At the Paradise Rock Club this upcoming Monday, Boston welcomes wayward warriors Cracktorch back to the stage.

Born out of the seemingly-limitless talent pool that was Boston around the turn on the millenium, The Torch burned brightly for nearly a decade before going their separate ways. Formed by Quintaine Americana bassist Marc Schleicher and Vehicle Birth guitarist Chris Jackson, Cracktorch debuted in 1997 with a split album alongside Los Conquistadores. Wearing a heavy Helmet influence upon their sleeve, the album (dubbed Lost Pony Soldier Tales) was a blend of hard riffage and dark humor. Crispin Glover quotes! Crazy sound collages!

Joined by bassist Staci Fick and drummer Nick Zampiello (Campaign For Real Time), the band went on to become finalists at the annual WBCN Rock N Roll Rumble in 2001. Along with opening for the newly reunited Mission of Burma, as well as Queens of the Stone Age and Murder City Devils, Cracktorch released Cracktorch... Is Not The Problem in 2002, debuting a sound highly indebted to The MC5 and The Who, even going so far as to include 4 songs at the end of the album showcasing each member's varied personality. The band was also a live favorite, in no small part due to charismatic frontman Schleicher.

New bassist Bob Maloney (Quitter) joined shortly following Fick's departure to return to school. Continuing with their high profile Boston shows opening for Kings of Leon, as well as touring, the band was kept busy. Schleicher and Zampiello formed the production team Cokedealer, Maloney was an in-demand graphic designer, and Jackson a talent buyer at The Middle East as well as for the NEMO festival. Their third album Tonight The City featured increased contributions from Jackson as well as Maloney, forming a vocal triple threat.

However, this partnership was to be short lived, and the group went their separate ways in the latter part of the decade. This reunion show is their first in years. Joined by Violent Soho, West-Coast punks The Bronx, as well as their side project Mariachi El Bronx, Monday night will be quite the Boston rock reunion.