Time Signature
The metality gene...
Genre: heavy metal
Australian metallers Ilium are often described as a power metal band drawing a lot of inspiration from European power metal, and perhaps their previous releases are all out power metal, but this one, I think, has a foot solidly placed in the traditional metal camp. Granted, there are some elements from power metal throughout the album, such as double bass drums and the use of keyboards and so on.
However, when I listen to this album, I do not think Euro power metal - I think of classic metal acts like Iron Maiden and Running Wild and, whenever the album does remind me of power metal, then it is U.S. power metal like Iced Earth.
Anyway, "Genetic Memory" is definitely an enjoyable listen which emphasizes melody performed on the guitars, which means that there are twin guitar leads galore (and I am a sucker for twin leads) as well as single guitar lead melodies, and a lot of melodic solos - Iron Maiden definitely is a big influence on Ilium on this album, and - let's face it - if you draw on Iron Maiden you can't really go wrong. It should be mentioned that, while the Maiden influence on this album is big, Ilium does not come off as a Maiden rip-off and I think, with their use of keyboards, they have actually started to move in the direction of an original sound. The style of the guitar riffage in general is recognizable from the classic heavy metal of the 80s and early 90s just before grunge took over, but there are also some more uptempo power metal-esque rhythm figures to be heard now and then. Some of the tunes are even mildly progressively oriented with the occasional odd time signature and unexpected change in tempo, and I quite like this aspect to "Genetic Memory".
The vocals belong to the category of raw and slightly gravelly vocals which often tend to sound contrived, but the singing on "Genetic Memory" is happily free of the sense of sounding contrived, as there is a sense of feel and sincerity to it, and it also contributes a more original element to the Ilium sound, as many other bands who operate within the same musical territory tend to have Dickinson- or Halford-styled screamers.
When it comes to the production, the guitars do have a rather fuzzy sound which might detract from the listening experience (this is especially noticeable at the very first couple of guitar strokes), but after a spin or two you should get used to it. It is not as if the production is bad or unlistenable or anything - it is just a tad fuzzy and could perhaps have been more defined. At the end of the day, this is a minor issue.
If you like heavy metal with twin leads galore and overlaid guitar harmonies, you should definitely check out this fine heavy metal release by Australian metallers Ilium.