It was their first album to include the lineup of Dave Quackenbush, Warren Fitzgerald, Joe Escalante and Josh Freese, solidifying the band's roster after several years of fluctuation.

This lineup would remain intact for the rest of the band's career, and for this reason Fear of a Punk Planet is considered by many fans to be the first proper album by the "new" Vandals.

It featured guest appearances by Dweezil and Moon Unit Zappa, Scott Thunes and Kelsey Grammer.

The album was re-released with bonus tracks in 2000 by the band's own label Kung Fu Records in order to celebrate its tenth anniversary.

All Music Guide published a mostly positive review by Victor W. Valdivia, who commented "Even if the constant juvenile humor grates after a while, the Vandals are still more composed and entertaining than most.