Pretty Maids - Pandemonium

Published May 21 2010

*=Staff's pick	Pandemonium* I.N.V.U.* Little Drops Of Heaven* One World One Truth* Final Day Of Innocence Cielo Drive* It Comes At Night Old Enough To Know* Beautiful Madness Breathless* It Comes At Night (remix)

Genre	Heavy Metal/Hard Rock	Ronnie Atkins	Vocals
Tracks	11	Ken Hammer	Guitar
Runningtime	49 Min.	-	Guitar
Label	Frontiers Records	Kenn Jackson	Bass
Release	12 May 2010	Allan Tschicaja	Drums
Country	Denmark	Morten Sandager	Keyboard
Similar artists	---

Four years after their last album, Wake Up To The Real World, Danish hard rock/heavy metal veterans Pretty Maids at last unveil a follow-up. Those four years became quite frustrating, but gladly it was definitely worth the wait. While the band's latest releases were rather inconsistent - but still included some excellent tunes and were nonetheless enjoyable albums - this offering is without doubt their best since 1997's Spooked, and not that far behind revered albums from further back in the catalogue. Pandemonium, as the new records is titled, does not contain any songs which can be described as average. On the contrary, a high standard is upheld throughout the disc, with exclusively strong tracks. Although it is tempting to name others too, second track I.N.V.U. should be especially highlighted as the superb song it is.

These Danes have always been most skilful at alternating between different styles; from heavy and aggressive to melodic and delicate - from heavy metal to hard rock if you will - and it is a balance they master fully, even within the songs themselves. This admirable characteristic is most obvious this time around too. The title track, One World One Truth and Cielo Drive are all examples of pumping, hard-hitting riff rockers that still incorporate splendid hooks and chorus lines.

Meanwhile, more light-hearted, softer numbers such as the immensely catchy single and video track Little Drops Of Heaven, The Final Day Of Innocence and Breathless offer seductive melodies and sticky, cosy choruses. While that kind of tunes could easily become a bit cheesy with some bands, such is not the case with Pretty Maids; they are simply so tastefully composed, and have an engaging, uplifting feel of warmth and sincerity over them. At the same time, another trait in some the Danish group's compositions is a small touch of melancholy which is very appealing.

A vital component of this expertise - at making this blend of styles work so brilliantly - is, as always, the brilliant vocalist Ronnie Atkins. Just like songs change character, he has the ability to change his vocals in an exemplary manner. Whether his delivery is raw and aggressive, or subtle and soulful, he is a joy to listen to. Switching seamlessly between raspy and melodic, Atkins is also impressive when it comes to making the words sound believable, by varying the phrasing, and creating a sense of emotion and urgency.

Two other aspects on Pandemonium must be highlighted too: the production and the keyboards. Starting with the production, the band has this time chosen to utilise merited countryman Jacob Hansen as a producer. On the last albums, the band produced themselves, and while not taking anything away from their effort, this album just sounds better. The production has more impact and leans more towards the metallic side than at least the last release; it is fat and has a great punch, with a solid, warm bass sound as well as some gritty guitars.

And then to the keyboards aspect: for the first time since 1990's Jump The Gun, Pretty Maids have in their ranks a permanent keysman; Morten Sandager, formerly of Mercenary. Sandager supply passages that are melodic and beautiful, as well as dark and menacing ones. The return of the keyboard as an important feature of the Pretty Maids sound certainly adds an epic flavour to the music and enhances it overall.

The more powerful sound on the album and the advanced role of the keyboard combine to create vibes of the band's oldest releases, perhaps especially Future World. As previously written, Pandemonium does not reach such heights, but it is definitely their finest work in a long, long time and simply another fabulous Pretty Maids record.

Performance	Originality	Production	Vocals	Songwriting
8	7	8,5	9	8,5

Summary
8,5 chalices of 10 - Mozzy