(Melodic Power Metal) [CD] Montany - New Born Day - 2002, APE (image+.cue), lossless

Forming in the late eighties, the Dutch quintet Montany finally released their first studio album, titled "New Born Day", in 2002. Although this particular release is often overlooked, Montany's "New Born Day" is definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of speedy instrumentals and powerful lyrics.

The album begins with a great forty second instrumental, "Out Of The Dark", which plays into the LP's first song, "Back From The Sky". "Back From The Sky" is a speedy track that kicks off right away giving demonstrating the band's great musical talent early on in the album progress. As soon as the chorus from this first song is heard, the first band that comes to mind is Helloween. Any Helloween fan would agree that Montany's sound is almost identical to that of the legendary German power metal sensation, with the exception that any of Helloween's vocalists, both past and present, are much more talented than Montany's Patrick van Maurik.

The album's title track follows "Back From The Sky". This song's tempo is a little slower than the album's first, however, slow is certainly not a bad thing. Once again, Montany's instrumental work on this track is great. The one bad thing about this song, and most tracks on this album, are the vocals. Although Patrick van Maurik's efforts on this album are not absolutely horrible, they could be much better. At times, it seems like he is trying way too hard when in reality, when backed up by incredible musicians playing the best they possibly can, which is the case with Montany, a vocalist doesn't have to be the main point of concentration for the listeners. However, that being said, if the occasional weak vocals of van Maurik can be overlooked, Montany's "New Born Day" is a great album worth checking out.

Moving on now, the album's third song, "Here In The Light", is definitely one of the album's heaviest. The track opens up with a guitar riff that any metal fan can bang their head to. Although mentioned earlier that the vocalist was weak at times throughout the album, van Maurik's vocals are just perfect in this song.

"World Of Dreams (The Evermore)" follows "Here In The Light" on Montany's 2002 LP. Being probably the album's slowest track, "World Of Dreams (The Evermore)" contains lyrics that any fan of fantasy can appreciate. Great mid-tempo instrumentals and beautiful lyrics make this song one of the best on the album.

The album's fifth song, "Higher And Higher", demonstrates perfectly my earlier remarks on van Maurick's singing. This song starts off with an atrocious scream. It almost sounds like Montany's vocalist is trying to imitate Rob Halford. However, he fails miserably. Being the speediest track since "Back From The Sky", "Higher And Higher", after a few slower songs, brings the listener right back into the speed metal state.

Next on "New Born Day" comes "Pyramid Of Cheops". This song's tempo is almost identical to the album's title track. Having a fairly slow tempo, "Pyramid Of Cheops" gives the listener a short break from the band's usual speedy instrumentals. Once again, van Maurik's vocals in this song are good. He doesn't try to hit high notes as he did in a couple of the previous songs.

"New Born Day"'s seventh song is "Sentenced". This track starts off with a short piano introduction and then the band picks up where they left off before "Pyramid Of Cheops" by blasting listeners with some more speed metal. "Sentenced" is one of the best songs on Montany's 2002 LP, both musically and lyrically.

Quite possibly the fastest track on Montany's "New Born Day" follows "Sentenced". "Chains Of Glory" is a great heavy track with speedy instrumentals. This song is a perfect example of what speed metal should sound like. Once again, "Chains Of Glory"'s vocals are very well done.

"Deep Water Rising" is the next track on the LP. Like most of the other songs on this album, "Deep Water Rising" is very well played. It is a very good track and a great addition to this particular album.

The tenth and final song on Montany's "New Born Day" is "End Of The Ride". This song could have definitely been left off this album. There isn't much to say about "End Of The Ride". It is a pretty weak song and, without a doubt, the worst on the album.

With the exception of the album's final track, Montany's "New Born Day" is a great addition to any power or speed metal fan's collection. Although Patrick van Maurik's vocal efforts are fairly weak at times, the rest of the group compensates for it with their tremendous musical talent. It's a shame that Montany broke up. The Dutch quintet could have definitely produced some more excellent speed/power metal in the future.

Review written by Dittohead - Metal Archives.com

Patrick van Maurik - Vocals
Dirk Hoek - Guitars
Stefan Brederode - Bass
John Brederode - Drums
Paul van der Plas - Keyboards