Exodus – Fabulous Disaster 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Bay Area Thrash at Full Throttle, Music for Nations 1988

Album Front Cover Photo of Exodus – Fabulous Disaster Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

“Fabulous Disaster” was Exodus at full throttle — a snarling, sweat-drenched testament to Bay Area thrash just before the genre burned itself out. Released in 1988 on Music for Nations, it’s the sound of five men throwing riffs like grenades, equal parts chaos and control. “The Toxic Waltz” turned mosh pits into mass rituals, while the War cover “Low Rider” proved these guys could joke even as they leveled the room. Brutal, loud, and a little too honest for mainstream metal, this record captured Exodus at their hungriest — a band still chasing perfection through noise, fury, and a sense of fun that only true thrashers understand.

Table of Contents

"Fabulous Disaster" Album Description:

When Exodus dropped “Fabulous Disaster,” thrash metal had already reached a fever pitch. The Bay Area was roaring, Metallica had gone global, and Slayer had turned aggression into art. Exodus, though—always the scrappy cousin who started the fire but got left out of the family photo—came swinging with an album that proved they could still out-riff, out-snarl, and out-party most of their peers.

Riding the Late-’80s Thrash Wave

The late eighties were the golden twilight of thrash. Metallica was moving toward the mainstream, Megadeth was getting cleaner, and Anthrax was cracking jokes. Exodus stood in defiance of all that polish. They were the sound of sticky bar floors, denim vests, and knuckles taped for the pit. “Fabulous Disaster” wasn’t about innovation—it was about survival in an increasingly commercial metal scene.

Inside the Studio Chaos

Recorded in San Francisco and produced by the guitar tag-team of Gary Holt and Rick Hunolt, the sessions reportedly balanced equal parts precision and mayhem. The band had lived through lineup turbulence and endless touring. Tom Hunting was about to take his leave, and the group channeled that tension into something fierce. You can almost hear the exhaustion grinding against adrenaline in every galloping riff.

The Sound: Grit with Groove

“The Toxic Waltz” became the accidental anthem of mosh pits everywhere—a song so self-aware it practically invented the idea of crowd-surfing irony. “The Last Act of Defiance” and the title track keep the tempo relentless, yet there’s more groove than before, a whiff of funk in the downstrokes. Their cover of War’s “Low Rider” was a wink to fans—Exodus showing they could have a laugh without dropping their beer or tempo.

Compared to Its Peers

In 1988, thrash was splitting in two directions: toward technical brilliance or pure chaos. Testament’s “The New Order” went cerebral; Slayer’s “South of Heaven” went dark and slow. “Fabulous Disaster” did neither. It stayed gloriously reckless—tight but not tidy, brutal but oddly upbeat. It’s the sound of a band that knew its limits and decided to double down on them.

Reception and Legacy

Critics were unsure—some called it too polished, others not polished enough—but the fans knew better. They spun it loud, they banged their heads, and they wore out the grooves. Over time, the album’s defiant middle-finger energy has earned it cult-classic status. It’s the bridge between Exodus’s raw early chaos and the more controlled brutality that came later.

Closing Reflection

Decades on, “Fabulous Disaster” still smells of sweat, beer, and basement amps on the edge of blowing. It’s not perfect—thankfully so. It’s the sound of thrash metal right before it got self-conscious, when five guys from California could still believe speed and sarcasm were enough to change the world, or at least ruin a few necks.

Album Key Details: Genre, Label, Format & Release Info

Music Genre:

Speed / Thrash Metal

Emerging from the late 1980s Bay Area scene, Speed and Thrash Metal pushed the limits of aggression and technical precision. Characterized by rapid tempos, palm-muted guitar riffs, and politically charged lyrics, the genre embodied the intensity of underground metal before it crossed into the mainstream. “Fabulous Disaster” captures Exodus at their sharpest—fast, furious, and unapologetically raw.

Label & Catalognr:

Music for Nations – Cat#: MFN 90 (Feeding Frenzy Music)

Album Packaging

Standard sleeve with a custom inner sleeve.

This album includes the original green custom inner sleeve with complete lyrics and photos of Exodus band members.

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record

Year & Country:

1988 – Made in France

Production & Recording Information:

Producers:
  • Gary Holt – Producer
    Gary Holt, co-founder and guitarist of Exodus, became one of thrash metal’s most consistent creative forces. His sharp, aggressive riffing and songwriting shaped the Bay Area scene and later carried over to his work with Slayer.
  • Rick Hunolt – Producer
    Rick Hunolt, known as one half of the “H-team” with Gary Holt, contributed to Exodus’s trademark dual-guitar attack. His gritty tone and unrelenting precision earned him recognition among the most influential guitarists in 1980s thrash.
  • Marc Senesac – Producer
    Marc Senesac was an experienced recording engineer and producer active in the San Francisco Bay Area scene. His technical expertise helped capture the clarity and power of Exodus’s dense guitar sound on this album.
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Marc Senesac – Recording and Mixing Engineer
  • David Plank – Recording Engineer
    David Plank worked on numerous Bay Area metal recordings during the 1980s and was known for his ability to balance raw intensity with studio precision.
  • Chad Munsey – Mixing Assistant
    Chad Munsey assisted during the mixing process, ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining the aggressive sonic profile Exodus was known for.
Recording Location:

Alpha & Omega Recording – San Francisco, California, USA

Alpha & Omega Recording was a hub for Bay Area metal acts in the 1980s, offering a raw yet professional environment ideal for thrash bands seeking to capture live energy on tape.
Mixing Studio & Location:

Different Fur Studios – San Francisco, California, USA

Different Fur Studios was a long-standing San Francisco studio that hosted both underground and mainstream artists. Its high-end analog setup contributed to the punchy and dynamic sound of “Fabulous Disaster.”
Mastering Engineer & Location:
  • Bernie Grundman – Mastering Engineer, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Bernie Grundman is a renowned Mastering Engineer hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, he has achieved remarkable success in the music industry. Born with an innate passion for music and a keen ear for detail, Grundman has left an indelible mark on the field of audio mastering.

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    Grundman's journey into the world of music began in the early 1980s when he established his own mastering studio in Hollywood, California. It was during this time that he cemented his reputation as a go-to engineer for heavy metal albums. From 1982 to 1990, Grundman lent his expertise to numerous heavy metal projects, skillfully mastering dozens of albums that defined the genre's sound during that era.

    His work with heavy metal artists showcased his ability to capture the raw energy and power of the music, while maintaining clarity and fidelity. Grundman's mastering techniques brought out the full sonic potential of each album, elevating them to new heights and contributing to their commercial success.

    As his talent became recognized, Bernie Grundman had the opportunity to collaborate with a multitude of renowned musicians across various genres. His mastering prowess was sought after by a diverse range of artists, including rock, pop, jazz, and classical musicians. Through his meticulous attention to detail and technical expertise, he added the final polish to their recordings, enhancing the overall listening experience for fans around the world.

    Grundman's discography boasts an impressive list of hit albums, with his name appearing in the credits of numerous iconic releases. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the sound of some of the most influential records of our time. From acclaimed bands to chart-topping solo artists, Grundman's work has left an indelible impact on the music industry.

    Bernie Grundman's mastering studio has become synonymous with excellence and has earned a reputation as one of the best facilities in the industry. Musicians and record labels alike recognize the exceptional quality and meticulous attention to detail that Grundman and his team bring to every project. His dedication to achieving sonic perfection and his commitment to maintaining the artistic vision of the artists he works with have made him highly respected among his peers.

    Throughout his career, Bernie Grundman has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the music industry. He is the recipient of several Grammy Awards, recognizing his exceptional skills as a mastering engineer. These accolades further solidify his status as a true pioneer in the field and underscore his unwavering commitment to excellence.

    Beyond his technical prowess, Grundman's success can be attributed to his genuine love for music and his unwavering passion for his craft. His dedication to his work has allowed him to forge lasting relationships with artists, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration in the studio.

    As a master of his trade, Bernie Grundman continues to inspire and influence aspiring engineers and musicians worldwide. His legacy is one of innovation, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of sonic perfection. Today, his name remains synonymous with exceptional audio quality, and his contributions to the music industry will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • David Bett – Art Direction
    David Bett is an art director known for his work with several major labels during the 1980s, shaping the look of numerous classic metal and hard rock albums with bold, high-impact designs.
  • Patricia Lie – Design
    Patricia Lie contributed creative layout and graphic design for Music for Nations, ensuring the album’s artwork reflected the visual aggression of Exodus’s sound.
Photography:
  • Gene Ambo – Photography
    Gene Ambo is a Chicago-based rock photographer celebrated for his vivid concert and studio portraits of metal bands. His work captured the intensity and personality of the thrash metal era with unfiltered authenticity.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Steve Souza – Vocals
    Known to fans as “Zetro,” Steve Souza brought a snarling delivery and punk-influenced phrasing that defined Exodus’s signature vocal sound. He fronted the band during their most successful late-’80s and early-’90s period, giving thrash a voice equal parts menace and mischief.
  • Gary Holt – Guitar
    Founding member and principal songwriter of Exodus, Gary Holt is revered for his razor-sharp riffs and politically charged lyrics. Beyond Exodus, his long tenure as Slayer’s guitarist further cemented his status as one of thrash metal’s defining figures.
  • Rick Hunolt – Guitar
    Rick Hunolt’s blistering solos and tight rhythm work made him half of the legendary “H-Team.” His chemistry with Gary Holt gave Exodus one of the most formidable twin-guitar sounds in metal history.
  • Rob McKillop – Bass
    Rob McKillop’s thunderous bass lines anchored the chaos, providing depth and groove beneath the relentless speed of Exodus’s guitar assault. His solid tone was essential to the punch of “Fabulous Disaster.”
  • Tom Hunting – Drums
    As a founding member, Tom Hunting’s ferocious drumming and rapid double-bass work set the pace for the band’s sound. His stamina and precision made him one of thrash metal’s most respected percussionists.
  • Brian Mantilla – Additional percussion on “Low Rider”
    Brian Mantilla added rhythmic texture to Exodus’s cover of War’s “Low Rider,” bringing a playful contrast to the album’s otherwise full-throttle aggression.
  • Dov Christopher – Additional percussion
    Dov Christopher contributed extra percussion layers that enriched the album’s dynamic range, enhancing the band’s sonic depth on select tracks.

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. The Last Act of Defiance (4:38)
  2. Fabulous Disaster (4:49)
  3. The Toxic Waltz (4:45)
  4. Low Rider Cover (2:44)
    Cover of War’s classic 1975 funk-rock anthem.
  5. Cajun Hell (5:58)
Video: EXODUS - The Toxic Waltz (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Like Father, Like Son (7:58)
  2. Corruption (5:44)
  3. Verbal Razors (4:01)
  4. Open Season (3:51)
Video: Exodus - Like Father Like Son (Live)

Disclaimer: Track durations shown are approximate and may vary slightly between pressings or regional reissues.

Management:

Toni Isabella / Bill Graham Management – San Francisco, California, USA

Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of the 1988 Exodus album 'Fabulous Disaster', showing the five band members caught in a chaotic basement-like setting lit in harsh neon blue and yellow tones. The group appears in animated poses around an old television set, surrounded by beer bottles, crates marked 'Plutonium' and 'Hazardous Waste', and posters of thrash shows plastered on the walls. The band's graffiti-style logo 'EXODUS' explodes in red and green above their heads, while the album title 'FABULOUS DISASTER' burns in jagged red letters at the bottom, encapsulating the manic, humorous energy of late-1980s Bay Area thrash metal.

The album cover of Exodus – Fabulous Disaster captures a theatrical scene of thrash metal pandemonium. Five band members huddle in a cluttered underground room, drenched in blue light and surrounded by the debris of a rock apocalypse. An old television flickers at the center, reflecting distorted light across their faces as they shout, laugh, and grimace in exaggerated expressions of chaos.

Around them, crates labeled “Plutonium” and “Hazardous Waste” form an industrial backdrop, while beer bottles and cables litter the floor. Posters of Exodus and other metal acts hang from the walls, giving the scene the feel of a late-night band hangout on the brink of implosion. The vibrant red-and-green graffiti logo EXODUS dominates the top, its jagged lettering carved like electric fire into the blackness above.

At the bottom, the title “Fabulous Disaster” screams in distressed red typography, framing the group like a punk mural. The visual energy mirrors the band’s sound—loud, fast, and unfiltered. This cover doesn’t just advertise an album; it documents the attitude of 1988 Bay Area thrash at its most explosive and self-aware.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of Exodus’s 1988 album 'Fabulous Disaster' showing a grim, apocalyptic scene of burning sneakers and charred debris against a backdrop of dark wooden planks. Bright orange flames consume the footwear, symbolizing destruction and rebellion. The lower half features a lime-green field with red and black typography listing tracks, production credits, and personnel details. The Music for Nations logo and barcode appear in the upper right corner, grounding the chaos in the physicality of a real vinyl release. The image captures both the grit and theatricality that defined late-80s thrash metal packaging.

The back cover of Exodus – Fabulous Disaster presents a stark and violent tableau of urban decay. Centered on a pile of scorched sneakers and boots, bright orange flames lick upwards, casting jagged shadows against the soot-black planks of a ruined background. The burnt rubber and smoldering textures evoke the aftermath of a riot or the wreckage of a post-apocalyptic street corner.

Below this inferno, a thick lime-green banner contrasts the darkness with its jarring brightness. In vivid red block letters, the track listings for Side One and Side Two appear, separated by crisp production details and acknowledgments printed in smaller black type. The names of producers Gary Holt, Rick Hunolt, and Marc Senesac stand out, while design credits for David Bett and Patricia Lie subtly blend into the background.

In the upper right, the Music for Nations logo and barcode serve as the only calm amid destruction, a reminder that this chaos was pressed, packaged, and sold to the faithful. The entire image radiates thrash metal’s signature balance of aggression and irony — a visual equivalent to the music’s explosive spirit.

Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Custom inner sleeve of Exodus’s 1988 album 'Fabulous Disaster', featuring live concert photographs of the band members performing on stage. The top row displays Rick Hunolt on guitar, Steve Souza on vocals, and Gary Holt on guitar, each captured mid-performance under vivid pink and red stage lighting. The bottom row shows drummer Tom Hunting behind his drum kit surrounded by smoke and cymbals, and bassist Rob McKillop playing energetically under warm spotlights. Between the photo grids runs a lime-green section densely filled with red text crediting production, management, fan club, and art direction details. The design radiates raw stage energy and 1980s thrash metal vitality.

The custom inner sleeve of Exodus – Fabulous Disaster bursts with live energy and visual aggression. Five concert photographs line the layout, each capturing a moment of feral performance from the Bay Area thrash veterans.

The upper panel showcases Rick Hunolt with his guitar mid-swing, Steve Souza gripping the microphone in a primal scream, and Gary Holt attacking his guitar with unfiltered intensity. The lighting is heavy with saturated reds and magentas, freezing each musician in the heat of the spotlight and sweat of the stage.

Across the center runs a striking lime-green band packed with red liner notes — acknowledgments, management details, and design credits to David Bett and Patricia Lie. Below it, Tom Hunting dominates his drum kit amid smoke and cymbal glare, while Rob McKillop anchors the right corner, bass slung low and grin wide. The inner sleeve encapsulates Exodus’s raw stage power, fusing chaotic photography with high-contrast colors in true 1980s metal fashion.

Close-up of Record Label
Close-up of the Side One record label for Exodus’s 1988 album 'Fabulous Disaster', pressed on the Music for Nations label (MFN 90). The label design features a striking red and yellow color scheme with an illustration of a man in a dynamic pose stretching across the upper half, his figure rendered in warm tones against a crimson background. The lower portion is a clean yellow field containing black printed text detailing track titles, publishing information, and side identification. The Music for Nations logo dominates the top left, while the 33 1/3 RPM speed and copyright credits circle the outer edge. The composition merges elegance and power, echoing the band’s fierce musical energy.

This close-up of the Music for Nations record label for Exodus – Fabulous Disaster (catalog number MFN 90) captures the visual craftsmanship of late-1980s vinyl production. The label’s two-tone design divides the circular space into red and yellow halves, with a bold illustration of a man stretching dramatically across the upper section, drawn in warm shades of ochre and crimson.

The lower portion, printed on a clean yellow background, lists Side One tracks — “The Last Act of Defiance,” “Fabulous Disaster,” “The Toxic Waltz,” “Low Rider,” and “Cajun Hell.” Beneath the song titles, the publishing and copyright details acknowledge Feeding Frenzy Music and Music for Nations, made in France in 1988. Around the rim, fine text asserts legal rights and reproduction warnings.

The juxtaposition of elegant design and fierce content mirrors Exodus’s identity: disciplined chaos. The stylized man’s pose—half defiance, half determination—embodies the album’s spirit, making this label more than a technical detail; it’s a visual emblem of thrash metal’s golden era.

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual vinyl album. Minor color differences may appear due to camera lighting. On mobile devices or tablets, images can be zoomed in or out using pinch gestures for closer inspection.

Index of EXODUS ( USA ) Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

EXODUS - Bonded By Blood (1985, France & Netherlands)
EXODUS - Bonded By Blood (1985, France) album front cover vinyl record

 Music For Nations – MFN 44 , 1985 , France

Released in 1985, "Bonded By Blood" marked the explosive debut of American thrash metal band Exodus. This 12" vinyl LP album, initially released in France, became a seminal work in the genre, solidifying Exodus' place among the pioneers of thrash metal.

Bonded By Blood (1985, France) 12" Vinyl LP Bonded By Blood (1985, Netherlands) 12" Vinyl LP
EXODUS - Fabulous Disaster (1988, New Musidisc, France) album front cover vinyl record
EXODUS - Fabulous Disaster ( New Musidisc and MFN Releases)

In the smoldering ashes of the 80s, as hair metal's mascara ran and glam's glitter faded, a beast emerged from the Bay Area, snarling and spitting fire. Exodus, already veterans in the burgeoning thrash scene, unleashed "Fabulous Disaster" upon a world teetering on the edge of cultural upheaval.

- Fabulous Disaster (1988, New Musidisc, France) 12" Vinyl LP - Fabulous Disaster (1988, MFN France) 12" Vinyl LP
EXODUS - Pleasures of the Flesh (1987, England)
EXODUS - Pleasures of the Flesh (1987, England) album front cover vinyl record

Music For Nations MFN 77 , 1987 , England

The mid-1980s witnessed a thrash metal explosion, with bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth leading the charge. Exodus, hailing from the Bay Area, found themselves at the epicenter of this sonic revolution. "Pleasures of the Flesh" was their second studio album

Pleasures of the Flesh (1987, England) 12" Vinyl LP