Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Pretty Maids Pandemonium Company: Frontiers Records Release: 2010 Genre: Hard Rock Reviewer: Chris Kincaid

Should appeal to the hardcore Maids fans

If someone asked me to pick one band from the 80's that was vastly underrated it would be Pretty Maids. Then again we're talking about a decade that by the halfway point shifted to bands with style as opposed to substance. The more lipstick you wore the better! But this wasn't the case with Pretty Maids.

Pretty Maids have put out an impressive 11 albums prior, most long after the decade of excess wore off. While the lineup has changed numerous times the core has remained the same since day one with Ronnie Atkins on vocals and Ken Hammer on guitar. Their ability to feed off each other is clear and this album is no different.

Back with their 12th studio album called "Pandemonium" we find the guys dishing out their trademark blend of raw, hard rock riffs on standouts 'I.N.V.U', 'One World One Truth' and 'It Comes At Night'. Mixed in is their dazzling keyboard work which on most songs is noticeable but never overshadowing. It does serve as an intro on a couple songs including the first single to be released; it truly was made for radio--'Little Drops Of Heaven'. While normally I don't take to songs that are this mellow it does have a great hook and is easy on the ears. Then there's drummer Allan Tschicaja and bassist Kenn Jackson who work with one another to produce a clean fill in the rhythm section with a tom tom stomping, hard pounding groove that can be felt on the tracks 'Cielo Drive' and Beautiful Madness'. There are a few weak tracks but not many. Songs like 'Breathless' and 'Old Enough To Know' feel more like the attempt to be commercial that Pretty Maids took on in "Sin-Decade" before coming back to their senses on "Scream".

Pandemonium should appeal to the hardcore Maids fans and maybe make some new ones along the way.