### Torchia: One

#### 22/02/14 || Cobal

Torchia is a Finnish five piece from Tampere and “oNe” (dafuq) is a first attempt to deliver their own approach to melo death metal, Gothenburg style. Now, while their first demo hasn’t exactly been received enthusiastically by the specialized press—probably more specimens of the living-with-the-parents species, I’m feeling what these guys do, no matter it’s not flawless.

Actually, it’s precisely that unperfected but energetic vibe what makes this demo what it is. A 3-tracked record, it takes off with a fast paced riff ala At the Gates that’s impossible not to smile to. As I listened, I could easily recognize also In Flames and Dark Tranquillity as significant influences. Again, it’s the explosive freshness and the feeling that these Finnish really want to set the world on fire that makes “oNe” worth a damn. Whether they achieve that or not is a mere anecdote after putting out such an honest work if you ask me. Finally, I must say that delivering three songs that are not exactly the same is probably one great merit these days. For instance, after the clear statement that the first track was, things are slowed down by an obscure bass guitar repetitive figure that sets the mood for “Your Blood in My Veins”, a definitely more aggressive track than its predecessor; a propos, at first it reminded me of one of the most memorable bass-oriented songs out there: Megadeth’s “Dawn Patrol”. The closer “Too Far, Too Late” goes back to the Gothenburg thing, except imprinting a more ethereal vibe to it, and adding some groovy parts that half the bands out there wish they could write, even if they’re not exactly from out of this world… Regardless, the whole combination of enthusiasm and unpretentious but effective songwriting gives to this record a rare trait: it makes you want just a bit more.

So, while not necessarily consecrated to be the next big thing in a least practiced sub-genre in the present time, Torchia may as well release some more than decent full-length album someday. Me, I’ll probably take a plunge into their first demo once more and probably like their fan page if I remember to.

Cheers.

- Information
- Released: 2013
- Label: Independent
- Website: Torchia Facebook
- Band
- Kvist: vocals
- Ville Riitamaa: vocals, guitars
- Henri Heikkinen: guitars
- Pirkka Birkstedt: bass
- Joonas Juntunen: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Nameless Story
- 02. Your Blood in My Veins
- 03. Too Far, Too Late