Get ready to have your metal world rocked! Aquilla, a band hailing from Poland, is here to prove that the Polish metal scene is about more than just brutal death metal. Their sophomore album, Sentinels of New Dawn, is a thrilling ride through the cosmos, blending classic metal with a shot of '80s and '90s speed/power metal. But does this sonic journey live up to the hype? Let's dive in!
Formed in Warsaw back in 2015, Aquilla unleashed their debut, Mankind’s Odyssey, in 2022. Now, with Sentinels of New Dawn, they're promising an even more epic experience. With a couple of EPs and a full-length already under their belt, they've clearly been busy honing their craft.
From the first note, it's clear Aquilla means business. The band has seen some lineup changes since their last release, with vocalist Captain Paradox and rhythm guitarist Jaspar de Phaser joining the ranks in 2023. This shift has brought a noticeable and positive change to their sound. Captain Paradox is the standout, his vocals masterfully blending the best of the '80s with a soaring, unrestrained style reminiscent of Kai Hansen (Helloween, Gamma Ray) or Michael Knoblich (Scanner). But the speed and power metal influences don't stop there. The album is packed with them, thanks to the dynamic guitar work of Jaspar de Phaser and Kris Invader, as heard on tracks like "Creed of Fire" and "Technocrats’ Tyranny". The energetic foundation is further solidified by the varied drum patterns and a bass performance that pays homage to '80s Helloween, especially on "Technocrats’ Tyranny".
One of the album's greatest strengths is its focused songwriting. Mankind’s Odyssey was charming, but sometimes lacked the raw speed expected of the genre. Sentinels of New Dawn embraces a full-throttle approach, something many bands in this style often miss. The record is full of surprises, with dual-harmonized NWoBHM leads on tracks like "Plunder & Steel" and "Mountains of Black Sleep," and fun gang vocals on "Plunder & Steel," adding to the anthemic feel. The band also shows songwriting maturity and variety by dipping into Queensrÿche-esque melodic segments on tracks like "Mountains of Black Sleep" and "Battalion 31." But here's where it gets controversial... The middle of the album feels a bit uneven, with most of the slower tracks clustered together. However, this combination works well for Aquilla, making for an entertaining and multifaceted album. Furthermore, moving away from Iron Maiden worship and embracing more German speed/power metal influences, as seen in "Creed of Fire" and "Battalion 31," has significantly improved their songcraft. It feels like the band has found their element, blending the old with the new.
Aquilla's energy is infectious, resulting in a frenetic and inspired album. Clocking in at just under 50 minutes (or 45 minutes without the intro and outro), Sentinels of New Dawn is a brisk and empowering listen. Even the 10-minute epic, "The Prophet," flies by, combining the best of Iron Maiden and Gamma Ray, with the second half featuring some of the album's most triumphant guitar work. The dramatic intro and synthy outro also fit surprisingly well. And this is the part most people miss... There are still some minor issues to iron out. The harsh vocals at the start of "The Curse of Mercurion" are a bit jarring and feel unnecessary. "Bound to Be King," while competent, lacks the hook of the other standout tracks. Nevertheless, every song is enjoyable, and many of them show signs of brilliance.
Sentinels of New Dawn showcases a young band evolving and finding its stride. Aquilla is here to make a statement, and their blend of old and new is exciting. Their songwriting has improved significantly in just three years; their speed and energy have only grown. The Polish metal scene is richer and more diverse because of them. I hope Aquilla continues to refine their craft further. With this lineup, they're on the cusp of greatness.
Rating: Very Good!
- DR: 6
- Format Reviewed: 320kbps mp3
- Label: High Roller Records
- Websites: Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram
- Worldwide Release Date: October 31st, 2025
What do you think of Aquilla's blend of classic and speed metal? Do you agree with the review's assessment of the album's strengths and weaknesses? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
