What makes Kingmaker by Pretty Maids notable?

Upon its release, 'Kingmaker' received positive reviews from critics, highlighting the band's ability to remain relevant in the heavy metal genre. The album's lead single, 'When God Took a Day Off,' demonstrated commercial success by charting in several countries, reinforcing Pretty Maids’ status as stalwarts of the European hard rock scene. By the time 'Kingmaker' was released in 2016, Pretty Maids had solidified their position in the hard rock scene after decades of activity. This album marked their first release since 'Motherland' in 2013, reflecting their ongoing evolution while maintaining the classic sound that fans expect. The band was also celebrating their 30th anniversary, showcasing their enduring legacy.

Who is Kingmaker for?

Kingmaker works well if you're into steady pacing with emotional climaxes, introspective lyrics for deep reflection and melodic hooks that linger.

How many songs are on Kingmaker?

Kingmaker has 11 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Kingmaker

Pretty Maids · 2016

48 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

A dynamic fusion of hard rock and power metal, infused with melodic hooks and a gritty edge.

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Top tracks — play these first

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When God Took a Day Off — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious chorus and thought-provoking lyrics that critique contemporary society's moral compass.
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Kingmaker — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of power and influence, featuring a compelling guitar riff and strong vocal delivery that showcases the band’s signature style.
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Civilized Monsters — With its darker lyrical content and heavy instrumentation, this track highlights the band's ability to blend melody with aggression, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodic hooks and maintains energy, though it doesn't significantly innovate within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
Melodic hooks are prominent in the choruses, often repeated to create memorable moments across multiple tracks.
Several songs feature dual guitar harmonies that enhance the melodic elements and add depth to the arrangements.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing with emotional climaxes
introspective lyrics for deep reflection
melodic hooks that linger
for evening listening
engaging storytelling throughout the album

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, standalone tracks
want constant high-energy intensity

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in heavy metal after decades of activity.
Career context: By the time 'Kingmaker' was released in 2016, Pretty Maids had solidified their position in the hard rock scene after decades of activity. This album marked their first release since 'Motherland' in 2013, reflecting their ongoing evolution while maintaining the classic sound that fans expect. The band was also celebrating their 30th anniversary, showcasing their enduring legacy.
Stylistic neighbors: Helloween· Stratovarius· Gamma Ray