Let's go straight ! Here comes a new Helloween clone called Montany.

Of course, the music is a bit different here and there, but you got the idea. After, Gamma Ray (playing better than Helloween now), after Edguy (a genius band !!!) after Heaven's Gate, Heavenly, Dark Moor, Morifade, Wizard, Nostradameus, Steel Attack, Iron Fire, ... Montany is another band playing heavy/speed metal like the famous German band.

Sometimes I am wondering if this is not Michael Kiske behind the microphone as Montany's singer is an impressive M.K's copy. So, what about the songs ? Are they good ? Are they innovative (and honest) ? Not really as everything on this New Born Day will remind you Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part I & II (Helloween's album - in case of). I can hardly tell you if the third track is better than the first or last one, but I can guarantee you Helloween is major Montany's influence. The production of Uwe Lulis (Ex Grave Digger, Rebellion) is not that good and I prefer his production on Wizard, Head Of The Deceiver.

Well to make a story short, if you like Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part I & II and you have absolutely nothing against copycat album, this one is a must for you. Now between you and me, I am wondering how long (and how many other bands) will it takes before the heavy/speed metal scene get overload by all these Helloween's clone - Edguy being the only acceptable exemption so far.

I know the master is sick and almost dead (I am speaking of Helloween here) and I know that many musicians have grown (like me) with Helloween or Iron Maiden, but this is the type of record you buy on Monday, you listen on Tuesday & Wednesday, you get tired of on Thursday, you put back in your metal collection on Friday .... and you forgot you bought it on Sunday.

Don't misunderstand me, this album is cool. However, New Born Day is too typical as each song is very predictable (chorus, bridge, solos). I would like to see a band bringing some innovations to the heavy/speed metal. Montany is unfortunately (for us) not that band. May be on the next album !

Gamma Ray, Edguy, Dark Moor & Heavenly still rules :)