"Restarter" - Torche [Official Full Album Stream + Zumic Review]

Metal band Torche are getting set to release their fourth studio album titled Restarter next week. It will be their first release for Relapse Records, and first since 2012's Harmonicraft. The album was recorded in the band’s hometown of Miami, Florida, and was mixed by Kurt Ballou. Above, you can listen to the official full album stream before its official release, via SoundCloud.

Torche bassist and Restarter’s producer Jonathan Nuñez spoke with Loudwire about the new album: "I’m happy with the last record, but I feel on this record, it’s just more solid song to song. You’ve got to move forward. You can’t release the same record over and over."

This is an album not for the weak. It's loud, it's hard, and most importantly, it's HEAVY. Guitarists Steve Brooks and Andrew Elstner are relentless with their punishing guitar riffs. Rick Smith provides thunderous drumming, and bassist Jonathan Nuñez holds down the songs as they march forward.

Songs like "Annihilation Affair" and "Undone" hit the listener like a heavyweight boxer's punch to the gut, full of deep guitar riffs and relentless drumming. "Bishop in Arms" and "Blasted" move forward with the pace and aggression of a charging bull. "Loose Men" is a straight-forward track with fuzzed out guitars, and "Undone" highlights the band's ability to pack a heavy dose of guitars and drums in under two minutes.

For tunes like "Minions," "Barrier Hammer," and "No Servants," Torche prove that they can slow the tempo down, and still bring their audio assault of chugging guitars and thick bass. The longest track on the album, "Restarter" is a sonic journey with distorted guitars, pounding drums, and hypnotic riffs that swirl with unconstrained force.

For a band that's been together just over ten years, Restarter may be one of Torche's best efforts yet, and should have fans very optimistic for future releases.

Restarter will be officially released on February 24th. You can order it on Amazon (Vinyl, CD, MP3) or iTunes.

For Torche's latest music, news, and tour dates, check out their Zumic artist page.