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
Arrowhead
Torche Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
control
Fast as a bullet
Lethal and motion
Just one fix
This one called trouble
The lyrics to Torche's song "Arrowhead" are open to interpretation but one possible explanation could be that they are describing a feeling of being out of control, like a fast and lethal bullet, that is causing trouble. The first line "How I am, control" could be seen as the singer acknowledging that they have lost control of themselves in some way. The verses that follow describe this loss of control as being fast and lethal, suggesting that it is harmful and unpredictable. The final line "This one called trouble" reinforces this idea of the singer being aware that their lack of control is causing issues in their life.
Overall, the song could be seen as an exploration of the consequences of losing control and the chaos that can ensue as a result. The lyrics are delivered with a sense of urgency and intensity, emphasizing the importance of the message being conveyed.
Line by Line Meaning
How I am
My current emotional and mental state
control
Having power over myself and my surroundings
Fast as a bullet
Moving at high speeds with intense force
Lethal and motion
Capable of causing serious harm and displaying dynamic movement
Just one fix
A need for something to quell my desires or cravings
This one called trouble
Referring to the source of my current problems and challenges
Contributed by Zachary D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.