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Restarter Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the Miami metal band was mixed by Converge's Kurt Ballou.
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Top Track

Minions
High brow tradition Let's discover restricted Few misguided reasons Some day proved We'll all see them White powered duchess Kind to some new... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Feb 20, 2015
    90
    Restarter is remarkably composed and perfectly balanced, demonstrating Torche's ability to continually refine their doom-pop/melodic hard rock approach.
  2. Feb 24, 2015
    80
    The anthemic title cut, an epic, near-wordless, eight-and-a-half-minute midnight highway drive of a closer that, like everything on the outstanding Restarter, repeatedly beats you senseless, but leaves no bruises.
  3. Mar 2, 2015
    80
    Torche’s strongest effort since 2008’s breakthrough Meanderthal.
  4. Feb 23, 2015
    79
    On Restarter, that precept again takes the lead, and Torche have made their most compelling record since Meanderthal.
  5. Feb 19, 2015
    75
    Restarter has an unwavering groove. What it lacks in immediacy it makes up for in lasting appeal.
  6. Feb 18, 2015
    70
    Restarter, the band's fourth full-length, sees a return to form for Torche that even in its unabashed nods to frontman Steve Brooks's other musical endeavors, retains the pop sensibilities that have continually been the point of distinction between the two.
  7. Feb 18, 2015
    50
    Restarter is a severely underwhelming return from one of the foremost breakthrough guitar bands of recent years.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Mar 16, 2015
    10
    This album absolutely RIPS. Torche do an incredible job of blending a pop rock sound with sludge metal. What they create is their own,This album absolutely RIPS. Torche do an incredible job of blending a pop rock sound with sludge metal. What they create is their own, unmistakable sound. I bought this album on vinyl and blare it through my house quite frequently. This is an early pick for album of the year for me.

    Favorite tracks: Annihilation Affair, Undone, Barrier Hammer
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  2. Mar 2, 2015
    10
    i'm not a someone who could describe itself as a heavy rock fan, but this record right there, well crave my playlist on repeat for a few daysi'm not a someone who could describe itself as a heavy rock fan, but this record right there, well crave my playlist on repeat for a few days !! and i dont see the end of its trail from where i stand. Expand
  3. Feb 26, 2015
    7
    Torche followed up Harmonicraft by getting heavier & sludgier, while still keeping some of that pop sensibility that made them stand out withTorche followed up Harmonicraft by getting heavier & sludgier, while still keeping some of that pop sensibility that made them stand out with that last album. While the album's still good, the problem for me is that it's also more fleshed out with fewer tracks, leading to some being longer than they should be, and a very front-loaded track list.

    (If you wanna see me elaborate on this more, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube.)
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