TORCH - Fire Raiser 12" Vinyl EP Album

Torch is a Swedish heavy metal band that was formed in 1980. The band's original lineup consisted of Dan Dark (vocals), Chris J First (guitar), Steve Streaker (guitar), Kepa Cabeza (bass), and Ian Greg (drums). Torch was a part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, which was a music scene that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United Kingdom.

Torch's music was characterized by powerful guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and powerful vocals. The band's sound was heavily influenced by classic heavy metal bands such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Motörhead. Torch's music was also influenced by the punk rock movement, which was a key component of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

The band released their debut album, "Torch", in 1982. The album received critical acclaim and was a commercial success in Europe. The album's standout tracks include "Warlock", "Assassin", and "Beyond the Threshold of Pain". Torch's second album, "Electrikiss", was released in 1984. The album was also well-received by critics and fans alike. The album's lead single, "Mystery Lover", became a hit in Sweden and other European countries.

Torch continued to tour extensively throughout the 1980s, playing shows across Europe and the United States. The band also released several more albums, including "Fire Raiser" (1983) and "Dark Sinner" (1986). However, despite their success, Torch never achieved the level of commercial success that some of their peers did. The band's music was always well-regarded by heavy metal fans, but they never achieved the mainstream success that bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest did.

Despite their lack of commercial success, Torch remains a highly respected band within the heavy metal community. The band's music was influential in the development of the power metal and thrash metal subgenres of heavy metal. Torch's powerful guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and melodic vocals were a major influence on bands like Helloween, Gamma Ray, and Blind Guardian.

In addition to their musical influence, Torch was also notable for their stage presence. The band's live shows were energetic and dynamic, with the members of the band constantly moving around and interacting with the crowd. Dan Dark was a charismatic frontman, known for his powerful vocals and his ability to engage with the audience.

Torch disbanded in 1990, but their music continues to be highly regarded by heavy metal fans. The band's influence can still be heard in the music of many modern heavy metal bands. Torch's legacy is a testament to the enduring power of heavy metal music, and the impact that even relatively obscure bands can have on the development of a genre. 

In 1984, the French music scene witnessed the release of Torch's self-titled Vinyl LP, a sonic masterpiece from Sword Records, a Division of Barnett Records. This iconic album showcased the band's prowess in blending genres, leaving an indelible mark on the era. The vinyl release not only resonated with French audiences but also contributed to the broader European music landscape, cementing Torch's place in musical history.

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