UMUR "Operational Hazard" is the debut full-length studio album by US, New Jersey based thrash metal act Condition Critical. The album was released through Burned by God Records in July 2013. Condition Critical formed in 2010 and released the "Bred to Kill" demo in 2011.

Stylistically the material on "Operational Hazard" is a brutal and aggressive type of thrash metal, and it doesn´t take more than a few minutes of playing time listening to the opening track "Random Acts of Killing" to hear that Condition Critical are greatly influenced by their countrymen in Demolition Hammer and on this release, particularly by the debut album by said artist "Tortured Existence (1990)". Sharp and brutal thrash metal riffs, blistering screaming solos, a powerful and energetic rhythm section, and some rabid dog snarling vocals in front (and the occasional use of riot gang choirs). There are even some lyrical themes which are quite similar to those of Demolition Hammer, and tracks like "Parasitic Torment", "Surgical Malpractice", and "Morning Sickness" are close to being clone material.

So it´s safe to say you won´t be treated to anything unique or original sounding on "Operational Hazard", but fortunately Condition Critical are a well playing act and they know how to write an effectful thrash metal tune. They don´t quite reach the quality level of their heroes. To reach those heights Condition Critical need to write tracks which are easier to tell apart and which feature more catchy moments. As "Operational Hazard" is now, it´s still a good quality brutal thrash metal release and it´s highly entertaining while it plays, but for all it´s intensity and furious aggression, a few more hooks would have meant a lot for the final product. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is still well deserved though and fans of Demolition Hammer and brutal thrash in general, should of course give this one a listen.