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.
On this page you will find a detailed description of the album PRETTY MAIDS - Pretty Maids ( Self-Titled ) with large photos of the album cover ( front and back ) , inner sleeves , record labels (s) and vinyl records.
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 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. 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 |
Media Format: 12" EP |
Year & Country: 1984 Made in Holland |
Band Members and Musicians on: Pretty Maids self-titled |
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Track Listing of: Pretty Maids self-titled |
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Pretty Maids is a Danish heavy metal band formed in 1981 by vocalist Ronnie Atkins and guitarist Ken Hammer. The band is known for its unique blend of traditional heavy metal and hard rock, which has won them a dedicated following around the world. Over the years, Pretty Maids has released a series of successful albums and become one of the most important bands in the Scandinavian metal scene. In this web-page we will explore the history and music of Pretty Maids, discussing their impact on the metal world and their enduring legacy.
Early Years and Formation
The history of Pretty Maids dates back to 1981, when Ronnie Atkins and Ken Hammer decided to form a band together. They recruited a bassist and a drummer, and began to rehearse and write their own music. The band quickly gained a following in their native Denmark, and in 1983, they released their debut album, "Red, Hot and Heavy." The album was a critical and commercial success, and it established Pretty Maids as one of the most exciting new bands in the metal world.
Career and Legacy
Over the next few years, Pretty Maids continued to release successful albums, including "Future World" (1987) and "Jump the Gun" (1990). They also toured extensively, playing shows around the world and winning over new fans with their high-energy performances. The band's popularity began to wane in the 1990s, as the metal scene shifted towards alternative and grunge music. However, Pretty Maids continued to release albums and tour throughout the decade, and they maintained a loyal fanbase.
In the 2000s, Pretty Maids experienced a resurgence in popularity, as a new generation of metal fans discovered their music. The band released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Wake Up to the Real World" (2006) and "Kingmaker" (2016). They also continued to tour extensively, playing festivals and shows around the world.
One of the hallmarks of Pretty Maids' music is their ability to blend traditional heavy metal with elements of hard rock, pop, and even electronic music. This has made their music accessible to a wide range of fans, and has helped them to stay relevant over the years. Their lyrics often address social and political issues, as well as personal struggles and relationships, making their music both thought-provoking and relatable.
CBS 450281 1 , 1987 , Europe
Future World is the second album of the Danish hard rock/heavy metal band Pretty Maids, produced by Eddie Kramer and released in 1987.
Learn moreCBS 25885 ncb , 1984 , Netherlands
"Pretty Maids" is the self-titled debut album by the Danish Heavy Metal band: "Pretty Maids". It is an EP album and initially released in 1983.
Learn moreCBS 26207 (NCB) , 1984 , Netherlands
"Red, Hot and Heavy" was released in 1984 and a follow-up on their self-titled debut record.
Learn moreEPIC 26283 , 1985 , Netherlands
This album "NEW GLADIATORS" is a compilation album of various new heavy metal bands from the early 80s.
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