Review by Felix on November 21, 2021.

The third work of a band is usually regarded as the "make it or break it" album. But Fabulous Disaster does not clearly tend to right or wrong. Instead, it holds a couple of intriguing riff attacks, but it also contains some unappetizing farts. One might have thought that the crummy cover artwork represents the worst detail of the album, but I am speaking of much more serious problems. Do you want to know my interpretation of the album's title? Some songs are fabulous, some are a disaster. However, first of all, I would like to draw your attention on the jewels of the full-length.

The title track is a real monster and belongs to the best songs of their entire oeuvre. Despite the expressive vocal performance of Zetro, the "H-Team", Holt and Hunold, offers the most fascinating part. Their solos after the first chorus lead directly to somersaulted riff cascades that get more and more intensive. The variations of the song's main riff demonstrate the energetic force of the entire genre in a glorious way. This track and especially the worthy opener carry on the approach of Pleasures Of The Flesh. These songs are driven by the belligerence and restlessness of the band and draw the listener into the album. The B side also starts with two thrash detonations. The cross-generational 'Like Father, Like Son', equipped with much more nightmarish lyrics than all these ridiculous "I kill all Christians"-songs of some black metal scatterbrains, and 'Corruption' are replete with cutting riffs. The lyrics of the latter also holds a remarkable line ("shove it up your ass where the sun ain't shining" - really?) Too bad that the band failed to offer consistently songs of this quality.

The cover of 'Low Rider', thank God, I don't know the original version, seems to be performed by drunken weekend musicians. Any elements of thrash metal do not show up. Guess it was the soundtrack for a hula hoop session in the rehearsal room of the band. Swing your hip, if you really feel the urge to do it, but first make sure that the earplugs are seated properly. 'Cajun Hell' also fails to hit the mark. In accordance with the lyrics, the music conveys a swampy feeling. Some casual riffs valorise the tune, but it lacks of power and determination. Not to mention the last two tracks of the album that fail to enrich the catalogue of Exodus. Inconspicuous and without outstanding characteristics, these tunes just pass by without leaving a trace. I cannot believe that the guys themselves did not realize their mediocre quality. Or could it be the case that I am wrong? Maybe this is the problem, because I also do not highly appreciate 'The Toxic Waltz', although the vast majority of Exodus fans seems to love exactly this stomping piece. Irrespective of some mid-paced songs on Pleasures Of The Flesh, 'The Toxic Waltz' became the most prominent track of the group that did not focus on sheer velocity. Don't ask me why. In my humble opinion, the term "acceptable" describes this darling of the public sufficiently...

...and the same goes for the production. It appears to be incorrect to say that the mix lacks of penetrating power, because back in 1989, I was fine with the album's sound. From today's perspective, however, it leaves a fairly antiquated and frumpy impression. Nevertheless, it goes without saying that friends of Exodus must have this full-length, because four of its tunes show the institution in top form. But if you are not especially focused on the works of the band, you better write dozens of other thrash albums on your shopping list.

Rating: 7.1 out of 10