Underrated Melodic Metal
Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 10/03/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've noticed that the terms "underrated" or "should have been huge" get tossed around quite a bit, especially referring to hard rock bands from the 1980's and early 1990's. I firmly believe that these terms apply to Pretty Maids more than any other band. This Danish band's style of powerful and melodic heavy metal should have made them a household name in the 80's, or at the very least a major player in the metal scene. Why they never caught when similar, albeit lighter, bands like White Lion and Dokken (who I also love) were achieving wide success is a mystery. Perhaps the band name was too wimpy for the average metal fan? I imagine this has hurt Pink Cream 69 (another killer melodic metal band that Pretty Maids fans should LOVE, by the way) in a similar fashion.
Whatever the reason, Pretty Maids never quite caught on like they should have, especially given the quality of their albums. Case in point is 1990's Lethal Heroes, which was also called Jump the Gun in some markets. Heavier than the average hair metal album, and more melodic than most traditional or power metal albums, Lethal Heroes struck the perfect balance between power and melody, and had much in common with that era's releases by bands like Crimson Glory, Fifth Angel, Leatherwolf, and even some of the Tony Martin Black Sabbath albums. Lethal Heroes has everything I look for in a melodic metal album - great guitar hooks and solos, powerful vocals, well-written songs, and keyboards that are used as an accent rather than a crutch. It even boasts Deep Purple alumni Roger Glover and Ian Paice as backup musicians!
This really is a fantastic album and one that belongs in every 80's metal fan's collection. If, like me, you missed this one back in the day, it's time to correct that oversight. You won't be disappointed!"
Another must-have album from Pretty Maids!!!!
Justin Gaines | 07/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you like the 80's sound of rock/heavy metal, you will definately like this album. Overall, another good solid album from Pretty Maids!!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1