dirtylaundry.tv/dirty-laundry-presents-torche/|publisher=dirtylaundry.tv|accessdate=November 13, 2010}}</ref> He did an interview round table in 2008 on thestranger.com with other openly gay musicians such as [[Brian Cook (musician)|Brian Cook]] ([[Russian Circles]], [[Sumac (band)|Sumac]], [[These Arms Are Snakes]], [[Botch (band)|Botch]]), and Juan Velazquez of [[Abe Vigoda (band)|Abe Vigoda]].<ref>Reighley, Kurt B. [http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=729140 A Big, Gay Roundtable], Thestranger.com. October 28, 2008. Retrieved on October 29, 2010.</ref>
In late 2008 Juan Montoya left the band, a move credited to musical differences. Steve Brooks said "He is an amazing guitarist, but we are just not on the same page... but Torche will still carry on as a 3 piece band". As of 2010, Juan Montoya joined up with ex-Bloodsimple members [[Bevan Davies]] and Kyle Sanders, to create the band "[[MonstrO (band)|MonstrO]]" In an interview with Malia James, Brooks revealed that Montoya's departure was acrimonious, and involved physical violence between the two of them.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dirty Laundry Presents: Torche|url=http://www.dirtylaundry.tv/torche.html|publisher=dirtylaundry.tv|accessdate=13 November 2010}}</ref>


In late 2008, Juan Montoya left the band, a move credited to musical differences. Steve Brooks said, "He is an amazing guitarist, but we are just not on the same page... but Torche will still carry on as a 3 piece band". As of 2010, Juan Montoya joined up with ex-Bloodsimple members [[Bevan Davies]] and [[Kyle Sanders]], and Charlie Suarez of Sunday Driver to create the band "[[MonstrO (band)|MonstrO]]" In an interview with Malia James, Brooks revealed that Montoya's departure was acrimonious, and involved physical violence between the two of them.<ref name="Dirty Laundry Presents: Torche" />
Torche embarked on tours with bands such as [[dredg]] in April 2009<ref>[http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2009/02/torche_dredg_20.html Torche & Dredg - 2009 Tour Dates] brooklynvegan.com. 2009-02-23. Retrieved on 2010-03-01.</ref>, and another with a reunited [[Harvey Milk (band)|Harvey Milk]]. The band opened for [[Coheed and Cambria]] on their headlining tour alongside [[Circa Survive]] in spring 2010.


Torche embarked on tours with bands such as [[dredg]] in April 2009,<ref>[http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2009/02/torche_dredg_20.html Torche & Dredg – 2009 Tour Dates], Brooklynvegan.com. February 23, 2009. Retrieved on March 1, 2010.</ref> and another with a reunited [[Harvey Milk (band)|Harvey Milk]]. The band opened for [[Coheed and Cambria]] on their headlining tour alongside [[Circa Survive]] in spring 2010. One of Torche's earliest festival performances was at [[Incubate (festival)|Incubate]] in 2006. After that, the band played at [[SXSW]] in 2008.
On January 14, 2011, it was announced on the Riverfront Times Blog that Andrew Elstner ([[Tilts (band)]]/ex-[[Riddle of Steel (band)]]) will be joining Torche.<ref>http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/atoz/2011/01/andrew_elstner_joints_torche_tilts_riddle_of_steel.php</ref>


In January 2011, it was announced on the ''[[Riverfront Times]]'' blog that Andrew Elstner (Riddle of Steel, Tilts) would be joining Torche.<ref>Zaleski, Annie.[http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/atoz/2011/01/andrew_elstner_joints_torche_tilts_riddle_of_steel.php Andrew Elstner of Tilts, Riddle of Steel Joins Stoner-Metal Band Torche] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123001012/http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/atoz/2011/01/andrew_elstner_joints_torche_tilts_riddle_of_steel.php |date=January 23, 2011 }} blogs.riverfronttimes.com. January 14, 2011. Retrieved on January 16, 2011.</ref> The band released their fourth full-length, ''Restarter'', in February 2015 on [[Relapse Records]].
==Members==
'''Current members'''
* Steve Brooks – [[electric guitar|guitars]], [[singer|vocals]]
* Jonathan Nuñez – [[bass guitar|bass]]
* Rick Smith – [[drum kit|drums]]
* Andrew Elstner - [[guitar]]


Torche announced their fifth full-length record, ''[[Admission (album)|Admission]]'', on May 19, 2019, with the release of the song "Slide". The album was released on Relapse Records July 12, 2019.<ref name="Admission">{{cite web |title=Torche Admission |url=http://relapse.com/torche-admission/ |website=Relapse Records |accessdate=June 17, 2019 |ref=Admission}}</ref><ref name="Slide">{{cite web |last1=Breihan |first1=Tom |title=Torche – "Slide" |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2043634/torche-slide/tour-dates/ |website=Stereogum |date=May 14, 2019 |publisher=Prometheus Global Media, LLC. |accessdate=June 17, 2019 |ref=Slide}}</ref>
'''Touring members'''

In May 2022, founding frontman Steve Brooks announced the upcoming tour supporting [[Meshuggah]] would be his last with the band, stating "We're a few months away from the last tour I'm doing with Torche," he writes. "We've been so very lucky and went far beyond what I imagined. I just don't have it in me to keep this going living on opposite sides of the country. Much love to my band members and everyone that supported us these 18 years! See y'all this Sept/Oct."<ref>[https://www.brooklynvegan.com/torche-frontman-steve-brooks-says-upcoming-tour-will-be-his-last-with-the-band Torche Frontman Steve Brooks States Upcoming Tour Will Be His Last With The Band], Brooklynvegan.com. May 13, 2022. Retrieved on July 18, 2022.</ref>

On September, 17, 2022, it was later confirmed in previous comments from a post on Brooks's personal Instagram that the band will not continue without him after their current tour ends.<ref name="Stereogum">{{cite web|last = Deville|first = Chris|title = Torche Will Break Up After Final Tour With Steve Brooks| date=September 17, 2022 | publisher = Stereogum|url = https://www.stereogum.com/2199804/torche-will-break-up-after-final-tour-with-steve-brooks|accessdate = September 20, 2022}}</ref> Torche played their final concert on October 16, 2022, opening for [[Meshuggah]] and [[In Flames]] at the [[Tabernacle (concert hall)|Tabernacle]] in [[Atlanta, Georgia]].<ref name="Stereogum2">{{cite web |last1=Breihan |first1=Tom |title=Torche Play Their Final Show In Atlanta: Watch |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2203044/watch-stoner-metal-greats-torche-play-their-final-show/news/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=October 17, 2022 |language=en |date=October 17, 2022}}</ref>

== Members ==
[[File:SteveBrooks(by Scott Dudelson).jpg|thumb|upright|Frontman Steve Brooks live in concert]]
;Final lineup
* Steve Brooks – guitars, vocals <small>(2004–2022)</small>
* Jonathan Nuñez – guitars<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BZwcBRagSJI/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BZwcBRagSJI |archive-date=December 24, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Jonathan Nuñez on Instagram: "Love my @dunable_guitars Cyclops loaded with a pair of Sacha's very own Bigfoot pickups!! This is the first guitar that feels perfect since…"|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}}</ref> <small>(2017–2022)</small>, bass <small>(2004–2017)</small>
* Rick Smith – drums <small>(2004–2022)</small>
* Eric Hernandez – bass <small>(2017–2022)</small><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BbfcBj3l5Ub/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BbfcBj3l5Ub |archive-date=December 24, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Dunable Guitars on Instagram: "Eric from @torche_band and @wrong_band doesn't approve of many things as you can probably tell from his demeanor in this pic, but he…"|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

;Former
* Juan Montoya – guitars <small>(2004–2008)</small><ref name="BM-2008">{{cite web| title = Guitarist Juan Montoya Talks About Altercation That Led To His Dismissal from Torche| work = [[Blabbermouth.net]]| date = December 16, 2008| url = http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guitarist-juan-montoya-talks-about-altercation-that-led-to-his-dismissal-from-torche/| accessdate = August 24, 2016}}</ref>
* Andrew Elstner – guitars, vocals <small>(2011–2016)</small><ref name="RFT-2011">{{cite web| last = Zaleski| first = Annie| title = Andrew Elstner of Tilts, Riddle of Steel Joins Stoner-Metal Band Torche| work = [[Riverfront Times]]| date = January 14, 2011| url = http://www.riverfronttimes.com/musicblog/2011/01/14/andrew-elstner-of-tilts-riddle-of-steel-joins-stoner-metal-band-torche| accessdate = August 24, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Andrew parts ways">{{cite web|last1=wookubus|title=Torche And Guitarist Andrew Elstner Reportedly Part Ways|url=http://www.theprp.com/2016/11/07/news/torche-guitarist-andrew-elstner-reportedly-part-ways/|website=The PRP|date=November 7, 2016 |accessdate=January 16, 2017|ref=Andrew parts ways}}</ref>

;Touring
* Howard Johnston – live guitars <small>(2010)</small><ref name="NT-2010">{{cite web| last = Landau| first = Erica K.| title = Q&A: Jonathan Nunez from Torche, Playing Respectable Street Saturday| work = [[New Times Broward-Palm Beach]]| publisher = [[The Village Voice]]| date = July 14, 2010| url = http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/countygrind/2010/07/qa_jonathan_nunez_from_to.php| accessdate = July 23, 2010}}</ref>
* Howard Johnston – live guitars <small>(2010)</small><ref name="NT-2010">{{cite web| last = Landau| first = Erica K.| title = Q&A: Jonathan Nunez from Torche, Playing Respectable Street Saturday| work = [[New Times Broward-Palm Beach]]| publisher = [[The Village Voice]]| date = July 14, 2010| url = http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/countygrind/2010/07/qa_jonathan_nunez_from_to.php| accessdate = July 23, 2010}}</ref>


=== Timeline ===
'''Former members'''
{{#tag:timeline|
* Juan Montoya – guitars <small>(2004–2008)</small>
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:100 bottom:60 top:0 right:0
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:09/01/2004 till:10/16/2022
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:1
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2005
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:2005


Colors =
==Discography==
id:Vocals value:red legend:Vocals
===Studio albums===
id:Guitar value:green legend:Guitars
id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:Drums value:orange legend:Drums
id:Lines1 value:black legend:Studio_albums
id:Lines2 value:gray(0.5) legend:EPs

LineData =
layer:back
at:03/08/2005 color:Lines1
at:04/08/2008 color:Lines1
at:04/24/2012 color:Lines1
at:02/24/2015 color:Lines1
at:07/12/2019 color:Lines1
at:09/18/2007 color:Lines2
at:03/13/2009 color:Lines2
at:08/19/2009 color:Lines2
at:09/21/2010 color:Lines2
at:11/05/2011 color:Lines2

BarData =
bar:Brooks text:"Steve Brooks"
bar:Montoya text:"Juan Montoya"
bar:Elstner text:"Andrew Elstner"
bar:Nuñez text:"Jonathan Nuñez"
bar:Hernandez text:"Eric Hernandez"
bar:Smith text:"Rick Smith"

PlotData =
width:3
bar:Brooks from:start till:end color:Guitar
bar:Elstner from:01/14/2011 till:11/07/2016 color:Vocals
width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:Brooks from:start till:end color:Vocals
bar:Montoya from:start till:12/04/2008 color:Guitar
bar:Elstner from:01/14/2011 till:11/07/2016 color:Guitar
bar:Nuñez from:start till:01/01/2017 color:Bass
bar:Nuñez from:01/01/2017 till:end color:Guitar
bar:Hernandez from:01/01/2017 till:end color:Bass
bar:Smith from:start till:end color:Drums
}}


== Discography ==
{| class="wikitable"
;Studio albums
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
!Year
!Year
Line 62: Line 133:
|-
|-
|2008
|2008
|''[[Meanderthal (album)|Meanderthal ]]''
|''[[Meanderthal]]''
|[[Hydra Head Records]]/ [[Robotic Empire]]
|[[Hydra Head Records]]/ [[Robotic Empire]]
|-
|2012
|''[[Harmonicraft]]''
|[[Volcom Entertainment]]
|-
|2015
|''[[Restarter]]''
|[[Relapse Records]]
|-
|2019
|''[[Admission (album)|Admission]]''
|Relapse Records
|-
|-
|}
|}


===EPs===
;EPs
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
!Year
!Year
Line 75: Line 158:
|-
|-
|2007
|2007
|''[[In Return]]''
|''[[In Return (Torche album)|In Return]]''
|[[Robotic Empire]]/ [[Rock Action Records]]
|[[Robotic Empire]]/ [[Rock Action Records]]
|-
|-
Line 81: Line 164:
|''[[Healer / Across the Shields]]''
|''[[Healer / Across the Shields]]''
|[[Hydra Head Records]]
|[[Hydra Head Records]]
|-
|2009
|''Meanderthal Demos''
|Rotting Chapel
|-
|-
|2010
|2010
|''[[Songs for Singles]]''
|''[[Songs for Singles]]''<ref>{{cite web| last = Kitteringham| first = Sarah| title = Torche Interview and Update| work = [[Decibel (magazine)|Decibel]]| date = May 25, 2010| url = http://decibelmagazine.com/Content.aspx?ncid=372173| accessdate = June 22, 2010}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
|Hydra Head Records
|Hydra Head Records
|-
|}
|}


===Splits===
;Splits
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
!Year
!Year
Line 98: Line 184:
|''[[Chapter Ahead Being Fake]]'' (split with [[Boris (band)|Boris]])
|''[[Chapter Ahead Being Fake]]'' (split with [[Boris (band)|Boris]])
|Daymare Records
|Daymare Records
|-
|2011
| ''[[Torche / Part Chimp]]''
|[[Chunklet (magazine)|Chunklet]]<ref>{{cite web| last = Fitzmaurice| first = Larry| title = Listen: Torche Cover Guided by Voices| work = [[Pitchfork Media]]| date = September 19, 2011| url = http://pitchfork.com/news/44040-listen-torche-cover-guided-by-voices/| accessdate = September 19, 2011}}</ref>
|}
|}

;Singles
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!Single
!Album
|-
| 2010
| "King Beef"
| ''Chapter Ahead Being Fake''
|-
| 2011
| "U.F.O."
| ''Songs for Singles''
|-
| 2012
| "Pow Wow" / "80s Prom Song"
| [[Decibel (magazine)|''Decibel'']] Flexi-Disc Series
|-
| 2012
| "Kicking"
| ''Harmonicraft''
|-
| 2012
| "Harmonslaught"<ref>{{cite web| last = Currin| first = Grayson| title = Torche: 'Harmonslaught'| work = [[Pitchfork Media]]| date = December 13, 2012| url = http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/14676-harmonslaught/| accessdate = December 13, 2012}}</ref>
| (Songs later appeared on deluxe version of ''Restarter'')
|-
| 2013
| "Keep Up/Leather Feather"<ref>{{cite web| last = Martins| first = Chris| title = Hear Torche's Blissful New Headbanger 'Keep Up'| work = [[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]| publisher = [[Spin Media]]| date = May 14, 2013| url = https://www.spin.com/2013/05/torche-keep-up-volcom-vinyl-club-single/| accessdate = May 14, 2013}}</ref>
| n/a
|-
| 2022
| "It Never Began"<ref>{{cite web |last1=DeVille |first1=Chris |title=Torche – "It Never Began" |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2199397/torche-it-never-began/music/ |website=Stereogum |date=September 13, 2022 |publisher=Stereogum Media |access-date=February 27, 2023 |ref=Last Single}}</ref>
| n/a
|-
|}

;Other appearances
*''[[Metal Swim]]'' – [[Adult Swim]] compilation album (2010)
*"[[In Bloom]]" <small>(originally by [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]]; tribute album ''[[Whatever Nevermind]]'')</small> (2015, Robotic Empire)


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
*{{Official|http://www.torchemusic.com}}
*{{Official website|http://www.torchemusic.com}}
*[http://www.myspace.com/torche Official MySpace page]
*[http://www.roboticempire.com/ Robotic Empire (Label US)]
*[http://www.roboticempire.com/ Robotic Empire (Label US)]
*[http://www.rock-action.co.uk/ Rock Action (Label UK)]
*[http://www.rock-action.co.uk/ Rock Action (Label UK)]
*[http://www.deafsparrow.com/Torche-Interview.htm Torche Interview]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080207032239/http://deafsparrow.com/Torche-Interview.htm Torche Interview]
*[http://www.bartolomy.com/Torche-Underworld_London-021106/index.html Pics London Underworld 2006 by: Bartolomy]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071027041318/http://www.bartolomy.com/Torche-Underworld_London-021106/index.html Pics London Underworld 2006 by: Bartolomy]
*{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p380625}}
*{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p380625}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110403085206/http://www.bonereader.com/2011/01/11/torche/ Interview with Steve Brooks of Torche at The Bone Reader]
*[https://archive.today/20130123160639/http://www.floridageekscene.com/interviews/an-interview-with-torche/ Florida Geek Scene Interviews Torche]


{{Torche}}
{{Torche}}


{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Sludge metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Stoner rock musical groups]]
[[Category:American doom metal musical groups]]
[[Category:2000s music groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2004]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from Florida]]
[[Category:Musical trios]]


[[Category:2004 establishments in Florida]]
[[it:Torche]]
[[Category:2022 disestablishments in Florida]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from Florida]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2004]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2022]]
[[Category:American musical quartets]]
[[Category:American sludge metal musical groups]]
[[Category:American stoner rock musical groups]]
[[Category:Alternative rock groups from Florida]]

Latest revision as of 03:06, 22 December 2024

Torche
Torche performing in 2013
Torche performing in 2013
Background information
OriginMiami, Florida, U.S.
Genres
Years active2004–2022
Labels
Past membersSteve Brooks
Rick Smith
Jonathan Nuñez
Eric Hernandez
Juan Montoya
Andrew Elstner
Websitetorchemusic.com

Torche was an American stoner metal/sludge metal band from Miami, Florida. The group formed in 2004 and has released five full-length studio albums, four EPs, two split albums, and three singles. They released their fifth and final full-length studio album, Admission, in 2019.

History

[edit]

The group was formed in 2004[3] by Steve Brooks (ex-Floor), Juan Montoya (ex-Floor, ex-Cavity, ex-Ed Matus Struggle), Jonathan Nuñez and Rick Smith (who also played in the grindcore bands Shitstorm, Tyranny of Shaw, Adore Miridia, the screamo band Tunes for Bears to Dance To, and punk band Post-Teens).[4] According to MTracks.com: "Their music has a unique, hard-hitting sound that provokes a wide range of emotions, and they have a large fan base throughout the world."[5] They have toured with Mogwai, Isis, Pelican, Clutch, Black Cobra, Baroness, Jesu, The Sword, Coheed and Cambria, Stinking Lizaveta, Harvey Milk, Boris, and High on Fire.[6] Steve Brooks, however, has said that they do not consider themselves a metal band.[7] In describing the band's sound, Smith said in an interview: "To me it's mostly a combination of everything we listen to collectively as a band. We take what we like from what we grew up on and use it as creatively as we can. I think the meshing of different sounds comes naturally just because we all have different musical backgrounds yet have a ton of common interests."[8] In terms of touring, Brooks said Torche is getting more of a young crowd.[9]

On April 8, 2008, the band released their second full-length, entitled Meanderthal. It was produced by Kurt Ballou (Converge, Genghis Tron).[10] It was met with critical acclaim from publications including Decibel magazine, who ranked Meanderthal No. 1 on their list of the Top 40 Extreme Albums of 2008,[11] and Pitchfork, who gave the album an 8.2/10 score in their review.[12] In an interview, Brooks said the band themselves came up with the album's concept in terms of artwork and packaging, along with Aaron Turner.[13] Brooks has also said that in terms of writing material, the band focuses on what they like, rather than worrying about a "backlash" from their fans.[14]

Singer/guitarist Stephen Brooks is one of the few openly gay musicians in the metal scene.[15] He did an interview round table in 2008 on thestranger.com with other openly gay musicians such as Brian Cook (Russian Circles, Sumac, These Arms Are Snakes, Botch), and Juan Velazquez of Abe Vigoda.[16]

In late 2008, Juan Montoya left the band, a move credited to musical differences. Steve Brooks said, "He is an amazing guitarist, but we are just not on the same page... but Torche will still carry on as a 3 piece band". As of 2010, Juan Montoya joined up with ex-Bloodsimple members Bevan Davies and Kyle Sanders, and Charlie Suarez of Sunday Driver to create the band "MonstrO" In an interview with Malia James, Brooks revealed that Montoya's departure was acrimonious, and involved physical violence between the two of them.[15]

Torche embarked on tours with bands such as dredg in April 2009,[17] and another with a reunited Harvey Milk. The band opened for Coheed and Cambria on their headlining tour alongside Circa Survive in spring 2010. One of Torche's earliest festival performances was at Incubate in 2006. After that, the band played at SXSW in 2008.

In January 2011, it was announced on the Riverfront Times blog that Andrew Elstner (Riddle of Steel, Tilts) would be joining Torche.[18] The band released their fourth full-length, Restarter, in February 2015 on Relapse Records.

Torche announced their fifth full-length record, Admission, on May 19, 2019, with the release of the song "Slide". The album was released on Relapse Records July 12, 2019.[19][20]

In May 2022, founding frontman Steve Brooks announced the upcoming tour supporting Meshuggah would be his last with the band, stating "We're a few months away from the last tour I'm doing with Torche," he writes. "We've been so very lucky and went far beyond what I imagined. I just don't have it in me to keep this going living on opposite sides of the country. Much love to my band members and everyone that supported us these 18 years! See y'all this Sept/Oct."[21]

On September, 17, 2022, it was later confirmed in previous comments from a post on Brooks's personal Instagram that the band will not continue without him after their current tour ends.[22] Torche played their final concert on October 16, 2022, opening for Meshuggah and In Flames at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia.[23]

Members

[edit]
Frontman Steve Brooks live in concert
Final lineup
  • Steve Brooks – guitars, vocals (2004–2022)
  • Jonathan Nuñez – guitars[24] (2017–2022), bass (2004–2017)
  • Rick Smith – drums (2004–2022)
  • Eric Hernandez – bass (2017–2022)[25]
Former
  • Juan Montoya – guitars (2004–2008)[26]
  • Andrew Elstner – guitars, vocals (2011–2016)[27][28]
Touring
  • Howard Johnston – live guitars (2010)[29]

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Studio albums
Year Title Label
2005 Torche Robotic Empire/ Rock Action Records
2008 Meanderthal Hydra Head Records/ Robotic Empire
2012 Harmonicraft Volcom Entertainment
2015 Restarter Relapse Records
2019 Admission Relapse Records
EPs
Year Title Label
2007 In Return Robotic Empire/ Rock Action Records
2009 Healer / Across the Shields Hydra Head Records
2009 Meanderthal Demos Rotting Chapel
2010 Songs for Singles Hydra Head Records
Splits
Year Title Label
2009 Chapter Ahead Being Fake (split with Boris) Daymare Records
2011 Torche / Part Chimp Chunklet[30]
Singles
Year Single Album
2010 "King Beef" Chapter Ahead Being Fake
2011 "U.F.O." Songs for Singles
2012 "Pow Wow" / "80s Prom Song" Decibel Flexi-Disc Series
2012 "Kicking" Harmonicraft
2012 "Harmonslaught"[31] (Songs later appeared on deluxe version of Restarter)
2013 "Keep Up/Leather Feather"[32] n/a
2022 "It Never Began"[33] n/a
Other appearances

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Torche | Discography, Members". Metal Kingdom. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  2. ^ Treppel, Jeff (July 11, 2019). "Album Review: Torche Enter A More Mature Phase with Admission". MetalSucks. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  3. ^ Torche Biography starpulse.com. Retrieved on July 31, 2009.
  4. ^ An Interview with Steve and Rick of Torche Archived September 28, 2011, at the Wayback Machine stonerrock.com. July 24, 2005. Retrieved on July 30, 2009.
  5. ^ "Best Music Making Software – Free Production Creation Download". Archived from the original on December 20, 2008.
  6. ^ "Torche". Torche. Archived from the original on December 15, 2007.
  7. ^ [1]
  8. ^ "Torche Interview – Deaf Sparrow Zine". Deafsparrow.com. Archived from the original on December 9, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  9. ^ "All That is Heavy". Stonerrock.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  10. ^ Carman, Keith. "Torche Make It Quick • Interviews •". Exclaim.ca. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  11. ^ [2] Archived December 22, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ "Torche: Meanderthal | Album Reviews". Pitchfork. July 31, 2008. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  13. ^ Torche interview Paradeofflesh.blogspot.com. May 29, 2008. Retrieved on July 21, 2010.
  14. ^ "Torche – Steve Brooks, Vocals/Guitars". SMNnews.com. March 27, 2008. Archived from the original on March 22, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  15. ^ a b "Dirty Laundry Presents: Torche". dirtylaundry.tv. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
  16. ^ Reighley, Kurt B. A Big, Gay Roundtable, Thestranger.com. October 28, 2008. Retrieved on October 29, 2010.
  17. ^ Torche & Dredg – 2009 Tour Dates, Brooklynvegan.com. February 23, 2009. Retrieved on March 1, 2010.
  18. ^ Zaleski, Annie.Andrew Elstner of Tilts, Riddle of Steel Joins Stoner-Metal Band Torche Archived January 23, 2011, at the Wayback Machine blogs.riverfronttimes.com. January 14, 2011. Retrieved on January 16, 2011.
  19. ^ "Torche Admission". Relapse Records. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  20. ^ Breihan, Tom (May 14, 2019). "Torche – "Slide"". Stereogum. Prometheus Global Media, LLC. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  21. ^ Torche Frontman Steve Brooks States Upcoming Tour Will Be His Last With The Band, Brooklynvegan.com. May 13, 2022. Retrieved on July 18, 2022.
  22. ^ Deville, Chris (September 17, 2022). "Torche Will Break Up After Final Tour With Steve Brooks". Stereogum. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  23. ^ Breihan, Tom (October 17, 2022). "Torche Play Their Final Show In Atlanta: Watch". Stereogum. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  24. ^ "Jonathan Nuñez on Instagram: "Love my @dunable_guitars Cyclops loaded with a pair of Sacha's very own Bigfoot pickups!! This is the first guitar that feels perfect since…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021.
  25. ^ "Dunable Guitars on Instagram: "Eric from @torche_band and @wrong_band doesn't approve of many things as you can probably tell from his demeanor in this pic, but he…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021.
  26. ^ "Guitarist Juan Montoya Talks About Altercation That Led To His Dismissal from Torche". Blabbermouth.net. December 16, 2008. Retrieved August 24, 2016.
  27. ^ Zaleski, Annie (January 14, 2011). "Andrew Elstner of Tilts, Riddle of Steel Joins Stoner-Metal Band Torche". Riverfront Times. Retrieved August 24, 2016.
  28. ^ wookubus (November 7, 2016). "Torche And Guitarist Andrew Elstner Reportedly Part Ways". The PRP. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
  29. ^ Landau, Erica K. (July 14, 2010). "Q&A: Jonathan Nunez from Torche, Playing Respectable Street Saturday". New Times Broward-Palm Beach. The Village Voice. Retrieved July 23, 2010.
  30. ^ Fitzmaurice, Larry (September 19, 2011). "Listen: Torche Cover Guided by Voices". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved September 19, 2011.
  31. ^ Currin, Grayson (December 13, 2012). "Torche: 'Harmonslaught'". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved December 13, 2012.
  32. ^ Martins, Chris (May 14, 2013). "Hear Torche's Blissful New Headbanger 'Keep Up'". Spin. Spin Media. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
  33. ^ DeVille, Chris (September 13, 2022). "Torche – "It Never Began"". Stereogum. Stereogum Media. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Torche_(band)&oldid=1264469470"