DR KNOW - Wreckage in Flesh 12" Vinyl LP Album

- _SUBTILE_

The front cover of 'Wreckage in Flesh' by Dr. Know features a surreal, cybernetic female figure with glowing yellow eyes, pale skin, and flowing white hair crackling with energy. She is dressed in a black, futuristic bodysuit with cut-outs, and her arms appear mechanical, with one hand dripping a glowing blue liquid. Behind her, jagged lightning bolts stretch across the sky, illuminating a red and orange sunset. A large black spider sits within a web in the upper right corner. The lower section of the image depicts chained, demonic, three-headed beasts with glowing eyes surrounded by flames, while distorted, melting faces emerge from the burning landscape. The entire composition is highly stylized, with airbrushed gradients and heavy use of contrasting light and shadow. Visit https://vinyl-records.nl

"Wreckage in Flesh" was recorded by the American Punk, Punk band: "Dr. Know" during June-August 1988 at "Pacific Sound, California" by sound engineer "Scott Campbell". For the recording of this album, Campbell was assisted by "Bill Metoyer". Eddy Schreyer at "Capitol Records" took care of the mastering. The album packaging, artwork and photographs were done by Alison 'Mouse' Brown, Eric Gottesman and Wendy Kramer. The album was released by "Metal Blade Records (a sub-label of RoadrunneR records). This album comes with a so-called Original Custom Inner Sleeve (OIS), side one of this sleeve has a large band photo, and smaller photos of "Dr. Know's" band-members. The flip-side of this inner sleeve has complete lyrics of all the songs and "Thank You" notes.

Dr. Know - Wreckage in Flesh: A Nardcore Explosion in 1988
Album Description:

Emerging from the vibrant Southern California punk scene in 1988, Dr. Know's "Wreckage in Flesh" stands as a seminal album in the Nardcore subgenre. This 12" vinyl LP, released on the influential Mystic Records, captured the raw energy, speed, and aggression that defined this unique style of hardcore punk.

Historical Context and Musical Exploration

In the late 1980s, hardcore punk was evolving, branching out into various subgenres. Nardcore, originating in Oxnard, California, was characterized by its fast tempos, aggressive vocals, and often humorous lyrics. Dr. Know, with their unique blend of Nardcore, skate punk, and metal influences, were at the forefront of this movement.

"Wreckage in Flesh" is a sonic assault of blistering speed, distorted guitars, and furious vocals. The album's 16 tracks are a whirlwind of energy, showcasing the band's technical proficiency and songwriting skill. The lyrics, delivered in a raw and aggressive style, touch on themes of teenage angst, skateboarding culture, and the social issues of the time.

Genre and Controversies

While "Wreckage in Flesh" is firmly rooted in Nardcore, it also incorporates elements of thrash metal and skate punk, creating a unique and powerful sound. This genre-bending approach was not without controversy, with some purists criticizing the band for deviating from Nardcore's traditional sound. However, this experimentation ultimately proved to be a strength, attracting a wider audience and solidifying Dr. Know's place in the punk scene.

Production Team and Recording Studio

The album was produced by Doug Moody, founder of Mystic Records, who was known for his hands-off approach, allowing bands to capture their raw energy in the studio. It was recorded at Mystic Studios in Hollywood, a legendary studio that had hosted countless punk and hardcore bands. The album's raw sound and lo-fi production aesthetic perfectly captured the band's live energy and DIY spirit.

Album Fact Sheet: DR KNOW - Wreckage in Flesh

Music Genre:

 Hardcore Punk 

Album Production Information:

The album: " DR KNOW - Wreckage in Flesh" was produced by: Dr. Know and Scott Campbell.

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Scott Campbell, assisted by Bill Metoyer.

Scott Campbell a Freelance Sound Engineer has been engineering the vinyl albums of several Heavy Metal bands including: Sacred Reich, Flotsam And Jetsam, Bitch, Masi, Heretic, Rigor Mortis, Dr Know, Tyrant, Cryptic Slaughter

Bill Metoyer is a legendary music producer and sound engineer known for shaping the sound of heavy metal. As Vice President and in-house engineer at Metal Blade Records in the 1980s, he worked with iconic bands like Slayer, Armored Saint, and Flotsam and Jetsam. His expertise in capturing metal’s raw intensity has left a lasting impact on the genre. Learn more on his biography page.

This album was recorded at: Pacific Sound, California - during June - August 1988

Mastering was done by Eddy Schreyer at Capitol Records

Eddy Schreyer, a top-tier mastering engineer and founder of Oasis Mastering, has shaped the sonic intensity of heavy metal for decades. His expert touch has refined albums by Slayer, Korn, System of a Down, and Slipknot, ensuring powerful clarity and relentless aggression. With over 30 years in the industry, Schreyer remains a key figure in metal production. Read more about Eddy Schreyer.
.

Album cover design: Wendy Kramer and Eric Gottesman

Wendy Kramer is an graphics artist working mostly for the Bland Design Group and been drawing ( since the late 1980s ) album covers for around two dozens of Heavy Metal album covers.

Album cover photography: Alison "Mouse" Braun

Alison "Mouse" Braun is an American punk-band photographer and has photographed for around two dozen of album covers, most notable for the bands: Dr. Know, Willard, Testament.

Record Label & Catalognr:

Metal Blade Records RR 9495 1

Record Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) Weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

  1988 Manufactured in the Netherlands
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: DR KNOW - Wreckage in Flesh
Band Members, Musicians, and Performers:
  • Kyle Toucher - Vocals, Guitars
  • Larz White - Drums
  • Mike Purdy - Bass
  • Tim Harkins - Guitars
Complete Track-listing of the album " DR KNOW - Wreckage in Flesh"

The detailed tracklist of this record " DR KNOW - Wreckage in Flesh" is:

Track-listing Side One:
  • War Theatre
  • Wreckage
  • Mastermind
  • Lake Of Fire
Track-listing Side Two:
  • Slice Of Life
  • City Wheels
  • Rise
  • Into The Void
  • Satan's Black Throne Of Doom

DR KNOW - Wreckage in Flesh 12" Vinyl LP Album Photo Gallery:

Album Front Cover Photo
The front cover of 'Wreckage in Flesh' by Dr. Know features a surreal, cybernetic female figure with glowing yellow eyes, pale skin, and flowing white hair crackling with energy. She is dressed in a black, futuristic bodysuit with cut-outs, and her arms appear mechanical, with one hand dripping a glowing blue liquid. Behind her, jagged lightning bolts stretch across the sky, illuminating a red and orange sunset. A large black spider sits within a web in the upper right corner. The lower section of the image depicts chained, demonic, three-headed beasts with glowing eyes surrounded by flames, while distorted, melting faces emerge from the burning landscape. The entire composition is highly stylized, with airbrushed gradients and heavy use of contrasting light and shadow. Visit https://vinyl-records.nl

Front cover of 'Wreckage in Flesh' by Dr. Know:

This striking album cover showcases a surreal, futuristic female figure with piercing yellow eyes, ghostly white skin, and electrified, flowing hair. She wears a sleek black bodysuit with revealing cut-outs, giving her an otherworldly appearance. Her arms appear cybernetic, and one hand releases a glowing blue liquid. Her left hand clutches a spiked metal rod crackling with electricity.

The background is chaotic and intense, filled with jagged lightning bolts illuminating a blood-red sky and a burning orange sun sinking into the horizon. In the upper right corner, a large black spider sits within an intricate web.

The lower half of the image is a nightmarish landscape of fire and destruction. Chained, three-headed demonic beasts with glowing eyes snarl in agony, surrounded by flames. In the bottom right corner, distorted, melted faces emerge from the burning terrain, adding to the apocalyptic feel.

The entire illustration is airbrushed with smooth gradients and intense contrasts, creating a dreamlike yet terrifying atmosphere. This iconic cover perfectly captures the raw energy and dark themes of the album.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of 'Wreckage in Flesh' by Dr. Know features a black background with electric blue distressed text displaying the album title. The tracklist is divided into two sections: Side I includes 'War Theatre,' 'Wreckage,' 'Mastermind,' and 'Lake of Fire,' while Side II features 'Slice of Life,' 'City Wheels,' 'Rise,' and 'Into the Void.' The cover also contains four framed live performance photos of band members: Larz White on drums, Mike Purdy on bass, Tim Harkins playing an angular electric guitar, and Kyle Toucher with a blue-accented guitar. Production credits indicate the album was produced by Dr. Know and Scott Campbell. At the bottom, Metal Blade Records and Roadrunner Productions' distribution information is printed. A barcode appears in the upper right corner.

Back cover of 'Wreckage in Flesh' by Dr. Know:

The back cover features a bold black background with the album title, 'Wreckage in Flesh', in large, distressed electric blue text at the top. Below, the tracklist is divided into two sections: Side I consists of 'War Theatre,' 'Wreckage,' 'Mastermind,' and 'Lake of Fire.' Side II includes 'Slice of Life,' 'City Wheels,' 'Rise,' and 'Into the Void.'

Centered on the cover are four framed, color-tinted live performance photos of the band members, outlined in blue borders. Larz White is captured mid-drum performance, with cymbals and drumsticks reflecting stage lights. Mike Purdy is shown playing bass, wearing a black T-shirt with a graphic design, and his curly blonde hair slightly covering his face. Tim Harkins is in an action pose, shredding an angular electric guitar on a dimly lit stage with bright overhead spotlights. Kyle Toucher appears in a headbanging stance, playing a distinctive black and blue-accented guitar.

Production credits state that the album was produced by Dr. Know and Scott Campbell. Below, the bottom section contains copyright and distribution details from Metal Blade Records and Roadrunner Productions. A barcode is positioned in the upper right corner.

First Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve
The custom inner sleeve of 'Wreckage in Flesh' by Dr. Know features a black-and-white band portrait with four members, each displaying a distinct rock aesthetic. The lead singer, in a sleeveless black top, stands confidently in the foreground, while the other members, clad in leather jackets and long hair, stand slightly behind. Below the main photo, four tilted, bordered live-action shots show Larz White on drums, Mike Purdy playing bass with a headbang motion, Kyle Toucher gripping his guitar on stage, and Tim Harkins in mid-performance. The lower section of the sleeve contains album production credits, naming Dr. Know and Scott Campbell as producers, and acknowledges engineer Bill Metoyer, mastering by Eddy Schreyer, and cover design by Eric Gottesman. Photography credits go to Alison Braun (Mouse), with additional artwork by Wendy Kramer.

Custom inner sleeve of 'Wreckage in Flesh' by Dr. Know:

This inner sleeve features a dramatic black-and-white band portrait with all four members striking a confident pose. The lead singer, dressed in a sleeveless black top, stands slightly forward, smiling, while the other three band members, sporting long hair and leather jackets, exude a classic rock-and-roll presence.

Below the main portrait, four separate action shots of the musicians are arranged at slight angles. Larz White is seen mid-performance behind his drum kit, cymbals shimmering under the stage lights. Mike Purdy is captured playing bass, his curly hair in motion. Kyle Toucher is gripping his guitar on stage, and Tim Harkins is featured in an intense, high-energy guitar performance.

The lower section contains extensive album production credits. The album is produced by Dr. Know and Scott Campbell, engineered by Bill Metoyer, and mastered at Capitol Records by Eddy Schreyer. Cover design is credited to Eric Gottesman, with photography by Alison Braun (Mouse). Wendy Kramer contributed graphic design for the Bland Design Group.

Second Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve
The second photo of the custom inner sleeve of 'Wreckage in Flesh' by Dr. Know features a black background with white text displaying the full album lyrics. Divided into columns, each song's title is in bold uppercase letters, followed by lyrics in a smaller font. At the bottom right, a large three-dimensional inverted cross with beveled edges is prominently featured, giving the layout a dark and heavy aesthetic. The bottom section contains special thanks and additional production notes. Visit https://vinyl-records.nl

Flip side of the custom inner sleeve of 'Wreckage in Flesh' by Dr. Know:

This side of the inner sleeve features a dark and striking design with a black background and white text, presenting the complete lyrics of the album. The lyrics are organized into multiple columns, with each song title displayed in bold uppercase letters, followed by its lyrics in a smaller font.

At the bottom right corner, there is a large three-dimensional inverted cross with beveled edges, rendered in a blocky, geometric style. This ominous symbol enhances the album’s heavy and rebellious aesthetic.

The lower section of the sleeve contains a block of text dedicated to special thanks and production credits, acknowledging those involved in the making of the album. The overall layout and typography contribute to the album's dark, intense, and uncompromising visual identity.

Close-up of Side One Record Label
Close-up of Side One record label of 'Wreckage in Flesh' by Dr. Know. The label is off-white with red 'Metal Blade Records' branding across the top, including the logo with a stylized blade. It lists four tracks: 'War Theatre,' 'Wreckage,' 'Mastermind,' and 'Lake of Fire,' along with their durations and songwriting credits. The bottom section credits production to Dr. Know and Scott Campbell, published under Bloody Skull Music (BMI). The catalog number 'RR 9495 1' and 'Stereo 33 rpm' are also printed. A circular hole is centered for mounting on a turntable. The perimeter of the label states copyright information and restrictions. Visit https://vinyl-records.nl

Close-up of Side One record label of 'Wreckage in Flesh' by Dr. Know:

This close-up of Side One of the LP showcases the official record label design. The label has an off-white background with bold red branding from Metal Blade Records at the top, including their iconic blade logo. The perimeter contains small red text detailing copyright restrictions and stating that the record was made in Holland.

The tracklist is displayed in black text, listing four songs on Side One:

  • 'War Theatre' (4:50) - Written by Toucher/Black
  • 'Wreckage' (3:35) - Written by Harkins/Toucher
  • 'Mastermind' (7:30) - Written by Toucher/Black/Harkins
  • 'Lake of Fire' (5:30) - Written by Harkins/Toucher

The lower section provides album production details, crediting Dr. Know and Scott Campbell as producers. It states that all songs were published by Bloody Skull Music (BMI). The catalog number 'RR 9495 1' and playback information 'Stereo 33 rpm' are also printed.

A circular hole in the center allows the record to be mounted on a turntable.

Side Two Close-up of Record Label
Close-up of Side Two record label of 'Wreckage in Flesh' by Dr. Know. The label is off-white with red 'Metal Blade Records' branding, including the signature blade logo. Side B features five tracks: 'Slice of Life,' 'City Wheels,' 'Rise,' 'Into the Void' (a Black Sabbath cover), and 'Satan's Black Throne of Doom,' with their durations and songwriting credits. The lower section credits Dr. Know and Scott Campbell as producers. Publishing details mention Bloody Skull Music (BMI) and an exception for 'Into the Void,' credited to Essex Music International (ASCAP). The catalog number 'RR 9495 1' and 'Stereo 33 rpm' are also printed. Visit https://vinyl-records.nl

Close-up of Side Two record label of 'Wreckage in Flesh' by Dr. Know:

This close-up showcases the official label design for Side Two of the LP. The label has an off-white background with bold red 'Metal Blade Records' branding across the top, accompanied by their signature blade logo. A fine red border along the edge contains copyright restrictions and states that the record was made in Holland.

The tracklist is displayed in black text, listing five songs on Side Two:

  • 'Slice of Life' (4:43) - Written by Collision/Toucher
  • 'City Wheels' (9:50) - Written by Black/Harkins/E.E. Sterling
  • 'Rise' (2:28) - Written by Harkins/Toucher
  • 'Into the Void' (6:08) - Written by Iommi/Ward/Osbourne/Butler (Black Sabbath cover)
  • 'Satan's Black Throne of Doom' (1:58) - Written by Toucher

The lower section credits Dr. Know and Scott Campbell as producers. Publishing details mention that all songs are published by Bloody Skull Music (BMI), with the exception of 'Into the Void,' which is credited to Essex Music International (ASCAP). The catalog number 'RR 9495 1' and playback format 'Stereo 33 rpm' are also printed.

A circular hole in the center allows the record to be mounted on a turntable.

Curated PUNK ROCK Bands Album Gallery Photos & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information

ABRASIVE WHEELS - When The Punks Go Marching In 12" Vinyl LP
ABRASIVE WHEELS - When The Punks Go Marching In album front cover vinyl record

"Abrasive Wheels" were a punk rock band of the late 1970s - early 1980s. They hailed from Leeds, England and were seldom out of the Independent charts between 1980 and 1984 when the band split.

Learn more
ANGELIC UPSTARTS - Angel Dust Collected Highs 1978-1983 12" Vinyl LP
ANGELIC UPSTARTS - Angel Dust Collected Highs 1978-1983 album front cover vinyl record

"Angelic Upstarts" are an English punk rock band formed in South Shields in 1977. The band espoused an anti-fascist and socialist working class philosophy, and have been associated with the skinhead subculture.

Learn more
CHRON GEN - Chronic Generation 12" Vinyl LP
CHRON GEN - Chronic Generation album front cover vinyl record

"Chronic Generation" by Chron Gen is a 12" LP vinyl album that encapsulates the spirit of the British punk scene. With a perfect blend of catchy hooks and rebellious energy, this record is a timeless punk rock gem.

Learn more
CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER - Money Talks 12" LP Album
CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER - Money Talks album front cover

Cryptic Slaughter's "Money Talks" LP, a Metal Blade Records gem, unchains a relentless blend of hardcore punk and thrash metal. Produced by Bill Metoyer and the band, its raw energy reverberates through precise engineering. Bill Crooks' fierce vocals meet Les Evans' versatile guitars, Rob "Blasko" Nicholson's driving bass, and Scott Peterson's thunderous drums.

Learn more
DR KNOW - Wreckage 12" Vinyl LP
-
DR KNOW - Wreckage album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

Dr. Know’s "Wreckage in Flesh" isn’t just a hardcore punk record—it’s a napalm strike on your skull, a thrashing, blood-splattered love letter to the gutter where punk and metal collide in an unholy car crash. It howls, it burns, it bleeds raw rage with riffs sharp as switchblades. This is Nardcore at its most vicious, an apocalyptic sermon delivered through distortion, speed, and sweat-drenched fury.

Learn more
N
PUNK AND DISORDERLY III - The Final Solution 12" Vinyl LP
PUNK AND DISORDERLY III - The Final Solution album front cover vinyl record

The Final Solution" is a compilation album of various early English Punk Bands . It includes tracks by the bands: Abrasive Wheels, Action Pact, Adicts, The, Angelic Upstarts, Chron Gen, Newtown Neurotics, One Way System, The Destructors, The Ejected, The Expelled, The Exploited, The Samples, The Vibrators, The Violators, UK Subs, Urban Dogs, Written-By.

Learn more
The EXPLOITED Vinyl Album Discography 12" Vinyl LP
The EXPLOITED Vinyl Album Discography album front cover vinyl record

The Exploited started out as an street punk band, before transforming into a faster hardcore punk and crossover thrash band, only with a heavy political influence.

Learn more
FAMOUS PLACES 7" Vinyl Single
FAMOUS PLACES album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

The 1986 single by Famous Places features the double “A” side tracks ‘Sometimes’ and ‘Bide Your Time,’ blending post-punk and melodic rock influences. Released on Tango Records, it was recorded at Fairdeal Studios and produced by the band. With introspective lyrics and driving rhythms, the record captures the band’s raw yet polished sound.

Learn more
Lime Spiders - Weirdo Libido (1987, Australia) 12" Vinyl EP
Lime Spiders - Weirdo Libido (1987, Australia) album front cover vinyl lp album https://vinyl-records.nl

Weird Libido is a 1987 EP by Australian punk rock band Lime Spiders, blending raw punk energy with garage rock and psychedelic influences. Featuring tracks like the title song, recorded for the Young Einstein soundtrack, it captures the band’s signature intensity. A standout in the Australian punk scene, it remains a cult classic.

Explore more here.
RAMONES - Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP
RAMONES - Self-Titled album front cover vinyl record

In the mid-1970s, amidst the glitz and glamor of stadium rock, a raw and unpolished sound emerged from the underground of New York City. The Ramones, a quartet of leather-clad misfits, unleashed their self-titled debut album

Learn more
VIBRATORS - Batteries Included 12" Vinyl LP
VIBRATORS - Batteries Included album front cover vinyl record

Released in 1980 by CBS Records, The Vibrators' "Batteries Included" 12" LP vinyl album served as a compilation of their first two albums, "Pure Mania" and "V2," and a bold statement in the UK punk scene.

Learn more
THE VIBRATORS - Guilty 12" Vinyl LP
THE VIBRATORS - Guilty album front cover vinyl record

This album is a pivotal chapter, emerging after the Vibrators' break-up in 1980. Made in France but destined for the UK market, "Guilty" showcases the band's resilience and evolution within the punk rock genre.

Learn more