- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
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Apr 24, 2012Rather than merely aiming at populism, though, Brooks has set a new personal best for what he's been doing for almost 20 years: turning pop anthems into earthmovers.
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MagnetMay 30, 2012They've consistently upped tempos while delivering saccharine-infused riffs with all the sunshine-y aplomb of a Prozac salesman's first and last day on the job. [No.87 p.59]
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May 3, 2012Harmonicraft finds Torche taking off at full speed with an album packed full of driving riffs and soaring melody that's going to have an easy time convincing fans that the band hasn't lost a step after losing a member.
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Apr 27, 2012Harmonicraft isn't just the best Torche release: It's a contender for one of the best loud rock releases of the year.
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Apr 25, 2012Somehow they've upped their jubilation game without making too many sonic changes since 2005's self-titled debut.
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Metal Hammer (UK)Apr 24, 2012Smoother production and the further improvement in the overall quality of the material--not to mention evidence of a genuine dedication to his vocal performance from Steve Brooks--put Harmonicraft in a different league. [May 2012, p.104]
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Kerrang!May 21, 2012Harmonicraft still brings the heft and thick cut distortion, but never wastes a single moment's breath on anything superfluous. [28 Apr 2012, p.53]
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May 8, 2012Torche have always been a good band and sometimes even a great one, but with Harmonicraft they've found the songs to match their extraordinary sound.
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May 2, 2012Cheers to Torche for proving a heavy-rock band can be optimistic and sincere-without sacrificing any of the edge.
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Apr 27, 2012[Harmonicraft] finds Torche further indulging their pop muse. The result is a set of songs that retains most of the heaviness we've come to expect at this point, but with even more single-ready ear candy than ever before.
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Apr 24, 2012Harmonicraft is filled with catchy hooks and pop melodies, as well as progressive, atmospheric rhythms.
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Alternative PressApr 24, 2012All of this comes together to form a cohesive collection that flows effortlessly; without a doubt, it's one of the strongest guitar-rock records 2012 will yield. [May 2012, p.83]
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Apr 24, 2012It's not a monumental leap forward from the band's previous work, but Harmonicraft displays the signs of consistent refinement and revels in that fact.
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Apr 24, 2012The sense of brightness that was present (but kept at a reasonable distance) in the pretty good debut and the pretty excellent Meanderthal is amplified here, and many (most?) songs on Harmonicraft could fit comfortably into a more conventional arena setting than the ones from their murkier beginnings.
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Apr 24, 2012The tuned-down Melvins-like squall from their earlier records is still present and accounted for, but Torche have managed to shove their guitar work into unexpected places that balance limber melodicism with punishing heft.
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May 7, 2012Brimming with joyful bombast, Harmonicraft warrants re-listens.
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Oct 30, 2012Torche's 2008 master class, second album Meanderthal, began at prog metal and closed as a mind-blowing stoner maelstrom. Harmonicraft polishes that sonic Darwinism into tight, melodic, mosh pits.
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Apr 24, 2012Harmonicraft is not without its moments; its just that, sometimes, spans of monotony and predictably make remembering or caring for those moments more work than they're worth.
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Apr 26, 2012Harmonicraft often strays into pastiche when they attempt to cling on to their past, but comes into its own when it strides confidently into new realms.
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Apr 26, 2012Harmonicraft is a short, sweet collection of pop-metal confectionery, irresistible if not unforgettable.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 11 out of 12
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Mixed: 1 out of 12
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Negative: 0 out of 12
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May 13, 2014
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Mar 10, 2013
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Jul 17, 2012