Aquilla Sentinels Of New Dawn CD (Slipcase, 2025, High Roller Records)

Aquilla are a rising Polish force blending NWOBHM spirit with classic speed metal to create their own brand of high-energy, sci-fi-driven heavy metal. Formed in Warsaw in 2015, the band’s current lineup - Captain Paradox (vocals), Jaspar De Phaser (rhythm guitar), Kris Invader (lead guitar), Hippie Banzai (bass) and Pete Slammer (drums)—draws heavy inspiration from iconic films like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Dune, Alien, Blade Runner and Interstellar.

After early singles and EPs, Aquilla released their debut album Mankind’s Odyssey in 2022. Now they return with Sentinels Of New Dawn, their first release for High Roller Records and a major creative leap. Drummer Pete Slammer notes that while Mankind’s Odyssey was strong, the band lacked a unified production vision. With this new album, Aquilla set out to capture a more old-school, powerful and epic sound—true to their influences yet distinctly their own.

Lyrically, Aquilla continue to build their expansive sci-fi universe. Their concept follows humanity’s last survivors settling on the distant planet Yvad’déra, with Sentinels Of New Dawn expanding the saga to include space pirates (“Plunder And Steel”), berserker mercenaries (“Battalion 31”) and oppressive technological rulers (“Technocrat’s Tyranny”). As with its predecessor, the album functions as a loose concept piece—rich world-building with plenty of freedom for creative interpretation.

Sentinels Of New Dawn marks Aquilla’s bold step forward: faster, sharper and more cinematic, delivering classic heavy metal energy wrapped in a vivid interstellar narrative.

Recommended if you like: Iron Maiden, Saxon, Judas Priest, Enforcer, Night Demon, Ambush, Burning Witches, Wings of Steel, Tailgunner, Hitten and other New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal Bands (NWOTHM).

Artist: Aquilla
Title: Sentinels Of New Dawn
Label: High Roller Records
Catalogue Number: HRR1040CD
UPC:
Release Year: 2025
Duration: Album
Format: CD
Packaging Type: Slipcase
Condition: New & Factory Sealed

Tracklist:

1. The Chronicles
2. Creed of Fire
3. Plunder & Steel
4. Mountains of Black Sleep
5. Battalion 31
6. The Curse of Mercurion
7. Technocrat’s Tyranny
8. Bound to Be King
9. The Prophet
10. Sentinel’s Fate