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
The Last Word
Torche Lyrics
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We are joined, burn me to ash, set me to earth.
There is no option, I get the last word (x2)
The lyrics of "The Last Word" by Torche are quite interesting and can be interpreted in different ways depending on the perspective. At first glance, the lyrics can be perceived as a couple caught up in a passionate, fiery and destructive relationship that ultimately causes them to turn into ashes and be set to earth. Secondly, the lyrics can also be interpreted as an individual whose relationship has caused them so much pain and destruction that their only option is to give up and let go.
The lyric "There is no option, I get the last word" suggests that the singer is at the end of their rope, and their relationship has left them with no other option but to stay silent and let go. The repetition of this phrase at the end of the song reinforces the idea that whatever has been going on in this relationship has reached a point of no return. However, it is open-ended as it can be interpreted as either a good or bad thing. On the one hand, it could sound empowering and affirming; someone who has been emotionally pushed to the brink finally finds the strength to stand up for themselves and walk away. On the other hand, it could be interpreted as a resigned admission of defeat.
Line by Line Meaning
You and I burn me to ash, set me to earth.
Our relationship is fiery and intense, consuming me completely and reducing me to nothing but dust that scatters back to the ground.
We are joined, burn me to ash, set me to earth.
We are inseparable and united even amidst the flames that threaten to consume me and bring my existence to an end.
There is no option, I get the last word (x2)
Despite the intense and all-consuming nature of our relationship, I refuse to be silenced and will always have the final say in how our story ultimately ends. This is a resolute statement of power and significance that cannot be ignored.
Contributed by Lincoln L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.