This is the Prog-Power Metal entity featuring former RIOT vocalist Mike DiMeo. As such, a mix of rousing, up-tempo anthems (the opening "Kinaesthesia") and keyboard enhanced mid-tempo, to ballad paced explorations. Quality stuff, all, and something for fans of just about any sub-genre (Extreme Metal fans excluded). "Littoria" is a more progressive track, built around synthesizers, rather than guitar, as is the swirling introduced ballad "Hostile City", the lone weak moment. Fear not, a galloping "The Immortality Gene" and the seemingly SANTRIANI / VAI inspired "Neanderthal Within" keep the rock pumping.

Throughout, the guitar tones (bordering on tin guitar synths, "Turbo" anyone?) remind me of Bill Tsamis' post-WARLORD outfit, LORDIAN GUARD. The "Irrinja" finale begins and ends with didgeridoo (the native Aboriginal instrument used in Outback Steakhouse ads), as well as plenty of spirited guitar soloing. Given DiMeo's proclivity for jumping from project to project, hope ILIUM can stick around.