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
Sandstorm
Torche Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hymns to no one
Seized the saints
Blind all seven
Send some life over
Dig seed into shelter
Blistered and weathered
Send some life over
Sand blown in the eye
You better recognize forever
Oh there's debris in the outer layer
Send some life over
Sand blown in the eye
The lyrics of Torche's song Sandstorm convey a sense of desperation and struggle amidst chaos and destruction. The first line, "Once saved," can be interpreted as a reference to a past state of safety or security, which has now been lost. The following line, "Hymns to no one," suggests a lack of direction or purpose, perhaps due to a loss of faith or belief system. The third line, "Seized the saints," implies a violent interruption of religious or spiritual practices, and is followed by the phrase "Blind all seven," which can be interpreted as the loss of all senses, or perhaps a reference to the seven deadly sins.
The chorus, "Send some life over," is a plea for help or salvation, amidst the chaos and destruction depicted in the verses. The lines "Dig seed into shelter / Stained the skin / Blistered and weathered" suggest an attempt to find safety or refuge, but at the cost of physical and emotional pain. The line "You better recognize forever" can be seen as a warning or reminder of the lasting impact of this experience, and the verse "Oh there's debris in the outer layer" reinforces the idea of permanent damage.
Overall, Sandstorm portrays a bleak and desperate situation, with a glimmer of hope represented by the repeated plea for "life" to be sent over. The lyrics can also be interpreted in a more abstract way, speaking to the human condition of struggling through difficult situations and seeking meaning and purpose amidst chaos.
Line by Line Meaning
Once saved
After being rescued or redeemed from a difficult situation
Hymns to no one
Religious songs sung without any specific god or deity in mind
Seized the saints
The saints were taken or captured by force
Blind all seven
The seven were made blind, possibly referring to seven specific individuals or seven references to the Biblical book of Revelation
Send some life over
Asking for life and vitality to be sent over, possibly in reference to help or aid
Dig seed into shelter
Planting seeds in a safe and secure place
Stained the skin
The skin was marked or damaged in some way
Blistered and weathered
Suffering from the harsh effects of the environment, possibly referring to the skin being blistered or weathered
Send some life over
Asking for life and vitality to be sent over, possibly in reference to help or aid
Sand blown in the eye
Having sand blown into one's eye, causing discomfort or irritation
You better recognize forever
An instruction to acknowledge or recognize something permanently without fail
Oh there's debris in the outer layer
There is material or debris on the outer layer, possibly referring to the environment or natural surroundings
Send some life over
Asking for life and vitality to be sent over, possibly in reference to help or aid
Sand blown in the eye
Having sand blown into one's eye, causing discomfort or irritation
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: PAUL SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind