Slowtorch
Slowtorch is an Italian metal band that formed in early 2004 (originally known as Godmachine.)
The beginning
http://www.slowtorch.com/galleries/Press%20Stuff%2007/slides/352.jpg Press picture, 2007 http://www.slowtorch.com/galleries/AFTF%20Release%20Party/slides/DSC01521.JPG Live picture, Adding Fuel To Fire Release Party, 29/9/2007 http://a993.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/l_0b5fd5625427b2804418029b373aa980.jpg Live picture, 2007
Bruno Bassi, Peter Tomasi - the founding members, Sebastian Goralik, Thiemo Micheler and Felix Bissardella, recorded their demo Generator in May 2004. Godmachine were immediately well received, also because of their RESOLVE to rely on their own material instead of doing cover versions of well known bands. Despite this being an unusual approach for emerging bands looking for live appearances, their decision pays off, as they are asked to play a number of gigs throughout 2004. The highlight of Godmachine’s musical career comes right away, when they open the stage for Ill Niño at a local festival.
2005 sees the band’s vocalist and producer of Generator, Sebastian Goralik, and bass guitarist Thiemo Micheler leave the band for personal and musical differences. Godmachine’s live activity comes to an abrupt halt, as the band can’t find a suitable replacement for their original frontman. Meanwhile, Roberto Bravi takes Thiemo Micheler’s place.
After a number of fruitless sessions with various vocalists, rhythm guitarist Peter Tomasi takes the post, leaving Bruno to handle all the guitar work. In April 2005, Godmachine are finally back and hit the live scene with the following line-up: Peter Tomasi - vocals, Bruno Bassi - guitars, Roberto Bravi - bass guitar, Felix Bissardella - drums. Still, line-up problems persist as drummer Felix decides to leave to study abroad. He is quickly replaced by Andrea Masetti, who previously performed for various local folk, rock and metal acts.
Gathering strength
In September 2005, Godmachine becomes Slowtorch, back on stage, refreshed and with a stable line-up. They establish contact with Bolzano’s Morgana Records, a new local label that immediately takes the band on, promoting Slowtorch with all available means. Generator becomes part of Morgana’s catalogue.
A year and a half after recording their demo, Slowtorch enter the studio once again and record (Go Down In) Style for Morgana’s Get Stoned, Vol. I sampler. This new song shows how the band’s sound has changed and developed, bringing Generator’s straight metal sound towards a groovier, more innovative style.
Despite all the changes and setbacks, Slowtorch have kept on producing new songs which they regularly play at their live shows. Along with the band’s performance reaching new peaks, composing processes have also become more balanced. Their frequent live appearances helped them attract the attention of a number of webzines, who enthusiastically reviewed Generator, giving the band credit for both their live and studio efforts. In July 2006, Slowtorch left Morgana Records for management related issues.
Slowtorch’s live activitiy sees the band regularly play Northern Italy and reached its first peak with a Berlin mini tour in April 2006, topped by a series of shows in Italy, Germany and the Netherlands in July 2006, and support slots for various bands including Mondo Generator, Colour Haze and Toner Low. In time for the European tour, Slowtorch released their 2006 promo cd, Scrap Metal & Oil Stains, which sells very well at the shows. Also, a number of radio stations from the US and Germany asked the band permission to play their material. In December 2006, new bass player Karl Sandner enters Slowtorch as an exceptionally talented replacement for former bass player Roberto Bravi.
The band's first full-length album Adding Fuel To Fire was released on Friday, July 13th, 2007, to be massively supported with shows all over Europe.
Check out their website for gigs
Members
- Peter Tomasi - vocals
- Bruno Bassi - guitars
- Karl Sandner - bass
- Andrea Masetti - drums