Torche
Words: Lily Richeson
Photos: Jana Miller

Appeared:
April 20, 2007
The Atlantic, Gainesville

The Atlantic in Gainesville was packed with lovers of the Miami-based band ,Torche. As soon as they began heads were bowed as if in prayer to the band who started to rip through heavy melodic metal riffs through very, very, large amplifiers. I was pleasantly surprised to see about 4 or 5 girls lined up in the front row including myself thrashing away to the band while handling crowd surfers and the advancing moshers. The next day I had a severe case of “metal neck” and was glad I wore earplugs. Juan Montoya, formally of the band ,Floor, magically kept his hands on his guitar strings while he head banged harder than anyone else and with locks of long black hair. Torche played off their self-titled album on Robotic Empire but also performed refreshing new songs off an album due out after they record in October  (available on CD and 10"). The overall performance was completely energy packed and as always, loud as hell. I've seen Torche about 4 or 5 times and always get my fill of metal with their set. It’s definitely worth seeing them if you already haven't.