Montany

"New Born Day"
(Limb Music/SPV)  

-  This is Montany's debut album, and when I heard it was produced by former Grave Digger guitarist Uwe Lewis I knew it had to be a winner! This band, hailing from Holland, play melodic power metal, very influenced by bands like Gamma Ray and Iron Savior, both musically and lyrically, with galloping guitar riffs and lightning quick drumming. The singing and guitar playing (courtesy of Patrick van Maurick, and Dirk Hoek and Albert Houwaart, respectively) are similar to Kai Hansen's style of both. I must say, Montany has turned out a top notch album here. They play brilliantly, taking us a galloping, full throttle power metal ride from start to finish. It's like taking a spin in a high speed dragster, a top of the line vehicle, crafted to perfection, with every part carefully oiled. Every song of the eleven on here is like a gear in the machine, and they all charge along at top speed, all played flawlessly, without ever putting on the brakes. Not a ballad to be found. Uwe has done a great job with the production as well. It is rich, lush, and multi layered, but he hasn't let it over saturate the album, so it doesn't take anything away from the impact of the music. Not bad for a first timer, and the same compliment goes to the band. They exceeded my expectations, I'm surprised at how good they are. It's been a long time since I heard a debut album that was this good. That's a rarity these days. Let's hope this is not just a case of "beginner's luck", and that the band will continue to get better and better with all their future albums. I have faith in this band, I think we'll be hearing more of them in the years to come. Meanwhile, "New Born Day" is destined to become a power metal classic.

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