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
Minions
Torche Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let's discover restricted
Few misguided reasons
Some day proved
We'll all see them
White powered duchess
Kind to some new prospects
Come by minions
In the millions
Tired and stunned
Mad poets
Crew of yes men
Cashed puppets
Key to the selector
Tied to your weakest defender
The song Minions by Torche is a commentary on the corrupt and misguided nature of those in positions of power. The opening lines refer to the "high brow tradition" that restricts innovation and progress within certain circles, and the "few misguided reasons" that drive individuals to pursue their goals at any cost. The chorus speaks to a desire for control, as the singer urges potential followers to "come by minions and soon be mine" in the millions, regardless of their exhaustion or confusion.
The song's vivid imagery further underscores these themes, with references to a "white powered duchess" and "cashed puppets" held in thrall by "mad poets" and a "crew of yes men." These figures are all linked by their complicity in a system that values power over authenticity, and in which individual passions and talents can be subsumed by the need for conformity and obedience. The final lines of the song suggest that those who are most in need of protection are often the ones most vulnerable to manipulation and control.
Line by Line Meaning
High brow tradition
Exalted customs and practices
Let's discover restricted
Let us find out about what is limited
Few misguided reasons
Some incorrect justifications
Some day proved
Eventually verified
We'll all see them
Everybody will witness them
White powered duchess
A royal woman with albinism
Kind to some new prospects
Friendly to a few potential opportunities
Come by minions
Arrive with subordinates
And soon be mine
And swiftly become mine
In the millions
In large numbers
Tired and stunned
Weary and shocked
Mad poets
Insane writers
Crew of yes men
Group of people who always agree
Cashed puppets
Manipulated individuals who will do anything for money
Key to the selector
The essential element of the choosing process
Tied to your weakest defender
Connected to your least capable protector
Contributed by Abigail S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mike L.
heard this song on the radio while driving home at night...found the song on the site of the radio..needless to say...fuking good stoner metal worth the headbang
N.B. Cool lyrics
High brow tradition
Let's discover restricted
Few misguided reasons
Some day proved
We'll all see them
White powered duchess
Kind to some new prospects
Come by minions
And soon be mine
In the millions
Tired and stunned
Mad poets
Crew of yes men
Cashed puppets
Key to the selector
Tied to your weakest defender
April Mae Collins
High brow tradition
Let's discover restricted
Few misguided reasons
Some day proved
We'll all see them
White powered duchess
Kind to some new prospects
Come by minions
And soon be mine
In the millions
Tired and stunned
Mad poets
Crew of yes men
Cashed puppets
Key to the selector
Tied to your weakest defender
T.J Staunton
I love how soothing the vocals are in contrast to the heavy thrashing guitars. This is my kind of metal/hard rock.
Bernard Cross
It's "Here comes The King"
Killing Myself To Live
I dig the hell out of the vocal style, there's an old school vibe to it, this is perfect music to blare while driving on the seawall, kicked back...
Un Clear
Yeah, "genius"... Hey if you like this super rare and unique vocal styling check out the underground indie band Black Sabbath.
Jason Sallinger
s'cool. Yeah. Torche is right sweet.
Jason Sallinger
Are we still talking about Royal Thunder? Because that was what I replied on.
Jason Sallinger
+calvometal I saw them open for Baroness about 2-3 years ago. eh.
calvometal
Check out a band called ROYAL THUNDER...female vocals, like the missing daughter of lemmy killmister :D
Aaron Pierson
Totally digging this band!
Ania Kamkar
feeling great when I listen to Torche...and the rest of Restarter is tight as well!!