"Pretty Maids Self-Titled" Album Description:
In the vast tapestry of heavy metal history, certain albums emerge as beacons of a particular era, capturing the essence and energy of a time gone by. Pretty Maids' self-titled debut album, released in 1983, stands as a testament to the electrifying spirit of the early '80s heavy metal scene.
The Time Period: The Early 1980s Heavy Metal Explosion
The early 1980s marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of heavy metal. As the genre gained momentum, diverse subgenres emerged, each contributing a unique flavor to the overarching metal experience. Pretty Maids entered this landscape with their debut album, riding the wave of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and forging their own path in the musical landscape.
The album's release in 1983 placed it right in the heart of a vibrant period for heavy metal. Bands were experimenting with sound, pushing the boundaries of what was considered traditional, and Pretty Maids was no exception. The early '80s were characterized by a raw, unbridled energy, and this is palpable in the tracks that adorn the self-titled LP.
Production Excellence: Behind the Scenes at Toma Studios
At the core of any memorable album lies the alchemy of production, and Pretty Maids' debut is no exception. Recorded at Toma Studios, the album benefited from the expertise of the production trio - Tommy Hansen, Mario Giuseppe, and the band members themselves.
Tommy Hansen, a renowned figure in the metal production scene, lent his skill to shaping the sonic landscape of the album. His touch, combined with the collaborative efforts of Mario Giuseppe and Pretty Maids, resulted in a production that encapsulated the raw intensity of their musical vision.
The remixed version in December 1983 at New Sound Recording added a layer of refinement to the tracks, showcasing the band's commitment to delivering a polished yet authentic heavy metal experience.
Album Art: A Visual Symphony by Joe Petagno
No exploration of an album is complete without acknowledging the visual identity encapsulated in its cover art. The self-titled LP features artwork crafted by the skilled hands of Joe Petagno, a renowned artist in the realm of metal aesthetics. The album cover stands as a visual representation of the music within – bold, dynamic, and unapologetically metal.
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Music Genre:
Heavy Metal Music
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Collector's info:
Collectors info: this EP album was initially released in 1983 on Bullet records and re-issued on CBS
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Album
Production information:
Produced by Tommy Hansen, Mario Giuseppe & Pretty Maids
Tommy Hansen was a Danish music producer and sound engineer known for his work in the rock and metal genres. He was born on 17 April 1969, in Denmark and started his career in the music industry in the late 1980s.
Hansen gained recognition for his production and engineering skills, particularly in the realm of heavy metal and hard rock music. He worked with several prominent bands and artists, contributing to the development of their sound and helping them achieve commercial success.
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One of Hansen's most notable collaborations was with the German power metal band Helloween. He worked on several of their albums, including "Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I" (1987) and "Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II" (1988), which are considered landmark releases in the power metal genre. Hansen's work with Helloween helped define their sound and solidify their position as one of the leading bands in the genre.
In addition to Helloween, Tommy Hansen also worked with other notable metal bands such as Pretty Maids, TNT, and Pagan's Mind. He was recognized for his ability to capture the energy and power of live performances in the studio, contributing to the overall impact of the recordings.
Unfortunately, Tommy Hansen passed away on 4 March 2019, at the age of 49. His contributions to the music industry, particularly in the realm of rock and metal, left a lasting impact, and his work continues to be appreciated by fans and musicians alike.
during the 1980s he has been working at the Horus Sound Studio for Heavy Metal bands like: Heavens Gate,
Helloween
,
Pretty Maids
,
Rage
, S.A.D.O.,
Steeler
,
Tyran' Pace
,
Victory
. "Tommy Hansen" and "Tommy Newton" have been working together (at Horus Sound Studio, Hannover, Germany) on the recording of Heavy Metal albums for the bands like Helloween and Victory.
Recorded at Toma Studios, remixed December 1983 at New Sound Recording.
Album Cover art. Joe Petagno
Joe Petagno is an American artist known principally for creating images used on rock album covers for bands such as Pink Floyd , Led Zeppelin , Nazareth , Sweet, Motörhead, Roy Harper, Marduk, Bal-Sagoth, Autopsy, Attick Demons, Illdisposed and Sodom . Joe Petagno was born in Portland, Maine and left the United States in 1972. He worked with Hipgnosis before meeting Motörhead's Lemmy in 1975,
Photography: Preben Kirkholt
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Record Label Information:
CBS 25885 ncb
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Media Format:
12" EP
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Year & Country:
1984 Made in Holland
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