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
Speed of the Nail
Torche Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blood sore
Has been
Death O.D.
Sharp thorn
In the iron lung
Dust sits
We're no heroes
Speed of the nail
Tin man heart attack
Coward
Leaves those
In the need
Soured
In the iron lung
Dust sits
Burn your tongue
We're no Heroes
Speed of the nail
I am more criminal
Got nowhere to go
We're no heroes
Speed of the Nail
The lyrics to Torche's song "Speed of the Nail" convey a sense of lethargy and weariness. The slingshot lethargy represents a lack of motivation or energy, while the mention of blood sore and death O.D. suggests a feeling of physical and emotional exhaustion. The sharp thorn may symbolize pain or difficulties in life.
The imagery then shifts to an iron lung, a device used to help individuals with respiratory problems breathe. The dust sitting in the iron lung could be seen as a metaphor for stagnation or being trapped in a dull and repetitive existence. The line "burn your tongue" could refer to the frustration of being unable to articulate one's thoughts or express oneself.
The repetition of "we're no heroes" emphasizes a sense of resignation or feeling like outsiders. The phrase "speed of the nail" could be interpreted as a reflection on the transient nature of life, where time moves quickly like the strike of a nail.
Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of weariness, frustration, and a lack of purpose, with a hint of acceptance of one's circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Slingshot lethargy
Using minimal effort to propel forward, like a slingshot, due to extreme tiredness and lack of motivation
Blood sore
Feeling raw and wounded, both physically and emotionally
Has been
Being someone who was once important or relevant but is no longer
Death O.D.
Experiencing the overdose of death, symbolizing the overwhelming presence and influence of mortality
Sharp thorn
A painful and piercing thorn, representing a distressing obstacle or negativity
In the iron lung
Trapped in a suffocating and confining situation, unable to escape or breathe freely
Dust sits
A thick layer of neglect and stagnation accumulating, signifying a lack of movement or progress
Burn your tongue
Engaging in something that causes pain and discomfort, like speaking harsh truths or consuming something spicy
We're no heroes
Acknowledging that they are not extraordinary or exceptional individuals, lacking the qualities typically associated with heroes
Speed of the nail
Moving swiftly and forcefully, akin to the impact and velocity of a nail being driven into a surface
Tin man heart attack
Experiencing a sudden and severe cardiac event, reminiscent of the vulnerable and hollow nature of the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz
Coward
Being someone who lacks courage and bravery, often engaging in actions that avoid confrontation or risk
Leaves those
Causing abandonment and desertion, leaving behind others to deal with the consequences of their actions
In the need
Being desperate and requiring assistance, support, or fulfillment
Soured
Having turned bitter and unpleasant, often due to negative experiences or disappointments
I am more criminal
Recognizing one's tendency or inclination towards unlawful or morally questionable behavior, surpassing the average level of criminality
Got nowhere to go
Feeling trapped and without any options or directions to pursue, experiencing a sense of stagnation and hopelessness
Speed of the Nail
Continuing to move rapidly and forcefully, emphasizing the persistence and determination to overcome obstacles and challenges
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Steve Brooks, Rick Smith, Jonathan Nuñez, Juan Montoya
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind