Formed in 1996, this thrash/death metal band from The Hague (The Netherlands) tears apart various metal styles only to merge them into a new, intense and varied whole. Strongly thrash based, complemented by death, black and hardcore influences. The styles vary between and within songs, resulting in fast and furious riffing blowing you away and slow, heavy melodies pounding you into the ground. All this is supported by equally varied, intense vocals and lyrics which shed some light on the dark sides of existence, bitter reality at its worst, described in an almost poetic way.
In 1997, the band recorded the debut demo "The Plot Sickens". The excellent reviews (both national and international, including "demo of the month" in Holland’s leading metal mag Aardschock) eventually lead to a signing by Wicked World Records, an Earache sublabel (Morbid Angel, Carcass, At The Gates, Napalm Death, The Haunted, a.o.). The self-titled debut album was recorded in 1999 and saw its worldwide release by the end of the year. A good debut, according to excellent reviews from all over the world. But in 2001, Blo.torch and Wicked World parted ways.
In 2002 a new demo was recorded, appropriately titled "Plan B" and showcased a clearly evolved Blo.torch, who have made the whole more intense and heavier. Regional music mag Fret declared voted "Plan B" to be the "demo of the month March" in 2003. During this period, singer Michel was replaced by Chris, who proved to be a more than suitable successor.
Throughout the years Blo.torch played live in- and outside their home country before a 1000+ audience more than once. Playing on various festivals and some of Holland’s best known stages, not only did they share the stage with Dutch bands like Altar, God Dethroned, Orphanage and Within Temptation, but also filled the support slot for international acts Testament, Anathema Dew Scented and My Dying Bride.
Also, Blo.torch was the winner of the most prestigious regional talent competition Grote Prijs van Zuid-Holland 2004.
The band’s experience, enthusiasm and professional attitude guarantee an energetic and explosive live performance which will certainly leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Their latest full-length album: "Volatile". The general theme for "Volatile" is a retrospect on the downfall of the world as we know it by mankind’s own doing. The style which was introduced on the debut album and explored in more depth on "Plan B", is taken to a new level on which the band has clearly found its own identity. Melody and subtlety have made way for aggression and a direct approach. In 35 minutes the listener is treated to 10 well-balanced thrash attacks.
In by the end of 2006, after headlining the Metal Supertrio shows, the band had to say goodbye to Sander, who had played bass since the beginning. He went on to persue other musical interests. By the beginning of 2007, other members of the band also took some time to focus on other interests and it was decided to put the band on hold for a while. It is not unlikely that in the near future, Blo.torch will be back in to action, so keep an eye out for us!