Torch (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Torch


Img_capt = Torch at Rock Mot Rus 2007
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Trondheim, Norway Flagicon|Norway
Genre = Rock, heavy metal
Years_active = 1999–present
Label = [http://www.kongtiki.com Kong Tiki Records] (2005-present)
URL = [http://www.torch-official.com/ Official website]
Current_members = Marius Forbord Jørgen Berg Tommy Kviseth Thomas Farstad

"Torch" is a Rock Metal band from Trondheim, Norway.

Music

The band have self-described their sound a mix between Rock and Metal. Although sources have described their sound as everything from Screamo and Metalcore to Emo and nu metal.

History

Torch was formed in Trondheim, Norway in 1999. Their style back then was a combination of hardcore and nu metal. The sound of their early demos bears a strong resemblance to the style of bands like Korn, Deftones and especially Snot.

In 2003, with new key members added to the line-up, they released the "Visions of... EP". It was released independently through Hardstar Records. The EP led to a successful national tour with the bands Miksha and Turdus Musicus in early 2004. They toured England the same year, gaining praise from small, but enthusiastic crowds.

In 2005, the band would sign to the Norwegian indie label [http://www.kongtiki.com Kong Tiki Records] . Their video, The Experiment debuted on the national TV charts Urørt Svisj and ZTV. It helped them keep the fire hot while they started recording their debut album. The recording process would eventually take 7 months to complete. The documentary, titled How To Start a Fire was added as a limited edition bonus DVD on their debut album. "The Experiment" remains the band's most well-known song.

On March 27, 2006 "Death To Perfection" was released. It debuted at #23 on the Norwegian Billboard Chart, supported by a video for the song K-Bomb that would air weekly on ZTV. The album debuted at #1 on the charts on Trøndertoppen (The Trønder Top). The band would end up playing the biggest festivals in the country like Quart Festivalen and Stavern Festivalen, sharing stages with bands like Tool, Placebo, Opeth and Wolfmother.

While Torch are in the midst of recording their sophomore album, planned for a 2008 release, they have used the spare time to record a brand new EP, which will supposedly be released on Cassette only. While the A side contains 4 new songs; The B-Side is believed to contain 2 cover songs (Iron Maiden, Tindrum) and 2 re-recorded songs.

Band members

Current members

*Marius Forbord - vocals (2000-present)
*Jørgen Berg - guitar, vocals (2002-present)
*Tommy Kviseth - bass (2004-present)
*Thomas Farstad - drums (2002-present)

Former members

*Jon Tore Dombu - guitar (2007-2008)
*Torbjørn Ringstad - guitar, vocals (2004-2007)
*Erlend Nibe - guitar (2000-2004)
*Mats Paulsen - drums (switched to guitar in 2002) (2000-2003)
*Endre Forbord - bass (2000-2002)

Discography

Albums

* "Death to Perfection" (2006)
* "TBA" (2008)

EP's

* "Visions of... EP" (2003)
* "Torch EP" (2008)

Music Videos

* "The Experiment" (2005) [J.P. Selbekk]
* "K-Bomb" (2006) [J.P. Selbekk]
* "Previously Cured" (2007) [The Selbekk Bros.]

DVDs

* "How To Start A Fire (2006) (bonus DVD on Death To Perfection)

Compilations

* "2112 ", appearing on "Sellout Vol. 2" (2000)
* "K-Bomb", appearing on "Hellfest Vol. 2" (2007)
* "K-Bomb", appearing on "European Metal Assault" (2007)

Promo Releases

* "Promo '03" (2003) The Slip-Case version of "Visions Of..." with an extra song Far From Alone. Meant for labels.
* "Promo '04v1" (2004) Contains the songs I'm All About Something New, Welcome and Insecure
* "Promo '04v2" (2004) Features The Experiment; the song which would put Torch in the spotlight of labels and eventually get them signed.
* "Promo '05" (2005) Contains the songs The Experiment and Insecure. Used to promote Torch in the USA.
* "Promo '08" (2008) Self-released demo. Contains unmastered versions of Breathing, We Bury Our Dead Alive and Repeat Until Sane.
* "Friday The 13th Special Promo" (2008) Self-released split promo with Miksha. Contains the songs Breathing and Murderer's Alley from their self-titled EP.

External links

* [http://www.torch-official.com Official Site]
* [http://www.myspace.com/torchofficial Official Myspace Page]

References

* [http://rockmotrus.no/m/nyh/?nyhet=1174073920&vn=736&mid=m450&id=8 Summary of Torch at the Rock Mot Rus in 2007 (In Norwegian)]
* [http://www.adressa.no/meninger/nettmoter/article685692.ece Marius and Tommy answering questions during the Quart Festival 2006]
* [http://www.dagsavisen.no/kultur/musikk/article263832.ece Dagsavisen review of Torch playing the Quart festival (In Norwegian)]
* [http://www.adressa.no/kultur/festivaler/article685695.ece Adressa review of Torch playing at the Quart Festival (In Norwegian)]
* [http://www.adressa.no/kultur/musikk/article39715.ece# Article from 2003 (in Norwegian)]
* [http://www.adressa.no/kultur/musikk/article79612.ece# Article where Torch talks about their upcoming England tour in September 2004)]

Notes