Toranaga

Toranaga is a thrash metal band from Bradford, active from 1985 to the present. The group is also associated with NWOBHM and is known for an old-school thrash and progressive thrash style.

Formation and early line-up

The classic line-up consists of Andy Mitchell, Steve Todd, Andy Burton and Mark Duffy. This line-up is completed in March 1988, when Duffy joins after responding to an advert in Kerrang magazine. By that point the band already has a record deal with Peaceville Records.

Duffy suggests producer Kev Ridley, having worked with him previously in his former band Millennium. The songs for the debut album are not yet finished, and Duffy writes the lyrics over the band’s riffs.

Recordings and releases

Toranaga’s debut album is Bastard Ballads. After its release, the band receives favourable reviews for both the record and its live performances. BBC Radio 1’s Rock Show also shows interest and invites the band to record a session for Tommy Vance’s Friday Rock Show.

That attention leads to interest from other labels. With only a one-album agreement in place with Peaceville, Toranaga signs to Chrysalis Records in September 1989. The band’s next full-length album, God’s Gift, appears in 1990. Its first song, “The Shrine,” is issued on video.

Touring and later years

The band tours extensively in Europe to support God’s Gift. By the end of 1990 and into 1991, tensions build within the group and dissatisfaction with Chrysalis increases. Toranaga parts company with the label by the end of 1991.

Mark Duffy and Andy Burton leave in early 1992, but the band continues through the 1990s with various vocalists and bass players. Sean Dooley becomes the permanent bassist. Duffy rejoins in 2001 alongside Andy Mitchell, Steve Todd and Dooley, and the group begins writing and demoing material that includes songs developed over several years.

Steve Todd leaves by the end of 2001. After several drummer changes over two years, James Garbett joins in 2003. Recording for a later album begins in September 2004, but only seven incomplete songs are captured before Garbett leaves for music college in London. The band then searches for another drummer without success. Andy Mitchell later announces that he is emigrating to Australia, and the album remains unreleased.

Associated projects

After leaving, Mark Duffy forms FACE THE UNKNOWN in Teesside, England. Andy Mitchell also works on a new Toranaga line-up based in Australia.