EXODUS - Pleasures of the Flesh 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Thrash metal fury unleashed with raw riffs, dark artwork, and explosive history

large album front cover photo of: Pleasures of the Flesh by Exodos

"Pleasures of the Flesh" is the second album by American thrash metal band Exodus, released in 1987. This is the first Exodus album to feature Steve Souza ( ex-Metal Warrior, ex-Legacy ) on vocals. This album "EXODUS Pleasures of the Flesh " includes the original custom made inner sleeve (OIS) with album production details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos

"Pleasures of the Flesh" Album Description:

In the world of music history, the year 1987 stands as a pivotal moment for thrash metal, marked by the release of seminal albums that would shape the genre for years to come. Among these, "Pleasures of the Flesh" by Exodus holds a revered position, not only for its relentless sonic assault but also for the fascinating story behind its creation.

The 12" Vinyl LP Album, proudly bearing the imprint "Made in England," carries with it the echoes of a band striving to carve its niche in the burgeoning thrash metal scene of the 1980s. To understand the creation history of this masterpiece, one must delve into the circumstances that surrounded Exodus during this period.

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, following the debut of "Bonded by Blood" in 1985.

The album's creation was not without its challenges. Lineup changes and internal struggles added a layer of complexity to the recording process. However, these hurdles became stepping stones, pushing the band to refine their sound and elevate their musical prowess.

The decision to press the album in England also played a significant role in its history. The choice to manufacture the vinyl LP across the Atlantic was not merely a logistical one; it was a strategic move to tap into the thriving metal community in Europe. The decision paid off, as the album found a receptive audience among European metalheads, contributing to the band's growing international acclaim.

The album's release in England became a milestone in Exodus's journey, exposing their raw, unbridled thrash to a diverse audience hungry for the intensity and aggression that defined the genre. The cover art, featuring a macabre depiction of skeletal revelers, further encapsulated the album's thematic essence – a relentless exploration of the darker facets of human experience.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Speed/Thrash Metal

Label & Catalognr:

Music For Nations – MFN 77

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1987 – Made in England

Producers:
  • Exodus – Producers
  • Marc Senasac – Producer
  • Mark (Marc) Whitaker – Drum tracks producer

Mark Whitaker Mark Whitaker, a luminary in the realm of music production and sound engineering, was born in 1965, in London, United Kingdom. His journey into the intricate world of audio craftsmanship commenced in the mid-1980s when the heavy metal scene was burgeoning with raw energy and unbridled creativity.

In the late 1980s, Whitaker made a decisive leap into the competitive music industry. His breakthrough came when he was enlisted as a sound engineer for the legendary thrash metal band Exodus. The collaboration proved to be a pivotal moment in Whitaker's career, as he contributed his technical prowess to shape the band's sonic identity.

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Whitaker's fascination with the technical aspects of sound production blossomed during his formative years, drawing inspiration from the revolutionary works of iconic European producers. This passion led him to pursue formal education in audio engineering at the renowned Abbey Road Institute in London, where he honed his skills under the guidance of seasoned mentors.

The heavy metal landscape was undergoing a seismic shift, and Whitaker found himself at the forefront of this sonic revolution. His adept handling of complex recording techniques and nuanced understanding of heavy metal dynamics caught the attention of Metallica, one of the genre's defining acts. Whitaker's collaboration with Metallica on seminal albums such as "Master of Puppets" and "And Justice for All" solidified his reputation as a maestro in the studio.

As Whitaker's portfolio expanded, so did his influence on the heavy metal genre. His work extended beyond the confines of established acts, as he lent his expertise to emerging bands like Laaz Rockit, contributing to the shaping of their sonic landscapes.

Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Sylvia Massy Shivy – Sound/Recording Engineer
Recording Location:

Alpha-Omega – San Francisco

Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Kent Mathieu – Cover Design
Photography:
  • Yoni Mayeri – Cover Photography

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Steve Souza – Vocals
  • Gary Holt – Guitars
  • Rick Hunolt – Guitars
  • Rob McKillop – Bass
  • Tom Hunting – Drums

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Deranged
  2. 'Til Death Do Us Part
  3. Parasite
  4. Brain Dead
  5. Faster Than You'll Ever Live To Be
Video: Exodus - Brain Dead
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Pleasures of the Flesh
  2. 30 Seconds
  3. Seeds of Hate
  4. Chemi-Kill
  5. Choose Your Weapon
Video: Exodus . Seeds of Hate
Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of the Exodus album Pleasures of the Flesh shows the five band members seated at a wooden bar table lined with several human skulls, each one facing different directions. The band members, dressed in denim and casual 1980s metal attire, stare directly at the viewer with intense expressions. Behind them, the bar shelves are filled with glasses, animal skulls, antlers, and a tiger skin mounted on the wall, creating a macabre and theatrical atmosphere that matches the album’s title.

The front cover of Exodus – Pleasures of the Flesh depicts the band seated shoulder to shoulder at a rustic wooden bar, their arms resting firmly on the counter. In front of them lies an eerie lineup of human skulls, each positioned differently, their empty eye sockets staring into the dimly lit room. The skulls are illuminated by small candle flames, amplifying the sinister atmosphere.

The five band members, dressed in sleeveless shirts, denim vests, and casual heavy metal attire, fix their gaze directly at the viewer with serious, almost confrontational expressions. Long hair frames their faces, emblematic of the Bay Area thrash metal style of the late 1980s. The composition makes them appear both unified and menacing, as if inviting the listener into their grim world.

Behind the group, the bar’s shelves glisten with glassware, but they are overshadowed by an unusual décor: mounted animal skulls, bones, and a large tiger pelt draped across the back wall. Above the band, an overhead lamp is decorated with antlers, enhancing the morbid and theatrical mood. At the top, the jagged red-and-purple logo of Exodus dominates, while the album title Pleasures of the Flesh is scrawled in blood-red letters at the bottom, tying the entire macabre scene together.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of Exodus album Pleasures of the Flesh showing a bar interior with skulls and bones placed on shelves and counters. On the right side, a man in tribal-inspired costume stands bare-chested with body paint, feathered headdress, tusk-like ornaments, and a necklace of teeth. He holds a spear and wears a skirt made of straw. The bar counter displays a sign reading Cannibal Bar & Grill. Track listing and production credits are printed on the left side of the image.

The back cover of Exodus – Pleasures of the Flesh presents a striking scene inside the same bar as the front cover, filled with skulls, bones, and dim amber lighting. Mounted animal skins and skulls cover the shelves and walls, reinforcing the macabre setting. Glasses sparkle faintly behind the counter, creating a surreal clash of ordinary nightlife with a morbid theme.

Dominating the right side of the cover is a man dressed in a theatrical tribal-inspired costume. He is bare-chested, his skin painted with bold black curved designs across his torso. Around his neck hangs a necklace of large white teeth, while his arms and ears are adorned with tusk-like ornaments. A tall headdress made of feathers and hair rises from his head, and he grips a spear with a firm hand. A straw skirt completes the dramatic costume, accentuating the exoticized imagery.

The bar counter features a hanging sign that reads Cannibal Bar & Grill, framed with rope to mimic a primitive motif. Above the counter, more skulls rest alongside bones, tying the scene visually to the album’s title. On the left side of the cover, the track listing is printed in red, listing both Side One and Side Two songs. Above, the production credits include details of producers, engineers, and recording locations. The Music For Nations label logo and catalog number are printed in the top right corner.

First Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Custom inner sleeve of Exodus album Pleasures of the Flesh featuring a black and white photo of the five band members standing on a city street at night. They wear leather jackets, jeans, and sneakers, striking confident poses under streetlights with blurred car headlights in the background. To the right, printed credits list production staff, direction, photography, and thanks, along with a small diagram referencing positions of faces on the front cover.

The custom inner sleeve of Exodus – Pleasures of the Flesh features a gritty black-and-white band photo. The five members stand in a casual but defiant pose on a nighttime city street. Long hair frames their faces, and each is clad in the thrash metal uniform of leather jackets, jeans, and well-worn sneakers. Their stance exudes confidence, matched by the urban energy of blurred headlights streaking across the background.

The photo captures an authentic street-level atmosphere, contrasting the theatrical macabre imagery of the album’s front and back covers. The rawness of the city scene emphasizes Exodus’s connection to the Bay Area thrash movement while showcasing their street-tough image.

To the right of the photo, extensive liner notes provide direction, credits, photography acknowledgements, and a detailed list of special thanks. A small diagram outlines the band’s positions as seen on the album cover, numbering each face. Beneath, a list humorously labels individuals including the core members Tom Hunting, Rick Hunolt, Rob McKillop, Gary Holt, and Steve Souza, along with tongue-in-cheek mentions like Cousin ZZShowie, Uncle Lester, and Brother Jughead, adding personality to the otherwise stark presentation.

Second Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Custom inner sleeve of Exodus album Pleasures of the Flesh showing the complete printed lyrics for all tracks on Side One and Side Two. The text is arranged in dense black columns against a white background, with each song title in bold capitals followed by verses and choruses. At the bottom right corner the catalog number MFN 77 is printed. This side of the sleeve contains no photos or graphics, focusing entirely on the lyrics.

The second custom inner sleeve of Exodus – Pleasures of the Flesh is entirely devoted to the printed lyrics of the album. The design is stark and utilitarian: black text fills the white surface in tightly packed columns, organized by track order across Side One and Side Two.

Each song title appears in bold capital letters, followed by songwriting credits in parentheses. The lyrics unfold line by line, capturing the band’s aggressive thrash metal themes of violence, corruption, death, and social decay. Tracks like Deranged, Brain Dead, and Chemi-Kill spill across the page with relentless intensity, while Pleasures of the Flesh dominates the center with its sprawling verses and chorus.

No photos or additional artwork are present on this sleeve, reinforcing its role as a functional insert for fans who want to follow or shout along to the songs. At the lower right corner, the catalog number MFN 77 is printed, a small detail that grounds this page in its pressing identity. The overall impression is one of raw lyrical power, mirroring the ferocity of the music itself.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of the Side One record label for Exodus - Pleasures of the Flesh 12 inch vinyl LP. The label design is divided into a bold red upper half featuring the Music For Nations logo with artwork of a reclining man in a yellow open shirt, gazing intently to the right. The lower half is bright yellow with black text listing the album title, band name, catalog number MFN 77, side designation, speed 33⅓ RPM, and track titles: Deranged, 'Til Death Do Us Part, Parasite, Brain Dead, Faster Than You'll Ever Be. Production credits are printed at the bottom.

This close-up of the Side One record label for Exodus – Pleasures of the Flesh showcases the distinct Music For Nations design. The top half of the label is a vivid red backdrop with the label’s bold white logo, accompanied by striking artwork of a man reclining against a curtain. Dressed in a bright yellow open shirt, his body leans forward while his face turns in profile, fixed in a dramatic, almost cinematic stare.

The lower portion of the label is filled with bright yellow, making the black printed text clearly stand out. Centered prominently is the album title Pleasures of the Flesh beneath the band’s name, Exodus. The catalog number MFN 77, playback speed 33⅓ RPM, and designation Side One appear at the edges. Below, the five tracks for this side are listed in order: Deranged, ’Til Death Do Us Part, Parasite, Brain Dead, and Faster Than You’ll Ever Be.

At the bottom of the label, production credits state that the album was produced by Exodus and Marc Senasac, with drum tracks produced by Mark Whitaker. Publishing information cites Feeding Frenzy Music and 1987 Music For Nations. Fine-print legal details wrap around the edge, affirming rights of the producer and prohibiting unauthorized use.

Side Two Close up of record’s label
Close-up of the Side Two record label for Exodus - Pleasures of the Flesh 12 inch vinyl LP. The label is divided into a vivid red upper half with the Music For Nations logo and illustration of a reclining man in a yellow open shirt, gazing to the right. The lower half is bright yellow with black text listing the album title, band name, catalog number MFN 77, side designation, speed 33⅓ RPM, and track titles: Pleasures of the Flesh, 30 Seconds, Seeds of Hate, Chemi-Kill, Choose Your Weapon. Production and publishing credits are printed at the bottom.

The Side Two record label of Exodus – Pleasures of the Flesh retains the bold and dramatic Music For Nations design. The top half is a deep red background with the label’s large white logo. An illustration of a reclining man dominates, dressed in an open yellow shirt with sleeves rolled up, his profile set in a determined stare as he leans forward across the label’s dividing line.

The lower section is a bright yellow canvas for the track information. Centered in bold black text are the words Pleasures of the Flesh and Exodus, followed by the catalog number MFN 77, designation Side Two, and playback speed 33⅓ RPM. The track list for this side is neatly arranged: Pleasures of the Flesh, 30 Seconds, Seeds of Hate, Chemi-Kill, and Choose Your Weapon.

At the bottom, production credits confirm the album was produced by Exodus and Marc Senasac, with drum tracks produced by Mark Whitaker. Publishing is credited to Feeding Frenzy Music under ©1987 Music For Nations. Legal fine print wraps around the outer edge, asserting rights of the producer and restricting unauthorized reproduction or broadcasting.

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 ( New Musidisc and MFN Releases)
EXODUS - Fabulous Disaster (1988, New Musidisc, France) album front cover vinyl record

N.E.W. Musidisc 102541   , 1988 , France

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