PRETTY MAIDS kingmaker GQCS-90228

Royal Heavy Metal: Pretty Maids’ ‘Kingmaker’ (GQCS-90228)

Today’s entry spotlights a powerful release from the Danish heavy metal veterans Pretty Maids: their 2016 studio album, “Kingmaker.” We are looking at the Japanese pressing released on Ward Records with the catalog number GQCS-90228. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.

Released on October 21, 2016, “Kingmaker” arrived as the band celebrated their 35th anniversary, showcasing a group that was far from slowing down. Following the success of “Pandemonium” and “Motherland,” this album continues their modern renaissance. Produced by Jacob Hansen (known for his work with Amaranthe and Volbeat), the album boasts a heavy, modern production that amplifies the band’s signature strengths.

The album perfectly blends heavy, serious melodic metal numbers with catchy hard-pop tunes, all anchored by Ronnie Atkins’ soulful, melancholic vocals and Ken Hammer’s melodic guitar work. From the atmospheric opener “When God Took A Day Off” to the driving title track and the catchy “Face The World,” the album is packed with high-quality songs.

This Japanese edition is the definitive version for collectors. It includes two bonus tracks: an “Extended Version” of the title track “Kingmaker,” and an exclusive “Japan Bonus Track,” which is an extended version of “Humanize Me.” GQCS-90228 is a testament to the enduring power and melody of Pretty Maids, capturing a veteran band delivering a “king-making” performance.