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
Holy Roar
Torche Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
got it, here's a deep dive into Torche's Holy Roar:
The lyrics of Holy Roar speak to the idea of finding strength and hope amid struggle. Through references to imagery such as storms, mountains, and fire, the song suggests that pain and hardship can be overcome through perseverance and a fierce desire to succeed. The repeated refrain of "I won't give up, I won't give in" emphasizes this message of resilience and determination.
Despite the song's musically heavy sound, the lyrics suggest a softer, more vulnerable side to the band. The line "There are moments when I falter / Times I feel I should just walk away" highlights the experience of self-doubt and fear that can accompany personal struggles. The use of the second person "you" in the chorus also invites the listener to connect with the band's message of hope and perseverance.
Overall, Holy Roar is a powerful anthem of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Its heavy musical sound is complemented by lyrics that speak to the deeply human struggle to overcome hardship and find strength.
Line by Line Meaning
Crowns of thorns upon my head
I have suffered greatly, symbolized by the crown of thorns that Jesus Christ wore during his crucifixion
I'm condemned so I'm accused
I feel guilty and judged, even though I may not have committed any wrongdoing
Been misled yet I pursue
Despite being misled or deceived, I am still determined to continue on my path
A holy roar inside my throat
A powerful and intense feeling within me, expressed through my voice or actions
It shakes the earth, splits the coast
My inner struggle or passion has a profound impact, causing major changes or disruptions in my surroundings
A liberation from exposed
My expression of this feeling is a release or relief from being vulnerable or exposed
I scream and yell, I'm not alone
My vocalization of this feeling is a connection with others who have experienced similar struggles
I feel the light, I've found my home
My expression has led me to a sense of clarity or belonging
Contributed by Kylie D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.