heavy-metal-darkness: Aquilla | Sentinels Of New Dawn

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Aquilla | Sentinels Of New Dawn | High Roller Records

Release Date: 31.10.2025

Format: CD/LP/MC/Digital

Genre: Speed Metal/NWOBHM

Country: Poland

Aquilla is a rising force from Poland, blending NWOBHM energy with traditional speed metal, creating a sound aggressive, cinematic, and drenched in outer space imagery. Formed in Warsaw in 2015, the band consists of Captain Paradox on vocals, Jaspar De Phaser on rhythm guitars, Kris Invader on lead guitars, Hippie Banzai on bass, and Pete Slammer on drums. Aquilla draws inspiration from sci-fi classics like “2001: Space Odyssey”, “Dune”, “Alien”, “Blade Runner”, and “Interstellar”. After their debut “Mankind’s Odyssey” in 2022, they return with “Sentinels Of New Dawn”, their first album for High Roller Records.

“Sentinels Of New Dawn” propels Aquilla’s vision forward with energy, precision, and an almost cinematic sense of scope. From “The Chronicles” to “Sentinel’s Fate”, the album moves through battle-hardened anthems, space opera themes, and daring melodic excursions. Vocals by Captain Paradox have a commanding presence, rising and falling over riffs that are sharp, nimble, and occasionally sweeping in reach. He reminds me enough Michael Knoblich from Scanner. Kris Invader’s guitar work hits with memorable hooks while Jaspar De Phaser maintains a steady, driving rhythm that keeps the momentum relentless. Pete Slammer’s drumming punctuates the chaos and action, while Hippie Banzai locks in the low end with clarity and strength.

The album leans heavily on Aquilla’s own sci-fi universe, with vivid characters like mad space pirates, berserk mercenaries, and technological overlords, and each track adds depth to the story without slowing the pace. “Plunder & Steel” and “Battalion 31” offer powerful, energetic sequences, while “Technocrats’ Tyranny” and “The Prophet” take the listener deeper into the band’s imagined world. There is a balance between intensity and melody, and the songs are structured to engage without overcomplication. Production is confident, giving the music a clear presence, allowing the energy of each instrument and the narrative to come through.

This is an album that unfolds with determination, bursting with force, imagination, and metal spirit. It rewards repeated listens, revealing subtle layers in the arrangements and a sense of cohesion that ties the story together. Fans of relentless, space-bound metal will have a lot to dive into, and Aquilla’s universe continues to grow with each release.

Score: 8.3