PRETTY MAIDS future world BFE40713

Danish Dynamite: Pretty Maids’ ‘Future World’ (BFE 40713)

Today’s entry highlights the absolute peak of Danish heavy metal. We are looking at the 1987 US pressing of Future World by Pretty Maids, released on Epic Records with the catalog number BFE 40713.

A Melodic Metal Masterpiece

Released in 1987, this album is widely considered the band’s magnum opus and a defining record of the European melodic metal genre. It perfectly balances the aggression of heavy metal with the polished hooks of AOR (Album Oriented Rock). The production credits are staggering: produced by the legendary Eddie Kramer (Kiss, Led Zeppelin) and featuring mixing work by Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica) and Kevin Elson (Journey, Europe). This combination created a massive sound that was both radio-friendly and heavy enough for headbangers.

The Music

The album opens with the iconic title track Future World, an anthem that defines the band’s sound with its driving rhythm and sci-fi atmosphere. The album showcases the songwriting partnership of vocalist Ronnie Atkins and guitarist Ken Hammer. Tracks like the dramatic Yellow Rain and the high-speed Loud’N’Proud display their heavy side, while songs like Love Games and Rodeo cater to the commercial rock market of the late 80s.

Collector’s Details

This US pressing is a high-quality example of major label vinyl production from the late 80s.

Mastering:
Audiophiles seek out this pressing for the stamped MASTERDISK mark in the runout grooves. The matrix often includes the initials RL or just the stamp, indicating the audio was mastered by the world-renowned engineer Bob Ludwig, ensuring incredible dynamic range and punch.

Pressing:
The matrix data (specifically the G1 etching) indicates that this record was pressed at the Columbia Records Pressing Plant in Carrollton, Georgia.

Packaging:
Complete copies of this release include a black-and-white inner sleeve with lyrics and credits. Some copies may still retain the original hype sticker on the shrink wrap, which proudly announces NEW PRETTY MAIDS! From DENMARK.