{"id":345677,"date":"2025-10-31T13:47:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T13:47:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/345677\/"},"modified":"2025-10-31T13:47:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T13:47:10","slug":"aquilla-sentinels-of-new-dawn-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/345677\/","title":{"rendered":"Aquilla – Sentinels of New Dawn Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"The Polish metal scene is much better known around these parts for its bludgeoning death metal<\/a> than for classic metal worship, and Aquilla<\/strong> is looking to change that. Formed in Warsaw in 2015, their debut Mankind\u2019s Odyssey was unleashed on the masses in 2022, delivering NWoBHM with a dose of \u201d80s\u2013\u201990s speed\/power metal influence. Sophomore album Sentinels of New Dawn promises a similar but more epic brand of sci-fi thunder. With a couple EPs and a full-length already under their belt, how does Aquilla<\/strong> navigate this set of space war stories?<\/p>\n

Aquilla<\/strong>\u2019s authentic sound immediately makes it clear they\u2019re not messing around. Since the last time they heeded the call, they\u2019ve been through some lineup shifts, vocalist Captain Paradox and rhythm guitarist Jaspar de Phaser both joining in 2023. The resulting shift in sound is both obvious and a major positive. Captain Paradox is the star of the show, his vocals thoroughly combining the best of the \u201980s and wailing wild and free like Kai Hansen (Helloween<\/strong> debut, Gamma Ray<\/strong>) or Michael Knoblich (Scanner<\/strong> debut). But the speed and power metal elements in Sentinels of New Dawn don\u2019t stop at the vocals, they are firmly present in the dueling guitar work of Jaspar de Phaser and Kris Invader as well (\u201cCreed of Fire,\u201d \u201cTechnocrats\u2019 Tyranny\u201d). The bouncy and varied drum patterns, together with an \u201980s Helloween<\/strong>-coated bass performance (\u201cTechnocrats\u2019 Tyranny\u201d), round out the rock-solid, energetic foundation of the album.<\/p>\n

\ufeffSentinels of New Dawn by Aquilla<\/a><\/p>\n

The greatest strength of Sentinels of New Dawn is its potent, to-the-point songwriting. Mankind\u2019s Odyssey was at times charming, but had a fairly narrow scope and often forgot the \u2018speed\u2019 half of speed metal. Here, Aquilla<\/strong> dedicate much more of the album\u2019s runtime to an all-gas, no-brakes approach, something sorely missing from many others of its kind. The record has plenty of tricks up its sleeve, with dual-harmonized NWoBHM leads (\u201cPlunder & Steel,\u201d \u201cMountains of Black Sleep\u201d) and fun classic-sounding gang vocals (\u201cPlunder & Steel\u201d) increasing the anthemic factor further. But the band also shows songwriting maturity and variety by dipping into Queensr\u00ffche<\/strong>an melodic segments (\u201cMountains of Black Sleep,\u201d \u201cBattalion 31\u201d). While the combination isn\u2019t seamless\u2014the middle of the album unevenly packed with most of the slower bits\u2014it suits Aquilla<\/strong> well and makes for an entertaining and multifaceted album. Furthermore, relying less on Iron Maiden<\/strong> worship and being more German speed\/power metal-informed (\u201cCreed of Fire,\u201d \u201cBattalion 31\u201d) has improved their songcraft significantly. As a result, it feels like the band has now found their element and figured out their sound, combining aspects of old and new(er).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Aquilla<\/strong> is having fun, and it translates into a frenetic and inspired album. At just under 50 minutes\u201445 minutes omitting the intro and outro\u2014Sentinels is a brisk and empowering experience. Even the 10-minute epic \u201cThe Prophet\u201d flies by; a great combination of an Iron Maiden<\/strong> and Gamma Ray<\/strong> epic, with the second half having some of the best and most triumphant guitars of the bunch. The dramatic intro and synthy outro fit in oddly well, too, neither one overstaying its welcome. That being said, there are still some quirks to iron out. The harsh vocals at the start of \u201cThe Curse of Mercurion\u201d aren\u2019t too damaging, but they are a rough listen and feel unnecessary. \u201cBound to Be King,\u201d though competent, lacks a hook that the other barn burners feature. Nevertheless, every song here is a good time at least, and many of them show signs of brilliance at best.<\/p>\n

Sentinels of New Dawn shows a young band developing into form. Aquilla<\/strong> is here to kick ass and take names, and their mix of old and new is lively and exciting to listen to. The songwriting has made major strides in the span of three years; their speed and energy has only grown, and the Polish metal scene is all the richer and more varied for it. I hope Aquilla<\/strong> fleshes out their craft even further for the next one\u2014with this lineup, they\u2019re on the cusp of greatness.<\/p>\n

Rating:<\/strong> Very Good!
DR:<\/strong> 6 | Format Reviewed:<\/strong> 320kbps mp3
Label:<\/strong> High Roller Records<\/a>
Websites:<\/strong> Bandcamp<\/a> | Facebook<\/a> | Instagram<\/a>
Releases Worldwide:<\/strong> October 31st, 2025<\/p>\n

\n\tGive in to Your Anger:\n<\/p>\n