Recent Reviews

April 2024

March 2024

February 2024

January 2024

[ More Music Reviews ]


Torch: Reignited
Torch - Reignited Album Art

Torch: Reignited

Heavy Metal
4.0/5.0

Internet Facebook Instagram
Metalville Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 23.09.2020 | Released: 25.09.2020

Now for a trip into yesteryear. Sweden's Torch arrived on the blossoming NWoBHM scene in 1980. The rowdy crew ignited the metal realm with an EP and two long-players through 1986. These recordings brought many tours across Scandinavia and Europe, including a stint with Motorhead wherein (according to legend) they got their asses kicked off the tour for busting up a drum kit (not their own). Unfortunately, Torch never found much recognition in my country America. Nevertheless, while the Torch flame was lit for only six years, they became an influence to many, including Robb Flynn of Machine Head and Snowy Shaw of King Diamond fame. Torch successfully reunited in 2013 with four original members and new guitarist Hakky. After a much acclaimed appearance at the Sweden Rock Festival 2018, the band decided to hit the studio and record their first new album in 36 years, Reignited.

Torch - Click For Larger Image

Torch

Torch has all the characteristics of a classic heavy metal band born out of the cauldron of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The metal elements are self-evident: a twin guitar attack for riff harmony, a tight rhythm section for gallop and rock groove, burning guitar solos, and traditional assertive, bit screamo, yet still melodic vocals from Dan Dark. You'll hear all these things within the songs of Reignited.

By example, many songs, like Knuckle Duster, Cradle To The Grave, Snake Charmer, and Collateral Damage, roar from the start with sharp, even raw, riffage before adding the speedy groove of the rhythm section, and developing into some fine traditional metal. And guitar solos abide throughout. Regarding the strength of the rhythm section, you'll find the bass line rising larger within the aforementioned Cradle To The Grave. Later, within Intruder, the drums boom large as the song rises to heavy, steady, fist-pumping metal with the riffs grinding your ear drums to pulp. Alternatively, Torch offers a sneaky light electric guitar with voice before quickly rising heavy, yet with groove, and leading to a fine solo.

All considered, with Reignited, long forbearing heavy metal heroes Torch make a fine return to form with their genuine, keep-it-true, classic heavy metal. Always recommended for metalheads fond of the same.




CraigHartranft.net - New fiction, crime fiction by Craig Hartranft

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

The Bottom Line

With Reignited, long forbearing heavy metal heroes Torch make a fine return to form with their genuine, keep-it-true, classic heavy metal. Always recommended for metalheads fond of the same.

Find A Review

Alphabetical Index

a b c d e f g h i j
k l m n o p q r s t
u v w x y z #
New & Notable
Read the Cruzh: The Jungle Revolution Album Review

Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]

Febraury 2024 Stats
  • Users: 5,129
  • New Users: 4,442
  • Sessions: 10,810
  • Engaged Sessions: 5,917
  • Engagement Rate: 54.74%

    • Source: Google Analytics