Torche (band)

Torche
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	2004
Headquarters	Miami, United States
Products	Studio albums, EPs, singles

Torche is a Miami-based American band known for their blend of stoner metal and sludge metal. Established in 2004, their discography includes five studio albums, four EPs, two split releases, and three singles. Their final studio effort, Admission, was issued in 2019.

History

The formation of Torche in 2004 brought together Steve Brooks (formerly of Floor), Juan Montoya (ex-Floor and ex-Cavity), Jonathan Nuñez, and Rick Smith, who also has roots in grindcore and punk scenes. Their sound merges various musical inspirations, resulting in a distinctive style that has garnered an international audience. Throughout their career, they have toured alongside prominent groups such as Mogwai, Isis, Pelican, Clutch, Baroness, and High on Fire. Despite being linked to metal genres, Brooks has expressed that the band does not strictly identify as metal.

On April 8, 2008, the band unveiled their sophomore album, Meanderthal, with production by Kurt Ballou. This release was met with widespread praise, securing the top position on Decibel magazine's list of the Top 40 Extreme Albums of 2008 and receiving an 8.2 out of 10 rating from Pitchfork. Brooks emphasized that both the album’s concept and artwork were developed through a collective process. Their songwriting methodology prioritizes personal artistic choices over catering to audience expectations.

Steve Brooks stands out as one of the few openly gay artists within the metal community and has engaged in conversations alongside other LGBTQ+ musicians.

In late 2008, guitarist Juan Montoya exited the band due to creative disagreements. Brooks described Montoya as highly skilled but misaligned with the group's evolving direction. Following his departure, Montoya went on to establish the band MonstrO. Brooks disclosed that Montoya’s leaving involved tension and even physical altercations.

During 2009, Torche toured with dredg and subsequently supported Coheed and Cambria in 2010. Their festival appearances included Incubate in 2006 and SXSW in 2008.

Andrew Elstner became part of Torche in January 2011. The band's fourth studio album, Restarter, was released through Relapse Records in February 2015.

In May 2019, Torche announced their fifth album, Admission, accompanied by the single "Slide". The full album was released later that July via Relapse Records.

Frontman Steve Brooks revealed in May 2022 that his forthcoming tour with Meshuggah would mark his final performances with Torche due to logistical difficulties. The group confirmed plans to disband after completing this tour. Their concluding concert took place on October 16, 2022, serving as an opening act for Meshuggah and In Flames at Atlanta’s Tabernacle.

On May 23, 2025, Torche declared a reunion show supporting Cave In at London’s Electric Ballroom—their first live appearance since disbanding in 2022. This event aligns with Cave In’s European tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of their album Jupiter.

Members

Final lineup

Steve Brooks – vocals, guitars (2004–2022)
Jonathan Nuñez – guitars (2017–2022), bass (2004–2017)
Rick Smith – drums (2004–2022)
Eric Hernandez – bass (2017–2022)

Former

Juan Montoya – guitars (2004–2008)
Andrew Elstner – guitars, vocals (2011–2016)

Touring

Howard Johnston – live guitar (2010)

Discography

Studio albums

Year	Album	Record Label
2005	Torche	Robotic Empire / Rock Action Records
2008	Meanderthal	Hydra Head Records / Robotic Empire
2012	Harmonicraft	Volcom Entertainment
2015	Restarter	Relapse Records
2019	Admission	Relapse Records

EPs

Year	Album Title	Record Label
2007	In Return	Robotic Empire / Rock Action Records
2009	Healer / Across the Shields	Hydra Head Records
2009	Meanderthal Demos	Rotting Chapel
2010	Songs for Singles	Hydra Head Records

Splits

Year	Title	Record Label
2009	Chapter Ahead Being Fake (split release with Boris)	Daymare Records
2011	Torche / Part Chimp	Chunklet

Singles

Year	Title	Associated Album or Release
2010	"King Beef"	Chapter Ahead Being Fake
2011	"U.F.O."	Songs for Singles
2012	"Pow Wow" / "80s Prom Song"	Decibel Flexi-Disc Series
2012	"Kicking"	Harmonicraft
2012	"Harmonslaught"	(featured on deluxe edition of Restarter)
2013	"Keep Up/Leather Feather"	Not applicable
2022	"It Never Began"	Not applicable

Additional appearances

Metal Swim – compilation album by Adult Swim (2010)
"In Bloom" (originally by Nirvana; featured on tribute album Whatever Nevermind) (2015, Robotic Empire)

External links