PRETTY MAIDS - Self-Titled 12" Vinyl EP Album

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Pretty Maids' 1983 self-titled debut encapsulates the vibrant spirit of early '80s heavy metal. Released amid the genre's dynamic evolution, the album, recorded at Toma Studios and remixed at New Sound Recording, showcases production prowess by Tommy Hansen and Mario Giuseppe. Adorned with visually striking cover art by Joe Petagno, the LP remains a testament to the band's commitment to shaping the sonic landscape of a pivotal musical era.

"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.

Music Genre:

  Heavy Metal Music
Collector's info: 
Collectors info: this EP album was initially released in 1983 on Bullet records and re-issued on CBS

Album Production information:

Produced by Tommy Hansen, Mario Giuseppe & Pretty Maids

Tommy Hansen: delve into his world and the albums that shaped a genre, his lasting influence on heavy metal, and the stories behind the music.

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

Logo: Peder Rundgaard

Record Label & Catalognr:

  CBS 25885 ncb

Media Format:

  12" EP

Year & Country:

  1984 Made in Holland
Band Members and Musicians on: Pretty Maids self-titled
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Pete Collins (real-name - Jan Piet Sørensen) - Lead guitar
  • Ken Hammer (real-name: Kenneth Hansen) - Guitar
  • Phil Moorheed (real-name: Henrik Andersen) - Drums
  • Ronnie Atkins (real-name: Paul Christensen) - Lead Vocals
  • John Darrow (real-name: Johnny Møller) - Bass
  • Allan "Stevie" Owen (real-name: Allan Nielsen) - Keyboards
Complete Track Listing of: Pretty Maids self-titled
    The Song/tracks on "Rock The Nations" are / Side One:
  • City Light
  • Fantasy
  • Shelly the Maid

    Side Two:
  • Bad Boys
  • Children of Tomorrow
  • Nowhere to Run

Front Cover Photo Of PRETTY MAIDS Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

PRETTY MAIDS Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP Album album front cover

This album cover features a surreal and vibrant depiction of humanoid figures draped in glowing, ethereal robes. The overall palette is dominated by fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, creating an intense and otherworldly atmosphere. The central figure’s face is illuminated by a star-like light emitting from one eye, while the surrounding figures hold glowing orbs or emanate a mystical aura. The background is a gradient of warm tones fading into shadows, evoking a dreamlike or cosmic setting. The band’s name, ‘Pretty Maids’, is displayed prominently at the top in an ornate, golden font that complements the futuristic and mystical theme of the artwork.

Photo Of The Back Cover PRETTY MAIDS Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

Back cover of Pretty Maids’ self-titled album featuring a group portrait of the band members: Pete Collins (lead guitar), Ken Hammer (lead guitar), Phil Moorhead (drums), Ronnie Atkins (vocal), John Darrow (bass), and Alan Owen (keyboards), set against a fiery orange and red background with track titles and credits displayed.

On the back cover of Pretty Maids’ self-titled album, the band members are depicted in a group portrait set against a vibrant orange and red background, complementing the fiery aesthetic of the front cover. The lighting casts a dramatic glow on their faces, adding intensity to their appearance. Each member is identified by their role in the band:

1. Pete Collins - Positioned on the far left, Pete plays lead guitar. He has long curly hair and is dressed in a patterned shirt or jacket, exuding a rock-and-roll attitude.

2. Ken Hammer - Next to Pete, Ken also plays lead guitar. He sports a rugged look with a leather outfit, his curly hair and intense gaze fitting the heavy metal vibe.

3. Phil Moorhead - Standing in the center, Phil is the drummer. He has a stoic expression, with curly hair and a studded outfit that emphasizes his role in the rhythm section.

4. Ronnie Atkins - Beside Phil is Ronnie, the vocalist. His commanding presence is marked by his blond hair and a sleeveless outfit, reflecting his role as the frontman.

5. John Darrow - To the right of Ronnie, John is the bassist. He has blond, shoulder-length hair and a calm, focused expression, highlighting his role as the backbone of the band’s sound.

6. Alan Owen - On the far right is Alan, the keyboardist. He is wearing sunglasses, adding a cool and enigmatic touch to his persona, with his longer hair and understated presence.

The group exudes a cohesive rock-metal aesthetic, matching the energy and style of the album’s music. The design includes track titles on the left and right, as well as credits and acknowledgments below the photo.

Close up of record's label PRETTY MAIDS Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP Album Side One

Record Label Details: Red Colour CBS 25885 ncb

PRETTY MAIDS Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP Album enlarged record label
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