I can’t really say I know what the fuck is going on in this Torche video for the song “Across The Shields,” which is the b-side of their new 12-inch. It’s awesome though. This is what the band had to say about it.

This would, literally, be our ‘hot’ new video for “Across The Shields”, filmed last August on a day off from summer tour with Boris. David “Mr. Ham ‘n Eggs” Kleiler (Pelican, Early Man, Yo La Tango, Helium) stood safely behind the camera and ‘directed’ us suffering in the scorching heat. We’re still convinced that we almost lost Steve from the temp in his Bear suit. This clip is one of two videos (the other is coming soon!) we did for tracks from our last full length, ‘Meanderthal’, and which are also found on the recent 12″+DVD.  Both were shot in a single day on the grounds of some secluded compound in the mountains of the Angeles National Forest. Lynne Hassell (www.koifox.com) killed it on the furry suits…they’re so good that we can’t stop trying to cuddle ourselves….instead we’ve got ‘em safely stored now at Hydra Headquarters so that we’ll have something to donate when the Rock and Roll Hall Fame comes knocking.

<a href=”http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=56674481″>Across The Shields</a><br/><object width=”425px” height=”360px” ><param name=”allowFullScreen” value=”true”/><param name=”wmode” value=”transparent”/><param name=”movie” value=”http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=56674481,t=1,mt=video,searchID=,primarycolor=,secondarycolor=”/><embed src=”http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=56674481,t=1,mt=video,searchID=,primarycolor=,secondarycolor=” width=”425″ height=”360″ allowFullScreen=”true” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” wmode=”transparent”/></object>

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Welcome to the first edition of our newest vinyl feature, Show Me Your Package. The concept is simple; records with amazing packaging that bring the uber-vinyl nerd in us out in full effect.

I guess it’s appropriate for us to break ground on this column with one of our favorite records from this year, Torche‘s Meanderthal. While it’s still relatively new, this has to be one of the greatest vinyl packages ever assembled. Robotic Empire went crazy with the super elaborate detailing and they absolutely nailed it. The limited edition picture disc version has the artwork by Juan Montoya and Hydrahead founder/Isis leader Aaron Turner expanded into a deluxe, die-cut gatefold sleeve.

Read more after the jump.

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Torche are about to set fire to the planet as they tour the U.S., Europe and Japan with a ton of great bands including Pelican, Coliseum and Clouds. Unfortunately for us, there is no New York date.

The limited edition Meanderthal vinyl is a beautiful picture disc with die-cut gatefold artwork. I highly suggest picking it up, and perhaps we will post some photos soon. Go pick up a copy at Generation Records regardless.

Check out the dates after the jump.
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Boris (pictured above) brought out the smoke, lights and gongs at Webster Hall on Thursday. They had support from one of the best metal bands around, Torche (pictured below). Check out more photos from the show after the jump.

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We know you’re waiting with baited breathe for the brand new Torche album. The dudes at Hydra Head Records decided to give you a little boost in your otherwise bland working week by leaking a new song off their forthcoming Meanderthal. Check out the new track “Grenade” over at their MySpace and make sure your speakers don’t knock down your wall from the sheer massiveness of this song. Torche are also invading Texas this week, so check out some SXSW dates after the jump.

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