Torche is a band from Miami, Florida, United States. They play a distinctive style of stoner/ sludge metal that they categorize as ‘’stoner pop’‘. 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.
Castles consists of four elements - the drums, the electric bass, the electric guitar and the human voice.
A mutual friend introduced Bertrand Bourguignon, Jérome Considérant and Edward Godby in late May 2010. This international concoction was unlikely, a curious feature in many of history’s most inspiring partnerships. The collective compositions of Godby, Considérant and Bourguignon take elements from across the spectrum of heavy rock music, played loud and hard. They pride themselves on challenging and innovative structures, capturing an atmosphere of intensity. There are few verses and choruses. There are no gimmicks. Castles is a new band with new ideas.
'You, the Organ Grinder,’ was released to widespread critical acclaim across continental Europe and the UK, in February 2012.
I hold secrets, secrets and truths. I am to be probed, clasped and twisted; this test on my fragile frame is futile. One outcome is a certainty - I won’t be here for much longer. Here, in this place, where I have stood and served generation after generation of your thankless people. My tenure has seen all ages come and go. Death and birth, success and failure, love, sin, compassion and hatred have all been housed and protected. I have weathered the storm. I have been faithful. I have been a safe haven, a refuge, and for all my years of experience I can say one thing, unequivocally: when you meet your maker, he shall be far from divine. The wrecking-ball garners momentum, swinging closer and closer to my aged walls. Far from divine.
