- BLUE Coloured EPIC Record Label
Quiet Riot's 1984 album "Condition Critical" followed their megahit "Metal Health." Though not as commercially successful, it remains a solid hard rock album. Produced by Spencer Proffer, it features powerful tracks and a memorable Stan Watts-illustrated cover. Despite a scathing review, "Condition Critical" is a worthy addition to any vinyl collection for fans of 80s metal with melody.
Quiet Riot's 1984 album, "Condition Critical," arrived on the scene following the band's monumental success with "Metal Health." While "Metal Health" achieved the status of a hard rock landmark, "Condition Critical" failed to replicate its predecessor's commercial dominance. However, for fans of classic heavy metal with a melodic edge, "Condition Critical" remains a treasure.
Released on the Pasha label (founded by "Metal Health" producer Spencer Proffer) and distributed by Epic Records, "Condition Critical" boasts a solid production team. Proffer returned behind the production desk, while Duane Baron handled sound engineering. Mastering duties were entrusted to the legendary George Marino at Sterling Sound, New York.
The album's creation unfolded within the walls of The Pasha Music House in Hollywood, California. The iconic album cover, featuring a menacing metallic skull, is a product of frontman Kevin DuBrow's concept, brought to life by illustrator Stan Watts and photographer Aaron Rappoport. The black and blue label pressing on Epic (EPC 26075) has become a coveted collector's item for vinyl enthusiasts.
Despite a scathing two-word review ("Condition terminal") from Rolling Stone magazine, "Condition Critical" offers a powerful dose of heavy metal with strong melodies. Tracks like "Sign of the Times" and the title track showcase the band's signature sound, while the album also features a notable cover of Slade's classic "Mama Weer All Crazee Now."
Music Genre: Heavy Metsl |
| Album Production information:
The album: "QUIET RIOT - Condition Critical" was produced by: Spencer Proffer for Pasha I file him under “the guy who made early-80s hard rock/metal sound like it could punch radio in the face and still get invited back tomorrow.” Read more... Spencer Proffer is one of those behind-the-glass power players who didn’t need a mic stand to leave fingerprints everywhere. After launching Pasha Records in 1978, he locked into his most famous run with Quiet Riot from 1983 to 1986, producing Metal Health, Condition Critical, and QR III—that whole era where the drums got huge, the hooks got sharper, and the mix sounded like chrome. He also worked with Canada’s Kick Axe on Vices (1984) and co-produced King Kobra on Ready to Strike (recorded 1984, released 1985). In my head, “Proffer-era” equals tight, glossy, arena-ready impact—built to slam on vinyl and still sparkle on FM. Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Duane Baron Veteran sound engineer who helped define the polished muscle of ’80s and ’90s hard rock and metal. Read more... Duane Baron is a renowned sound engineer known for shaping the sound of iconic rock and metal albums. Working as both engineer and mixer, he played a key role in crafting records by artists such as Mötley Crüe, Ozzy Osbourne, Heart, and Alice Cooper. His ability to balance clarity, power, and radio-ready polish made him a go-to figure during the peak years of big-budget rock production. Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound, New York City, New York. When my site brain goes full 1980s metal mode, his name keeps showing up like a hidden signature in the dead wax. Read more... George Marino is one of those behind-the-glass legends who made heavy music feel larger than the room it was playing in. Before the mastering console became his throne, he was a Bronx guitarist doing the NYC band grind in the 1960s with groups like The Chancellors and The New Sounds Ltd. Then he went pro for real: starting at Capitol Studios in New York (1967), and eventually becoming a long-running force at Sterling Sound (from 1973 onward). For a collector like me—living in that sweet spot where 1980s heavy metal, hard rock, and a dash of prog-minded ambition collide—Marino’s credits read like a stack of essential sleeves: Holy Diver (Dio), Tooth and Nail (Dokken), Stay Hard (Raven), Master of Puppets (Metallica), Somewhere in Time (Iron Maiden), Among the Living (Anthrax), Appetite for Destruction (Guns N’ Roses), Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi), and Blow Up Your Video (AC/DC). That’s the kind of resume that doesn’t just “master” records—it weaponizes them, but with taste. George Marino Wiki
This album was recorded at: The Pasha Music House, Hollywood, California Album cover design: Kevin DuBrow Cover Illustration: Stan Watts Album cover photography: Aaron Rappoport |
Record Label & Catalognr: Black/Blue Label EPIC EPC 26075 |
Packaging: This album "QUIET RIOT - Condition Critical" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1984 Made in Holland / Netherlands |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: QUIET RIOT - Condition Critical |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "QUIET RIOT - Condition Critical" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "QUIET RIOT - Condition Critical" is:
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
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Side one of the custom inner sleeve is a collage of many small photos of the "Quiet Riot" band members fooling around. -
"Condition Critical" Record Label Details: Dark Blue and Black Record Label
1984's Condition Critical followed Quiet Riot's smash Metal Health. Packed with riffs & a killer Stan Watts cover, it's a must-have for 80s metal fans (Rolling Stone hated it tho).
Conditional Critical (Blue Record Label) 12" Vinyl LP
1984's Condition Critical! Quiet Riot rocks on after Metal Health's smash. ⚡ New anthems, Slade cover & Stan Watts' wild artwork!
Conditional Critical (White Record Label) 12" Vinyl LP
QR III is the fifth studio album released by American heavy metal band Quiet Riot in 1986. The name of this recording is short for "Quiet Riot III". Despite the title, this is actually the band's fifth album; however it was on their third major label/worldwide release.
QR III 12" Vinyl LP
QR (also known as Quiet Riot or Quiet Riot IV ) is the sixth studio album released in 1988 by the American heavy metal band Quiet Riot. The album featured a major line-up change.
QR Quiet Riot IV 12" Vinyl LP