1.12. TORCHE / PROTOTYPER |

Torche from Miami, Florida came together in 2004 when vocalist/guitarist, Steve Brooks (ex-Floor member), met up with Juan Montoya (also an ex-Floor member), Jonathan Nuñez and Rick Smith (who also played in the grindcore bands Shitstorm, Tyranny of Shaw, Adore Miridia, and the screamo band Tunes for Bears to Dance To). The band began to make noise together almost instantly and liked what they created. In 2005 they released their self-titled debut album on Robotic Empire and began gaining attention.

Next the band began to tour across America with other bands, such as Mogwai, Isis, Pelican, Black Cobra, Baroness, Jesu, The Sword, Stinking Lizaveta, Harvey Milk, Boris, and High on Fire. Frontman, Steve Brooks describes the band’s sound as “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.” 2008 marked the released of the band’s second offering. “Meanderthal, ‘ which met with critical acclaim, including a top ranking from Decibel Magazine who ranked the album #1 on their Top 40 Extreme Albums of 2008.

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.” The band continued to tour as a trio as Brooks said they would touring with acts such as Harvey Milk and Coheed and Cambria. In 2010 the band put out the EP, ‘Songs For Singles” on Hydrahead Records and in early 2011, it was announced that Andrew Elstner (Riddle of Steel, Tilts) will be joining Torche.
Their first joined effort, “Harmonicraft” was released in 2012.

‘Restarter’ was released in 2015 and is the first record for independent metal powerhouse Relapse Records.

This is a record that is simultaneously hum-able and heavy that will just as easily appeal to fans of Dinosaur Jr and Sonic Youth as it will Melvins and High On Fire-heads. But what truly sets TORCHE apart from their peers is their ability to use top-notch songwriting and soaring, harmonic vocals to create records that are heavier and louder and hookier than anyone else out there.