Bombshell is Tripwire contributor Zeena Koda’s monthly metal column. In this, her first installment, Z sits down with Troy Sanders of Mastodon, Grace Perry of Landmine Marathon and the men of Torche.

Metal wouldn’t exist without three core things — intoxicants, babes and the BOOM. In this edition of Bombshell we have the trifecta for you; a legit babe who slays the mic with intelligence and beauty, as well as two seminal intoxicant heavy bands that have carved out a mark for a generation of new metalheads to adore (see: they bring the motherfuckin’ BOOM). In preparation for the onslaught of summer tours, check out what some of my current faves are getting into and get your pink ass out to the pavement to see them in full glory. I promise, with all the female advice you’ll get from this column, you’re one step closer to getting laid.
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Torche are thunderous, almost orgasmic at times and despite their newfound penchant for hauntingly catchy melodies, the earth shattering bass and drum combo sets a deafening precedence. It’s blatantly obvious I have a pretty raging hard on for the stoner-pumped metal; the greenery and doom spark like fire through these veins. Thus my amorous feelings for Torche. Conveniently falling in with the stripped down heart of the 90s post-hardcore revival with a dash of metal legitimacy, Torche have crept up like a quiet storm securing spotlights on both mainstream and underground scenes.
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When Decibel Magazine declared Torche’s Meanderthal as the #1 release of 2008, I was immediately skeptical. Having only seen them once before (foolishly stone sober) opening up for Isis, I immediately recognized that Torche is a gem to the ears of their adorers and either you get it, or you don’t. Fortunately, I have become the converted and am now incessantly addicted to the spiritual drug Meanderthal dishes out — sweepingly brooding yet catchy, with the stoner rock sensibilities that coddle die-hard Sleep fans but stokes out the Queens of the Stone Age hard-on we hold on to so dearly.
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