Pretty Maids - Future World

Melodic metal with prominent use of keyboards is not usually to the taste of the true metal faction. Nevertheless, there are bands in this genre that are very popular even among the latter group. This certainly applies to Pretty Maids.

The Danes have released many strong albums in their career, all of which are quite varied in style. However, it is fair to say that they had their finest hour in 1987 with Future World. Their second album topped their fabulous debut record Red, Hot and Heavy (1984) – and the world seemed to lie at the feet of Ronnie Atkins, Ken Hammer and co.

Now, for reasons that are not to be discussed here, Pretty Maids were denied the big breakthrough. However, they have released two albums that belong in every collection of fans of heavy guitar music. Future World offers the perfect blend of melody and heaviness – often giving the impression of listening to a US band that could easily hold its own alongside acts like Mötley Crüe or Dokken, or even outshine them.

With bangers like “We Came to Rock“ and “Loud 'n' Proud", you can bring every stadium to a boil – and then transport it to metal heaven with larger-than-life anthems like the title track, “Yellow Rain“ and “Needles in the Dark“. I can't imagine anyone sitting still for a second!

Finally, I have to emphasise the vocal performance of Ronnie Atkins, who was just 22 years old when Future World was released. His voice is enormously variable – and sounds surprisingly mature, especially in the more aggressive/rockier passages. When talking about the best metal singers of all time, you can't really get past the man who was born under the name Paul Christensen.

Note: As part of this special, I am posting my 100 favorite records. Full-length albums, compilations and EPs are all included. Live albums will be considered in another special. The first 75 records will be posted in no particular order. The top 25 will be ranked.