ILIUM is a melodic metal band formed in Newcastle, Australia and is influenced by traditional and early power metal acts. Many members are members or were former members of the band ORACLE and thus, they transitioned their tracks from their old songs to a more melodic style. Their new album, "Carcinogeist" features intense symphonics and thematic songs. It's a good medley of old and new influences and the album, for fans of heavily synthesized power metal, holds up.

The album begins with heavy videogame like symphonics with the opening track. While the song is energized, and I enjoyed the uplifting ending, "Imbecylum" sounds like every other symphonic metal band that has graced my desk since I started reviewing. Thankfully, the second song tones the symphonics down in the intro and replaces them with heavier guitars. The vocals on "Carcinogeist" are very traditional, featuring high tenor throughout, and I believe the toning down of the computerized symphonics was a good choice. They're back in the next song, "Anachronistica" which sounds more like an anime opening. I adore the vocals on the track, though, from the tenor in the verses to the harmonizing chorus. The guitar solo crushes it; it's composed to stand out and features really good finger work. The vocals on "Haunted By the Ghost Of Me" are my favorite on the album; the heaviness they have in the verses remind me of early goth acts like BAUHAUS and the transition to the upper range is perfectly executed. Likewise, the echoing background vocals in "Messiah For The Broken" are well done and provide some nice word painting with that angelic vocal technique. Following is their long song, invoking a carnival scene with circus music and a waltz-time beginning. "Harlequin Tree" has some really nice shifts through the song that keep it moving. I love the sudden shift from the main melody back to waltz time in the middle of the song, heralding the refrain and the solo. The rest of the songs all have a fun theme, but I wish they were executed as well as this song. "Uncle Rupert's Puppet Show" could have been a little bouncier. Although I like the concept of an evil puppet master, they should have gone full ham with it. Finally, the closing song is similar to the opening track, bringing the album full circle in a satisfying way.

The production is solid, the musicianship is good, and overall, it's a good album. Does it go above and beyond? Not really. The symphonics are standard for what's been coming out of the last 20 years. There are a few standouts involving word painting which stand out. That doesn't mean the album was bad or not good. In fact, I really enjoyed the thematic elements of the last half of the album, especially on "Harlequin Tree." Again, I liked the nods through the album to older works, like early goth rock and thematic symphonic metal. If your bag is synthesized power metal that sounds like you're playing a videogame, you will enjoy this album.