Razorcake:
Revival Of Species - "Soap up that ‘hawk and throw on that greasy spiked leather ‘cause it’s time for the real deal. Dogsflesh are flying the flag of British punk rock in the vein of The Exploited, Varukers, or Charged G.B.H. Pissed off and relentless, they are going to have their say and make you hear it. Fuck the war! Fuck the politicians! Amazingly fresh sounding. A lot of those old bands are still out their slogging it, but Dogsflesh are bringing the goods. I’ve gotta go smash something now!" –-Ty Stranglehold
Street Voice UK Music Magazine:
Revival Of Species - "This has been out a little while now and is certainly worth checking out if you're into punk rock with a metal edge. The band are down to a three piece now but they haven't lost that edge which makes them stand out from many UK punk rock acts. Even same genre bands with a second guitarist don't deliver the same driving guitar chords and bass lines like these guys do. All eleven tracks are certainly worth a listen especially numbers such as 'Remembrance Day' and 'Broken Britain' which reminded me of Condemned 84 without the dodgy lyrics. I also like the full production on this release and artwork is pretty cool too! An album certainly worth tracking down! 8.5/10"
Studs & Punks (UK):
Revival Of Species - "Some Men just want to watch the world Burn! From the moment Michael Caine says these words at the beginning, you know what is to come has to be Fucking Hard to meet your expectations, so first track Revival of the species is a little tantalising and frustrating at the same time it’s an instrumental and so never quite gives off the anger you so wish for but it’s a short sharp track that I wish was later on haha
Next up E,U that’s better full on tub thumping rip roaring eighties style Punk with a simple and clear message E U FUCK YOU love it this is what I was waiting for its Loud its proud its in yer face, the sound is well mixed although there is a sort of Big Hall echo to the whole thing which I am not keen on, would of preferred it crisp and razor cut, still minor niggles aside on we rock
City Of Dust again straight forward say what you mean Punk rock keeps the momentum of the last track going and pushes onward is this the pattern??
Remembrance Day rumbling bass stripped back guitar a slower pace and an ominous death quality seeping out of this gargantuan of a bomber raid this is great, a new texture a new feel, Robs Gravel vocal grips ya and makes you listen more intently Great subject, great tune Great Track.
Eyes of The Blind takes the pace back up guitar led this is another good stable blister burst offering and continues to work Dogsflesh into your brain its not the best track but its not cannon fodder either.
Challenge and Protest leads us on at a missile pace, again thought provoking lyrics and a tune to have you throwing yourself about in the Pit, simple and Gutsy, with a lovely slow down mid way, chugging guitar, rattling bass, power chords flying through and that’s how it ends Nice. Broken ....Britain.... next up and continuing us in the Dogsflesh education more full on 80s infused Hard Punk no mess no fuss.
Innocent Victim guitar led into another heatseeker of a song, pile drives into your head. if it aint broke don’t fix it this is Dogsflesh and they give you a Hard Fast Punk sound that does not relax I am waiting for something though not sure what haha
Next of Kin Informed you know from the second this bastard song grumbles its way in its gonna be a Good one, and Yes it is. Taking that slower chugging pogo enforcing pace that I love, again the thought provoking no mess lyrics growled from the razors pit and every fucking word is ment, and the up pacing at the end just to allow you to go fucking crazy finishes it off with a Bang this is a song worth a venture into the sweaty pit for.
Blood on your Hands follows and doesn’t quite meet the high rank of the previous track it’s a Great Dogsflesh song but gets lost for me as I am reaching for the back button to listen to the previous one again.
High School Massacre the Sampled intro provokes you to think about the subject of this song before we are hurtled into another Dogsflesh chant rant blistering paced Hard Punk track gripping grunting forward to its natural end, Good stuff.
So to the last offering at the Battlefield and its name Watch Me Bleed No let up, No change on we fly, the vocal back and forth it growls interspersed with the Dogsflesh Guitar and power house rhythm section, it’s a Good way to end this CD short and to the point what more could you ask.
This band formed in the 80s and this is 80s Hard arsed Punk with a 2010 touch its not rocket science, its not ground breaking But its full of Passion, angst and Knowledge, I ask you to listen and Hear the time and work that has gone into this from start to finish.
Stand out tracks for me are Remembrance Day and Next of Kin Informed So check them out if you have not already, they play mostly in Overseas Europe and the USA where I hear they go down a storm, with the occasional appearance in the UK I Say if there playing anywhere you can get to go have a look…." --Woodstock Punkrock
Mass Movement Fanzine (UK):
Revival Of Species - "This is a much better album than the last one “Vision Of Hell” A definite improvement, the production is very good & the songs have progressed musically. The songs are in the UK82 genre which is having a bit of a comeback like it’s now UK10!! Favourite tracks for me are “Eyes Of The Blind” and “Blood On Your Hands” It is a relentless onslaught of classic 80’s Punk Rock from start to finish, you need Dogsflesh in your life!!" --Paul Hoddy
Fat Punk Productions (UK):
Revival Of Species - "Right from the start with Michael Caines immortal words, this album burst into life with the apocalyptic instrumental Revival Of Species, then in my opinion the albums anthem and the best track E.U, which is a real arm raising, fist clenching track, and then we move onto City Of ....Dust...., which is pure hard punk rock.
It is hard to pick a fault with this album, because there is none, I can’t praise this album highly enough, real fire in your belly stuff.
Another great track is Remembrance Day, with pounding bassline and thought provoking lyrics.
If you love ‘In your face, angry punk rock’ then this album is for you, this is the bands finest hour, Dogsflesh have arrived and if you aint got this album in your collection soon, then you aint no punk, superb from start to finish" --Fat Jaz, Fat Punk Productions
FUNGALPUNK REVIEW (UK):
Revival Of Species - "Dogsflesh are a brutal sounding band who now have one foot in the hardcore camp and one foot in the pool of melodica. The mix makes for good listening and the band do what they do with utter dedication. Due to the contorted hands of fate playing bastard the band are now a three piece and lack the 'in yer mug' forwardness of a sole frontman and one has to wonder what to expect of the impending 12 tracks. Top dude Rob Moore has bravely taken over the helm and I worried on his behalf whether or not he would come out looking liked a flaccid member rather than an upright victor. The CD has surprised me no end to be honest and I am very pleased that Rob and the crew have pulled out a marvellous little effort. It won't make much difference on this side of the pond due to the usual wank apathy but in ..Europe.. and beyond where the band thrive this will make a most gratifying wave.
'Revival Of Species' is as it says in the tin - an instrumental. I like CD's having a good intro and more often than not a rousing riff soaked entrance sets a most believable platform from which the players can only build. Crashing in after Mr Caines wafflings the strikes are bold and brash and after a miniscule pause that gets screwed tight the dog of discordance is beaten hard and whipped up into a foaming beast liable to chomp at any given moment. A fuckin' marvellous tumult to get drawn into with occasional moments of added threat and tuned texture. The deliberate attack is focused and things are kept without over-complication and I am very keen to get into the main meat of the CD after this appetising first course. 'EU' is dirtied thrash but vocals remain lucid and that is a very vital ingredient as I feel if Dogsflesh pushed harder and became more intense the general appeal of this fine band would be lost. The drive is saturated and intense and the main composition basic but effective.
Rob surprises with such good gob work (no there ain't any homosexual undercurrents there ha, ha) and is backed by immaculate string and drum labour that does the fuckin' business. Dogsflesh may come across to some as just another punk band - and the argument is? The backbone of punk is built here and many older more 'named' bands do this kind of stuff to a lesser effect and win wide acclaim - strange don't you think for a scene so well educated as regards noise? Two great pieces for me and 'City Of ....Dust....' is no exception. A bomb blast builds rather than destroys and a hate, a spite and a disgust is more than apparent throughout. Guitars buzz with static fervour, drums bend but keep stability and bass provides grim glue. The end monster lurches and looms with an inner malevolence one can't resist. Tasty stuff and one for punk rock vultures to feed greedily upon.
Foot off the pedal and a whisking tune is had that turns everything to pulp with slow, affected rotations of the riffing blade. An unstoppable force is christened 'Remembrance Day' and a call to keep close to your heart the memory of the fallen and show some appreciation for what they did is given. One of my initial favourite tracks and although not one for smashing your head apart to one very much necessary as a contrast to the other flavours. 'Eyes Of The Blind' crunches in and is punctuated by slam dunk blasts. Snarl and slaughter intent is embraced and the question is posed as to whether or not you have insight into political trickery. The orbs of sight are set very much on the final abrupt eruption and the swift journey to the last strum is a fair one with a definite old school melee had along the way.
Dogsflesh obviously know what they want to play and do it here with convincing spirit. The rest of the CD is expected to be more of the same and if that is the case there shall be no major complaints.
'Challenge and Protest' sets its own backdrop and prepares one for a mighty assault. Again we are given a full piston pumping tirade with the theme this time supporting fathers everywhere and pissing on the carefree beaurocracy of the CSA. I love the bass lines Dogsflesh are throwing up - so menacing and stalking the melodic prey with deliberate doom laden strides. The drive is piss wet through and when things are eased the band thrive with consummate ease. 'Broken ....Britain....' staggers and then collapses beneath the tumbling rubble of the band. A regular snippet that goes well with all surrounding noise but in some respects doesn't do enough to stand out. At this central stage something out of the ordinary would have been most exciting. Still a fair shout with clout but for the next time I would like a real tangent in the mix - go on lads - gamble!
'Innocent Victim' wrecks more ear cells and is a decent probe to electrocute yer bollocks off but alas I am going to move on to the CD's best song of the lot and one that deserves more of my time. 'Next Of Kin Informed' takes time, prepares for a steady push and goes for it with delightful impact. The fallen fly back and the relatives are given the sickening news - fuck war, fuck politics and fuck this loss of life is the message and who am I to argue? The sincerity of the delivery is what makes this one hammer home and the crew thrive like wanked off bitches in a kennel club. Frontman Rob is contorted with fury and that bleeds from the speakers in gratifying rivers of spirited belief - top quality! With the temperature levels now set at sizzle 'Blood On Your Hands' has a lot to do to hold favour. Twisting on its own innards the song soon spirals away with flapping wings and relentless decisiveness. Straight ahead and ramrod punk rock intent on being just that - it ain't nothing new under the searing sun but I for one have no disagreement. There ain't no need to be pompous and adopt a stance of grandiose sagacity, Dogsflesh fly forth snapping at your heels and don't give a fuck for anything sublime or profound - suck on it!
'High School Massacre' thumps along and 'Watch Me Bleed' slaps yer faces whilst fuckin' yer listening orifices with erect riffage. The CD started with madness and power and so right up until the last stroke it is entirely the same - too much, too little, too late or too soon - the closure is had and a slamming CD of punk poison is injected into the scene. Now you can take a self-prescribed antidote and get the fuck well clear or, if you are perverse and passionate, you can let the filth flow through your veins and delight your deviant spiked heart. You just know which option Fungal is taking and I welcome any twats of tuneage of the same opinion. Bloody rousing stuff that will always be what it is - hard, raucous and punk - oh how I love it!" --Dave OMD Fungalpunk
UK Punk And Oi (UK):
Vision Of Hell - "This latest release from Teeside punks, Dogsflesh, is a must for any fan of UK82 style punk. It is the vein of The Exploited, Discharge, English Dogs and The Varukers and it certainly kicks arse from start to finish. The CD is well produced with great gravely vocals and good, tight musicians. Dogsflesh are not afraid to say what they think and the artwork in the booklet compliments the lyrics. It is pure UK82 punk but still fresh, up to date and in your face. Highlights on the CD include the title track, Vision of Hell, which is a thrashy number that had my foot tapping! Also really enjoyed X.B.B, with its intro from the film Scum. It is a bit slower than the other tracks and the lead guitar really stands out throughout it. Dogsflesh have a great energy which also comes across in their live performances. They have an informative website and a good myspace page where you can listen to tracks from this quality CD." --Jeanna
Fungal Punk (UK):
Vision Of Hell - "Bludgeoning hardcore here that radiates an intolerance of anything mild and not totally committed to bursting eardrums. Typical early 80's violence soundblasts the listener from all directions as Dogflesh ply their trade with stunning effect.
'Borrowed Time' stretches sinews, strains ligaments and hurts real bad. It whips the listener to attention raising welts of pleasurable agony with its intense work-out of all things brutal and punishing. The song drills straight to the epicentre of the hardcore soul and is up there with all other discharged works from the coherent speed demons. The throbbing intermission of ominous guitar, bass and drums halfway through is totally head damaging stuff that punks everywhere will buzz to. A simple riff guaranteed to get those skulls nodding! There is no let up as 'Sleazebag' points fingers, confronts and then beats the living daylights out of anything indecent. Brutal noise, straight to the heart of the matter lyrics all intertwine around the throat of the deviant groomers and deals with a social disease in no uncertain terms. The production is spot on here and with a volume set at 'bleed' you can go at it full tilt and let that anger splatter the walls.
'Fuck All' hits a hard bass groove which is soon smashed by intense guitar and usual fury of vocal. The crazed question posed of 'What have I got' is wretchedly angst and finalised with the songs title. The blast is liable to have the hardcore fraternity pounding their heads with zealous joy as is the pulsating 'Last Renegades' which is more orthodox and a pure sound of the early 80's with a more up-to-date production. 'Kids Kill Kids' deals with sensitive subject matter and is delivered with the same riotous resonance that has dominated thus far. Perhaps the blandest track on the CD and one that disappears beneath it's more violent and striking counterparts although the final gun shot is somewhat unsettling. The tumbling drums that accompany the chorus of 'Psycho Bitch' make the song what it is and the now typical verses are neatly sliced by these intermittent rolling explosions.
The relevance of this kind of music is debatable today in punks somewhat over critical scene and ridiculously divided gigging arena. Punk is more than just about the racket a band makes but in some ways too many noises that are too remote to even consider themselves punk are passed off as such. We have no such controversy here and Dogsflesh make no intentions to be anything other than they are and that is a damn fine hardcore band. It is what it says on the tin so there you go. The signature song 'Dogsflesh' backs this theory up albeit a song that isn't really about the band.
'That's Life' hails loud about standing up for being yourself, having a voice and the tortuous hell of the enforced day to day procedures. A common punk theme and a common enough piece of tuneage but the persuasive insistence works and despite the fact that these old fuckers are starting to get on a bit there is enough belief in the vocal output to make it listenable - loudly if you take my advice and the print on the disk.
The next 3 are more of the same and 'Yesterday's Heroes', 'The Threat Remains' and 'Vision Of Hell' all gush a clinical accuracy and mire of ire that draws in the punky curiosity. All the comparisons that are going to be made here are blatant but Dogsflesh hold their own and in fact outdo most of what their counterparts throw out. The choice pick of the previous three grenades is the slow deliberate guitar chug that sinisterly rolls along during 'The Threat Remains', taking deep breaths before exploding once more. The fact that the pace is slightly toned down indicates what I feel to be an oversight on the bands part in as far as the CD not including one or two less speedier tracks and relying more on threat and imposing riffs rather than going in with all fists flying. Just a Fungal consideration to mull over before the next recording.
We end with 'X. B. B.' (Ex Borstal Boy perhaps) and as if by magic we have a slower, seething piece that backs-up my previous thoughts and what a great song it is. The focus seems more exact and the looming rhythm commands attention. Just what was needed and a great way to end.
It's fast, it's high standard production and it rouses with passion - oh and the bonus is that it finishes with the best track of the lot. In this country Dogsflesh don't get the appreciation they deserve and so travel further afield to punkers who love the noise - don't force this CD to go the same way." --Fungal Punk
Street Voice UK Music Magazine (UK):
Vision Of Hell - "If you're into 80's UK punk Exploited/Discharge style then you'll pretty much enjoy this release. It does help when some of the band were around back then as they've got the sound pretty spot on with a modern day touch. There's twelve tracks in all and they're not bad numbers at all though 'Fuck All', 'Last Renegades', 'Dogflesh' and 'Yesterdays Heroes' did it for me." --Steve DIY
Big Wheel Online Magazine (US):
Vision Of Hell - "Upon taking out the CD to play, the words, "PLAY VERY LOUD" in red are not hard to miss, and I did just that and set the speaker to the loudest setting. Needless to say, I got complaints from my neighbors about the music, including a very angry sibling who had been woken up by the noise. Success! Not only was the music effective in causing a disturbance around me upon being played loudly, but it also was effective in making a good impression on this reviewer. Whatever happened to the kind of Punk bands like G.B.H, A Global Threat, and The Exploited brought to the table? Well if you’re looking for it, Dogsflesh has it, and their album "Vision of Hell" is an energetic ode to UK 82/Street Punk.
The album art screams absolute Street Punk, from the bright colors to the pictures featuring Street Punks with mohawks, chaos and destruction, and politics. The lyrical content is also full of the makings of Street Punk, from songs about perverts, violence, all leading to the band’s anthem "Dogsflesh", which most every Punk band always provides in their own albums. Though many of us have long forgotten about UK 82/Street Punk, this album is a full nostalgic reminder of the Street Punk phase that we’ve all passed through during certain times of our lives. It’s a fun reminder and the album almost makes you want to re-live it all over again. If you’ve been missing that part of the Punk family, Dogsflesh’s "Vision Of Hell" is good listening, out on Unrepentant Records." --Stephanie M.
Punk Rock, Hardcore, and Ska Music Resource n Review (US):
Vision Of Hell - "sharp,fast and right to the point hardcore punk rock influenced by the exploited and spitting lyrics just the way you would want the chaos punx too,OLD SCHOOL TO THE MAX and from looking at the cover of this cd and inside jacket this really is the vision of hell with punk rock attached to it,punx NOT DEAD AND THEY MEAN IT!,everyone i present to you dogflesh in the FLESH!" --beth
Skrutt Zine (Sweden) review of DOGSFLESH 'Vision Of Hell':
"They´re mates with GBH, English Dogs and so on on My Space and that gives us a little hint about which type of music the group plays. It´s really good description of their music because the type of music they plays is as they say: UK82 punk. Exploited seems to have been a really big influence. 12 tough songs which is build up as I want them because I´ve grown up with this type of punkrock. It goes really fast but it´s never missing melodies in their music and the lyrics is easy to hear. The usual punk lyrics is made in a very good way and they feel true in some way and of course the pictures of terrorist attacks on the record sleeve helps us think this is for real."--Peter Thorsson
Punk Rock Review (US) review of DOGSFLESH 'Vision Of Hell':
"To be honest when I first took a look at the cover of this album combined with their name “Dogflesh”& album title “Vision Of Hell” I thought I was going to be tortured with reviewing a death metal band. So when I heard the crusty punk sound of Dogflesh I was pleasantly surprised. Musically, Dogflesh are similar to the early UK Subs, but where UK Subs spit out balls of fiery rage, Dogflesh lighten their lyrical bile with sardonic humor. The music is rooted in the typical Oi! punk influences: the Sham 69, Cock Sparrer, and early UK Subs. It's melodic, punchy, and fast, delivering the necessary bite without ever becoming too abrasive or sugary for the average crusty punk."--Jonny Taint
Hard Rock Info (Sweden) review of DOGSFLESH - Vision of Hell CD:
"This is yet another one of those old punk bands from UK that suddenly decide to reunite after 20 years, and I don't have a problem with that, especially when I haven't even heared about them before.
Their music remind me of bands like GBH and THE EXPLOITED, so to me it's really good stuff! If you're into good old British trash punk, check 'em out"
