Still rocking after 20+ years!It is hard to believe the that Danish rockers Pretty Maids are coming up on their 30th birthday next year. It seems like yesterday when I first discovered the band on Future World. At the time, the riff that fueled the title track, was one of the heaviest around. The band has had moderate success in the states, but for some reason, they made it here. Fortunately the rest of the world clued in to what a killer band they are, and now they are coming up to their 30th year in existence. If you’re not familiar with the band, they are a hard rock band that teeters on the metallic side. They are masters of blending heavy riffs with melody. One thing that you are guaranteed to get with a Pretty Maids record is heavy songs mixed melodic rockers. It is the best of both worlds. 2010 brings us the band’s 12th studio recording entitled Pandemonium; let’s see if they still have what it takes to deliver the goods.
Pandemonium starts with the title track which is an up tempo rocker, which has a classic Maids feel to it. It has a killer keyboard riff that begins the tune before guitarist Ken Hammer chimes in with his crunchy guitar. It is one of the heavier tracks on Pandemonium, and a great way to begin the CD. The next track to grab my attention was the first single Little Drops of Heaven. Man this a killer track. It is a great choice for the first single, because it is one of those tracks that grabs you and never lets go. It is a mid-tempo rocker that has a killer melody and a very catchy memorable chorus. Another track that is golden, is the track Final Day of Innocence. This [The] Who-inspired track has a classic rock vibe, but with a modern edge to it. That is the cool thing about this CD, because the guys have once again put together a solid CD full of melodic rockers and metallic burners. All in all a solid CD and a welcome return from the band.
Bottom Line: Pretty Maids sound as well as they did 20+ years ago. Hammer and Atkins have once again shown us how the big boys do it. This could be one of the heavier records the band has does in a while. Great songs that will stick with you.
Standout Tracks: Little Drops From Heaven, Final Day of Innocence, Cielo Drive and Breathless
- Ragman wants to know where the DVD is already