After a series of singles and EPs, this is the debut album from Poland’s Aquilla, and the excellent cover art (like a Tor or Del Rey paperback cover) and cool logo are big hints at the sweet traditional metal this band plays. Mankind’s Odyssey is characterized by a lot of speed, twin guitar harmonies, air raid siren screams and sci-fi lyrics. Scanner is the first band that comes to mind, but Aquilla aren’t quite so power metal. Their songwriting is more in the Iron Maiden mold but faster, so think groups like Airborn, Skull Fist and Split Heaven. When they play with the pedal to the metal, Aquilla are at their best and I was replaying songs like "Arrival" and "The Awakening" multiple times, but the rerecording of their 2016 single, "Zero" is the clear pick of Mankind’s Odyssey. This one has all the previously mentioned strengths plus an infectious bass line and solid lead and backing vocals on the chorus. Aquilla is a band to watch, and trad metal fans should be seeking out Mankind’s Odyssey because it kicks ass.
