The group was formed in 2004 by Steve Brooks (ex-Floor), Juan Montoya (ex-Cavity, ex-Ed Matus' Struggle), Jonathan Nuñez and Rick Smith (who also play in the grindcore band Shitstorm). 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." They have toured with Mogwai, Isis, Pelican, Black Cobra, Baroness, Jesu, The Sword, Stinking Lizaveta, Harvey Milk and Boris. Steve Brooks, however, has said that they don't consider themselves a metal band. 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." In terms of touring, Brooks said Torche is getting more of a young crowd.
On April 8, 2008, the band released their second full-length, entitled Meanderthal. It was produced by Kurt Ballou (Converge, Genghis Tron). 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 as well as an 8.2/10 by Pitchfork Media. In an interview, Brooks said the band themselves came up with the album's concept in terms of artwork and packaging. 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.
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".
Torche has fulfilled this statement by embarking on several tours, including one with the band dredg and another with a reunited Harvey Milk.
In 2010 the band started touring with a temporary second guitar player, Max Johnston of the Downhome Southernaires before finding a permanent replacement in Riddle Of Steel and Tilts guitarist and frontman Andrew Elstner. The band is now a 4 piece once again.
Current lineup:
Steve Brooks - guitar, vocals;
Jonathan Nuñez - bass guitar;
Rick Smith - drums;
Andrew Elstner - guitar, vocals.
Former members:
Juan Montoya - guitars.
http://www.torchemusic.com
Amnesian
Torche Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dissolve
Missed the brain
Buried in law
Marriage of evil saviors
Hell needs no beggars
Sold
Callous
Read a deal breaker
Challenge bad undertaker
Last man made shield
Chained up
Dove in heat lake of
Sold
The lyrics to Torche's song "Amnesian" are open to interpretation, but they seem to explore themes of inner conflict, societal pressures, and the struggle to maintain one's identity. The opening line, "Envy your light head," could indicate a sense of longing or admiration for someone who seems to have clarity or inner peace. However, this sentiment quickly dissolves as the next line states, "Missed the brain," suggesting a disconnect between the thoughts and actions of the individual.
The phrase "Buried in law" could be a reference to feeling trapped or suffocated within societal norms and expectations. The following line, "Marriage of evil saviors," hints at the idea of being controlled or influenced by negative forces while seeking salvation. The lyrics then proclaim, "Hell needs no beggars," perhaps suggesting that the personal struggles depicted in the song are universal and not unique to the individual.
The repetition of the word "Sold" throughout the song may convey a sense of resignation or surrender to these external pressures. It could be interpreted as the singer accepting their fate or succumbing to the influence of others. The line "Callous, read a deal breaker" suggests a jaded attitude towards relationships or commitments, possibly stemming from past experiences. The lyrics then mention a challenge to a "bad undertaker," implying a desire to resist or overcome the negative influences in their life.
Overall, "Amnesian" appears to explore the internal struggle of maintaining one's identity and values within a society that often demands conformity and adaptation to its norms.
Line by Line Meaning
Envy your light head
I am envious of your carefree and optimistic mindset
Dissolve
Let go of all inhibitions and dissolve into the present moment
Missed the brain
Overlooked the rational thinking and logical approach
Buried in law
Trapped and suffocated by societal rules and regulations
Marriage of evil saviors
The collaboration of corrupt individuals who claim to be redeemers
Hell needs no beggars
Inferno thrives without individuals pleading for mercy
Sold
Betrayed or abandoned by someone or something
Callous
Showing no emotion or empathy, hardened
Read a deal breaker
Discovered a revelation that shatters any potential agreement
Challenge bad undertaker
Defy the sinister figure responsible for handling the deceased
Last man made shield
The final refuge created by humanity as protection
Chained up
Confined and restrained, unable to break free
Dove in heat lake of
Fully indulged and submerged in a passionate and intense experience
Sold
Betrayed or abandoned by someone or something
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Steve Brooks, Juan Montoya, Rick Smith, Jonathan Nuñez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gabe T
For the past several years I keep coming back to this album
Zachary Potts
Listening to this song may give you the following symtoms; immediate growth of a beard, sudden interest in motorcycles, and sudden male-pattern baldness. You have been warned.
pedromcgriddles
this shit is pretty surreal...I love it. this coming from another Coheed fan
AmonRa1081
Damnit! Why haven't I heard this before?!
Marshal McGurk
It was too good for this world
debuenzo
harmonies make this song