Pretty Maids, a melodic heavy metal band from Horsens, Denmark, was founded in 1981 by guitarist Ken Hammer with vocalist Ronnie Atkins, guitarist Pete Collins, bassist John Darrow, keyboard player Alan Owen and drummer Phil Moorhead. At first they were a Thin Lizzy cover band. But with the inclusion of Atkins in 1982 the band began to write, and perform, original material.  In 1983 they recorded a self titled debut EP, with producer Tommy Hansen in Jailhouse Studios. Shortly after Collins and Darrow was replaced by Rick Hanson and Allan Delong. In 1984 they released 'Red Hot and Heavy', their debut full length album, again with producer Tommy Hansen in the Jailhouse Studios. The album had the rock/blues-guitarist Billy Cross as a guest. Pretty Maids have never compromised their music, but always delivered quality metal, despite of all the trends.

RED, HOT AND HEAVY (1984) EPIC/SONY

This is the first full lbum by Pretty Maids. Their sound was more straight forward heavy metal back then. Raw and relentless rockers! Some of the songs sounds a bit dated by today's standards, but I still enjoy most of this album. And who can deny the impact of such classics as "Back To Back" and the title track? The band is also showing where their roots are, in covering Thin Lizzy's "Little Darling". It was not going to be the last song they covered from that band.

Killer tracks: Back to Back, Red, Hot And Heavy, Cold Killer, A Place In The Night

FUTURE WORLD (1987) SONY

Aaahh, this record brings back memories. My brother used to play these self-made compilation-tapes, when I was a child. And Pretty Maids was a frequent band on them. "Future World" became an instant favorite, with it's thumping heavy metal, and a chorus that sticks like glue. I was lucky enough to score a copy of this album, from a Danish seller on QXL.no. Seems like this album is quite hard to get a hold of these days. So I'm quite happy, as I enjoy this album a lot. Not all of the songs hold the same standard as the title track, but most of them are highly potent melodic metal.

Killer tracks: Future World, We Came To Rock, Eye Of The Storm

JUMP THE GUN (1990) CBS

'Future World' sold well for a relatively young metal band from Denmark, I guess. So the record company decided to ante up for the next one. They hired Roger Glover (Deep Purple) to produce 'Jump The Gun' (or 'Lethal Heroes' as it was named in the US). He gives the band a more polished sound. It's a very time-typical album, seeing that melodic metal, or pop-metal if you will, was at it's peak when this album was released. It took the band 3 years to finally get it finished, and out in the shops shelves. And I think that might have hurt the band a lot during a time when this kind of music was popular. They missed out on a lot of possible hit singles, MTV airplay and touring. But that is another discussion altogether. A heavy keyboard carpet is laid as a background throughout the entire album. While that is not a new thing for Pretty Maids, or not even necessarily a bad thing, I find them quite unnecessary here. They just don't add anything to the songs. As usual though, Pretty Maids have come up with yet another batch of great melodic metal songs. The hook in "Rock The House" is sure to win you over quickly. Ronnie Atkins delivers his signature raspy, yet melodic, vocal works. And with 12 songs on the disc you know you're gonna get a ballad or 2 amidst the hard rockers and the pop-metal anthems. The CD finishes with a bluesy/country-ish number, called "Dream On", that shows a different side of the band. You just know you'll have a good time when you listen to this band. 'Jump The Gun'  was going to be the last album with their trade-mark 80's-metal sound. It might not be the bands best effort, but it is still a darn fine CD.

Rock trivia: During the recording of this album, Pretty Maids' drummer Phil More, broke his hand in a car crash. So Roger Glover brought in Deep Purple band mate Ian Paice to guest drum on "Young Blood". Roger himself is playing bass on "Dream On". "Hang Tough" was originally recorded as a demo track by the band Icon. But when they didn't end up using it themselves, Pretty Maids recorded it instead. How's that for an obscure cover song!?!

Killer tracks: Lethal Heroes, Rock The House, Savage Heart, Attention, Over And Out

SIN-DECADE (1992) COLUMBIA

This was the 3rd album I got a hold of from these Danish rockers. And it was good to hear that few things had changed since their earlier efforts. Pretty Maids has got to be one of the most consistent bands around! 'Sin-Decade' is full of melodic metal-tracks, with smaller hints of hard rock or AOR. This album is also more even throughout the whole album. I have a hard time picking favorites here, because all the songs are great. But one song stick out, namely the last track: "Please Don't Leave Me". It's written by 2 gentlemen, called John Sykes and Phil Lynott. Also known as members of Thin Lizzy. This cover-tune gave Pretty Maids a minor hit, as the track was also released as a single.

Killer tracks: The album is too even to pick single tracks

OFFSIDE (1992) EPIC/SONY RECORDS (EP)

'Offside' was the EP that rounded out my otherwise complete Pretty Maids discography. This 5 track EP was really hard to find, but I finally lucked out and snagged a Japanese version off of eBay.

Released in July of 1992, this EP contains 5 more or less acoustic versions of 2 Pretty Maids originals, and 3 cover songs. However, both of the original songs are new, and were never on any of Pretty Maids' regular releases. Thin Lizzy's "Please Don't Leave Me" was also done for 'Sin-Decade', but here we get an acoustic version. "'39" is a Queen cover. These 4 tracks would later reappear on Pretty Maids' next album, 1993's 'Stripped'. So the only exclusive track on 'Offside' now is the remaining "Fly Away". This song was penned by Phil Lynnot and Jimmy Bain, and recorded for Bain's band, Wild Horses, debut album in 1980.

'Offside' is a great addition to the Pretty Maids catalogue. And since it features an exclusive track, it is a must for collectors.

SCREAM (1995) MASSACRE

My favorite metal band from Denmark never fails to satisfy. 'Scream' is yet another stunning piece of work. And the quality of the material is not so much that these guys are the best technical players out there. But they are very skilled at what they do nonetheless. Straight forward melodic metal is what they do, and they continue to do it, no matter what the trend! This album is from 1995, but it sounds just as fresh as 'Future World' did in 1987, and 'Sin-Decade' did in 1992. I also hear that they have added just a touch of the L.A. groove here and there. The production is stellar, and for that we can thank one Flemming Rasmussen. You might remember him from when Metallica still sounded like a thrash metal band. If you haven't discovered this awesome band yet, it's about time!

Killer tracks: Rise, Scream, Walk Away, In A World Of Your Own, Anytime Anywhere

SPOOKED (1997) PREMA/EPIC/SONY

Pretty Maids have never let me down musically. But I am flabbergasted that they still manage to floor me, 20 years after I first fell in love with their music. I knew I was going to like 'Spooked', as I have every other CD from this band. But that it was gonna blow me away the way it did was a total surprise! After a short intro the band roars into "Freakshow", a heavy metal song so un-1997, it's almost ridiculous! And the following "Dead Or Alive" reminds me very much of the sound the band sported on 'Future World' over 10 years earlier. I know we all hail Hammerfall and Nocturnal Rites as purveyors of real heavy metal, that waved their flags high, and brought metal back in the warmth during the late 90's. But low and behold, these Danes deserves as much credit as anyone. They never backed down, and I dare say that 'Spooked' might just as well be one of their heaviest efforts. And Pretty Maids have also always delivered their metal with lots of melody. This time around is no different. The album is well played, well produced and well balanced dynamically. I'm having the time of my life cranckin' 'Spooked' to 11, and blasting the wax out of my ears. Just listen to Ken playing licks, riffs and solos as if there were no tomorrow. Heck his work in "Fly Me Out" is worth the price of the CD alone! Jackson and Fast are making sure that the rhythm is rock steady, while Ronnie is serving us with his vocal delivery of a life time! Alan is also there seasoning the tunes with his tasty keyboard backdrop and fills. 'Spooked' is an album completely without low points, and it continues to grow on you with each spin. This is melodic metal at it's best, brought to us by one of the most underrated bands in the history of metal.

I was lucky enough to win the Japanese version of 'Spooked' on eBay. It comes with 3 bonus tracks. "A Love And A Fiction" was also released on the single for "Hard Luck Woman" (yes, it is a Kiss cover tune). But the other 2 bonus tracks were exclusive to this release, until the 'First Cuts... And Then Some' compilation was released 2 years later. "Crazy Horses" is an Osmonds cover!

Killer tracks: They are all awesome!

THE BEST OF... BACK TO BACK (1998) SCANDINAVIAN/EPIC

Fortuna - instrumental Back To Back Attention Dead Or Alive When It All Comes Down Forever And Eternal Savage Heart Love Games Walk Away Sin-Decade Waitin' For The Time Yellow Rain Twisted Future World Please Don't Leave Me Red, Hot And Heavy Det Bedste Til Mig Og Mine Venner

review to come

EVERYTHING WORTH DOING, IS WORTH OVERDOING (1999) SCANDINAVIAN

The end of a millennium was arriving shortly, and Pretty Maids were still going strong. Almost 20 years after their birth, not much has changed musically for these guys. It's such a pleasure to listen to this band going on and on, without loosing their quality. How many bands do you know that have been around this long, without changing their sound once? Outstanding! Even their line-up seems to have been constant for the last decade. If you haven't heard these guys yet, it's about time! Melodic metal doesn't come much better than this!

Killer tracks: Snakes In Eden, Hell On High Heels, With These Eyes

CARPE DIEM (2000) SCANDINAVIAN RECORDS

Denmark's most consistent melodic metal band celebrates the new millennium with a new album. 'Carpe Diem' is the bands 9th full studio album.

'Carpe Diem' is just as good as any of the other releases from Pretty Maids. They keep delivering classic heavy metal, and I'm always stunned by how heavy they really are. Sure, they are a melodic band, with many mid-paced songs and ballads. But the brother part of their material is actually very heavy. Just pop this disc in, and listen to the opening "Violent Tribe" and the fantastic "Until It Dies"! And as always, you're bound to rock along to catchy refrains, like in "Wouldn't Miss You" and "Carpe Diem". 'Carpe Diem' might just be the bands most consistent album to date, and it is a very balanced CD. Ronnie's voice sounds as vital as ever, and Ken keeps hammering out killer stuff with his guitar. It's refreshing to hear a band that is not afraid of guitar-solos, and keeps from tuning down the guitars.

The "secret" to this bands success lies in the songwriting. Ronnie Atkins and Ken Hammer are the unsung songwriters of melodic metal. And in a fair world, they would be as recognized as the Jon Bon Jovi's and Axel Rose's of the world! 'Carpe Diem' is yet another shining star on the melodic metal heaven that will unfairly drown in the masses.

Killer tracks: Violent Tribe, Carpe Diem, Wouldn't Miss You, Until It Dies

PLANET PANIC (2002) PREMA

I just keep repeating myself when writing about this band. Consistent line-up, consistent songwriting skills, consistent musicianship etc. This band is just phenomenal! They never let me down. They continue to release stellar material, album after album. Every metalhead owe it to themselves to own a Pretty Maids CD or 2. So why not start with 'Planet Panic'?

Killer tracks: Virtual Brutality, Not What You Think, Who's Gonna Change, Enter Forevermore

ALIVE AT LEAST/FIRST CUTS... AND THEN SOME (2002) C&P

CD1: 'Alive At Least' Sin Decade Destination Paradise Tortured Spirit Wouldn't Miss You Nightmare In The Neighbourhood Natural High Virtual Brutality Queen Of Dreams Cold Killer Playing God Snakes In Eden Shelly The Maid Live Until It Hurts Futureworld Red Hot And Heavy	Line-up: Ronnie Atkins: Vocals Ken Hammer: Guitars Kenn Jackson: Bass Michael Fast: Drums Additional musicians: Jørgen Thorup: Keyboards 2001 (Corner Throwup) Jan Møller: Keyboards 2002   Recorded in Tokyo & Osaka (Japan) March 2001 and Hamburg & Bochum (Germany) April 2002
CD2: 'First Cuts... And Then Some' City Lights Fantasy Shelly The Maid Bad Boys Children Of Tomorrow Nowhere To Run In Santa's Claws A Merry Jingle Eye Of The Storm - live Red, Hot And Heavy - live Rock The House - live Far Far Away A Love And A Fiction * Crazy Horses * Where The Blood Runs Deep * Virtual Brutality (live video) ** Wouldn't Miss You (live video) **	* - bonus tracks ** - multimedia section

This is the second live album from our Danish heroes, released close to a decade after the first one. It was recorded during 4 concerts in Japan (2001) and Germany (2002). That means 2 separate tours are represented, first the 'Carpe Diem' tour in Japan, and then the 'Planet Panic' tour in Germany. But the set list includes song from the bands entire catalogue, all the way back to the first EP. The band sounds tight and alive. It's also cool to hear Ronnie's voice go from his smooth melodic singing to his harsher metalized approach with the greatest ease. The production is a little too polished, and the keyboards dominate the sound too much. A little more crowd participation would not have hurt either. I have no complaints about the quality of the material at hand though. Pretty Maids have yet to release anything even remotely half hearted, and with the mix of newer and older song, even some obscure stuff, then you have a winner in my eyes. Favorite tracks here include "Queen Of Dreams", "Natural High", "Cold Killer", "Playing God" and the opening "Sin-Decade". Since I've never seen Pretty Maids live before, I say this live album is a solid replacement.

I own the Danish version of 'Alive At Least'. It comes with the entire 'First Cuts... And Then Some' compilation CD, originally released in 1999, as a bonus. This compilation includes the 'Pretty Maids' and 'In Santa's Claws' EP's, as well as the 3 bonus tracks from the Japanese version of 'Spooked'. They've also included 2 multimedia video tracks. "Far Far Away" is a Slade cover. "Crazy Horses" is an Osmonds cover. I have to say that this compilation disc is killer!

WAKE UP TO THE REAL WORLD (2006) FRONTIERS

Another solid slab of melodic metal from our favorite Danish boys. It seems as though these guys can never let me down. Although I have to admit that this album took that extra spin to really get into. I'm not sure what my problem was, but I was almost disappointed with 'Wake Up To The Real World' at first. It might be the somewhat thin production that threw me for a loop. Because now I really enjoy this stellar CD. If anything, Pretty Maids have gone somewhat back to the sound of their earlier material. Many of the songs are quite heavy, and with a beefier sound, they would have been total throwback to the 80's. There are 2 reasons this is not the case as is though. 1. The mentioned production, and 2. There are maybe 1 or 2 ballads too many here. Don't get me wrong, I like the bands ballads also, I just don't need every second song to be one. Kudos for the excellent cover of Deep Purple's classic "Perfect Strangers" though. All in all a solid effort.

Killer tracks: Wake Up To The Real World, I Am The End, As Guilty As You, Brave Young Breed, Terminal Violence

PANDEMONIUM (2010) FRONTIERS RECORDS (Digipack)  

Denmark's best melodic metal band are back in 2010 with their 12th studio album! 'Pandemonium' is the second one released through Frontiers Records.

Pretty Maids always comes crashing out of my speakers from get go. That is the case here also. The title track opens the CD with excerpt from Barack Obama-speeches, and this crushing rocker deals with the state of the planet, lyrically. It's 'Pandemonium' indeed. Then the next song follows, and I am floored! 'I.N.V.U.' is so catchy, and with a monster hook, this has got to be the bands finest moment since "Future World"! Speeking of the song "Future World", there is a twin song for it here, named "One World One Truth", complete with a recognizable keyboard backdrop and all. And so the CD goes on, one "hit" after another, ballads and rockers, heavy and beautiful, just like in their prime. Come to think of it; just like they have always been. Yes, Pretty Maids have delivered stellar albums constantly, yet this one took me by surprise. I take that as a sign that 'Pandemonium' is amongst their best work to date.

For the first time in their career they list the keyboard player as a member of the band. And the keyboards have a key spot in their sound. Still, the top notch production, and the vital song writing, makes 'Pandemonium' one of the heaviest Pretty Maids albums ever. It's like they read my write-up for 'Wake Up To The Real World' and decided to do something about it! (LOL, not really, but one is allowed to dream, right?) 'Pandemonium' really works an all levels, and will be a top contender for album of the year for me. Every fan of melodic metal owes it to themselves to buy this album.

My digibook version comes with a remixed version of "It Comes At Night" as a bonus track. Would have loved to hear the bonus track for the Japanese version as well (a cover of Shania Twain's "Ka-Ching"!!).

Killer tracks: All killer, no filler, but check out "I.N.V.U.", "One World One Truth", "Little Drops Of Heaven" and "It Comes At Night" to be covinced.

Related artists:

Kingdom Come, White Lion

Ronnie Atkins guest appearances:

Blind Guardian - 'Imaginations From The Other Side'