Quiet Riot - Conditional Critical

Following their smash 1983 album Mental Health (click here for that review), the Los Angeles heavy metal band Quiet Riot returned to the studio to record their fourth studio album. The result was 1984’s Condition Critical which is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary today (July 27th).

Ratt - Ratt (EP)

Today (August 23rd) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the self-titled EP (extended play) album from Ratt. Hailing from San Diego, the hard rocking glam band consisted of Stephen Percy (lead vocals), Warren DeMartini (rhythm guitar), Robbin Crosby (lead guitar), Juan Croucier (bass) and Bobby Blotzer (drums). This six-song debut was released on the independent Time Coast label.

Metallica - Kill 'Em All

Today (July 25th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Kill 'Em All, the full-length debut album from California-based heavy metal rockers Metallica. Recorded in Rochester NY (my old college stomping grounds) a few months earlier in 1983, it eventually went on to achieve multi-Platinum sales status. Chart-wise, it went to number 246 in Japan, number 129 in Austria, number 120 on the US Billboard Hot 200 (in 1988), number 66 in Ireland, number 65 in Switzerland, number 55 in Australia, number 28 in Sweden and number 12 in Finland (in 2007).

Lita Ford - Out for Blood

By the time guitarist/singer Lita Ford made her solo debut in 1983 with Out for Blood, she was already a seasoned veteran in the rock business. At age 16, in 1975, she was one of the members of the all-female rock band the Runaways (along with Joan Jett and others).

Today, to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary, we will give this album a listen. Joining her on the record were Neil Merryweather (bass and vocals as well as co-writer on many of the tracks), and Dusty Watson (drums and backing vocals).

Dio - Holy Diver

Today (May 25th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of Holy Diver, the debut album from the American heavy metal band Dio. This Platinum seller went to number 56 on the US Billboard Hot 200, number 18 in Sweden and number 13 in the UK.

Iron Maiden - Piece of Mind

Today (May 16th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Piece of Mind, the fourth studio album from British metal band Iron Maiden. The multi-Platinum release went to number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 200, number 10 in Austria and Canada, number 9 in Norway, number 8 in Germany, number 6 in Sweden, number 3 in the UK and number 2 in Finland.

Savatage - Sirens

The American heavy metal band Savatage was formed by Florida brothers Criss (guitars) and Jon (vocals) Olivia in the late 1970’s. Joining them were bassist Keith Collins and drummer Steve Wacholz. This week (April 11th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Sirens, their first studio album.

I decided to go with the original vinyl cover, since I do things old-school here on the blog. The later 1985 vinyl re-release and 1988 CD release have a more elven/fantasy type drawing to it that seems like a cross between The Hobbit and Lord of the Flies (see below).

Europe - Europe

Today (March 14th) marks the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Europe, the self-titled debut album from the Swedish rock band. It charted at number 6 in their home country.

The original vinyl cover featured the line-up for the group - Joey Tempest (vocals, acoustic guitar and keyboards), John Norum (guitar and backing vocals), John Leven (bass), and Tony Reno (drums). The later CD release went with an architecture theme with angelic statues playing guitars. To be complete, I will include both with this review (though my old-school nature leans more towards the original vinyl in most cases).

Quiet Riot - Metal Health

Today (March 11th) is the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Metal Health, the third studio album from Los Angeles heavy metal band Quiet Riot. This multi-Platinum 1983 record has the honor of being the first metal album to hold the number 1 spot on the US Billboard Hot 200. It also charted at number 5 in Canada and number 33 in New Zealand.

Iron Maiden - The Number of the Beast

The English heavy metal band Iron Maiden got its start in 1975. The group was at the forefront of a British wave of metal in the early 80’s.

Their third studio release The Number of the Beast just celebrated its 30th anniversary on March 22nd. The 1982 album went Platinum in a number of countries and charted quite well (number 1 in the UK, number 11 in Canada, and number 33 on the US Billboard Hot 200). It also marked two turning points in the band: it was the final appearance of drummer Clive Burr with the band, and it was the debut of singer Bruce Dickinson.