Year : 2015 Style : Melodic Heavy Metal , Power Metal Country : Australia Audio : 320 kbps + front Size : 105 mb
Info:
ILIUM formed first as ILIAD in 1998 hailing from OZ the gates of Newcastle (Australia) the band draws heavily from tradition heavy metal bands, like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Scorpions and Saxon, plus power metal bands such as Helloween, Rage, Running Wild, Iced Earth, Metal Church, Jag Panzer and Gamma Ray, with the bombastic styles of Blind Guardian, Savatage, Axel Rudi Pell, Rainbow and Nightwish, the technicality of Megadeth, Coroner, Toxik, Fates Warning, Symphony X, Angra, King Diamond, Riot and Realm, and the otherworldly qualities of Rush, Uriah Heep and Magnum. Forged into one magnum alloy!Comprised mostly of members of Oracle including guitarist Jason Hodges, bassist Michael Noonan and vocalist Mark Snedden; and the addition of former Oracle member, multi-instrumentalist guitarist Adam Smith. In 2002 the band changed their name to Ilium commencing recording their self-titled EP with Dungeon leader Lord Tim producing. Thier first EP was released in 2002 and received positive press, which encouraged the band to produce their debut album, ‘Sirens Of The Styx’ in 2003.Comprised largely of old Oracle songs, the band began moving in a more melodic but equally powerful direction. Just prior to the commencement of recording the second album ‘Permian Dusk’ (2005), Mark left the band and Lord Tim stepped in to sing on short notice. The result was very positive, with Rock Hard! Magazine in Germany scoring the album 9.5 out 10.Lord Tim returned to sing on the third album ‘Vespertilion’ (2007) with Tim Yatras of Lord (Lord Tim’s post-Dungeon band) performing drums. Due to time restraints however, the band were forced to look elsewhere for a vocalist, securing the services of Mike DiMeo (Riot, Masterplan). The band, by the time they had released two albums with Mike DiMeo on vocals (‘Ageless Decay’ (2009) and ‘Genetic Memory’ (2011) had become very much accomplished songwriters, with Adam Smith’s excellent arrangements and Jason Hodges’ epic lyrics and concept-songs.Mike’s departure opened the doors for legendary vocalist Lance King (Balance Of Power, Pyramaze, Avian) to take over. Lance's style was very much what the band were looking for on the final product, ‘My Misanthropia’ (2015) will prove to be their most accomplished works yet.
Album:
The sixth full album release from melodic heavy metal band ILIUM draws from a wide range of US, British and Euro traditional heavy and power metal styles, with dark lyrical themes from various mythologies, legends and the depths of depression. Successfully marrying many different sub-genres into their own version of traditional metal."My Misanthropia" features a new man at the front in vocalist Lance King and will be released digitally on March 24th and available for pre-sales via iTunes before release. The first CD version (only 1000 copies) will be released as a "Limited Edition Double Digipak" including bonus CD "Wendigo" (5 Tracks) including three originals and two very special remakes; "Tragedy" - (The Bee Gee's) and "Love is All" - (Roger Glover / Ronnie James Dio).
01. My Misanthropia 02. Quetzalcoatl 03. Penny Black 04. Linqua Franca 05. Godless Theocracies 06. The Hatchling 07. Orbiting a Sun of Sadness 08. Zenith to Zero 09. Yuletide Ebbs 10. The Cryptozoologist
Year : 2017 Style : Melodic Heavy Metal , Power Metal Country : Australia Audio : 320 kbps + front Size : 111 mb
Bio:
ILIUM formed first as ILIAD in 1998 hailing from OZ the gates of Newcastle (Australia) the band draws heavily from tradition heavy metal bands, like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Scorpions and Saxon, plus power metal bands such as Helloween, Rage, Running Wild, Iced Earth, Metal Church, Jag Panzer and Gamma Ray, with the bombastic styles of Blind Guardian, Savatage, Axel Rudi Pell, Rainbow and Nightwish, the technicality of Megadeth, Coroner, Toxik, Fates Warning, Symphony X, Angra, King Diamond, Riot and Realm, and the otherworldly qualities of Rush, Uriah Heep and Magnum. Forged into one magnum alloy!Comprised mostly of members of Oracle including guitarist Jason Hodges, bassist Michael Noonan and vocalist Mark Snedden; and the addition of former Oracle member, multi-instrumentalist guitarist Adam Smith. In 2002 the band changed their name to Ilium commencing recording their self-titled EP with Dungeon leader Lord Tim producing. Thier first EP was released in 2002 and received positive press, which encouraged the band to produce their debut album, ‘Sirens Of The Styx’ in 2003.Comprised largely of old Oracle songs, the band began moving in a more melodic but equally powerful direction. Just prior to the commencement of recording the second album ‘Permian Dusk’ (2005), Mark left the band and Lord Tim stepped in to sing on short notice. The result was very positive, with Rock Hard! Magazine in Germany scoring the album 9.5 out 10.Lord Tim returned to sing on the third album ‘Vespertilion’ (2007) with Tim Yatras of Lord (Lord Tim’s post-Dungeon band) performing drums. Due to time restraints however, the band were forced to look elsewhere for a vocalist, securing the services of Mike DiMeo (Riot, Masterplan). The band, by the time they had released two albums with Mike DiMeo on vocals (‘Ageless Decay’ (2009) and ‘Genetic Memory’ (2011) had become very much accomplished songwriters, with Adam Smith’s excellent arrangements and Jason Hodges’ epic lyrics and concept-songs.Mike’s departure opened the doors for legendary vocalist Lance King (Balance Of Power, Pyramaze, Avian) to take over. Lance's style was very much what the band were looking for on the final product, ‘My Misanthropia’ (2015) will prove to be their most accomplished works yet.
Album:
Ilium's upcoming 2CD deluxe digipak release of their completely re-written debut album (from 2003) due for release October 2017. Featuring vocals from Lord Tim from LORD (Australia). Features completely re-written versions of the 10 songs from the debut, plus a new song. all new artwork for each song and the original version of Sirens Of The Styx as a bonus.Includes digital pre-order of Sirens of the Styx - Re-Styxed. You get 1 track now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released.
Line-Up:
Adam Smith - guitar, bass, keyboard Jason Hodges - guitar
Guest musicians:
Lord Tim - vocals (Lord, Dungeon) TY - drums
Tracklist:
01. Embrace The Myth 02. The Celestial Sphere 03. Antigone 04. Quoth The Raven 05. Ode Of The Trans-Dimensional Puppeteer 06. Half-Life 07. Incipience: Beowulf Defeats Grendel 08. Solitary Empires 09. Semblance 10. Tombsouls 11. Sirens Of The Styx
Year : 2020 Style : Melodic Heavy Metal , Power Metal Country : Australia Audio : 320 kbps + front Size : 102 mb
Bio:
ILIUM formed first as ILIAD in 1998 hailing from OZ the gates of Newcastle (Australia) the band draws heavily from tradition heavy metal bands, like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Scorpions and Saxon, plus power metal bands such as Helloween, Rage, Running Wild, Iced Earth, Metal Church, Jag Panzer and Gamma Ray, with the bombastic styles of Blind Guardian, Savatage, Axel Rudi Pell, Rainbow and Nightwish, the technicality of Megadeth, Coroner, Toxik, Fates Warning, Symphony X, Angra, King Diamond, Riot and Realm, and the otherworldly qualities of Rush, Uriah Heep and Magnum. Forged into one magnum alloy!Comprised mostly of members of Oracle including guitarist Jason Hodges, bassist Michael Noonan and vocalist Mark Snedden; and the addition of former Oracle member, multi-instrumentalist guitarist Adam Smith. In 2002 the band changed their name to Ilium commencing recording their self-titled EP with Dungeon leader Lord Tim producing. Thier first EP was released in 2002 and received positive press, which encouraged the band to produce their debut album, ‘Sirens Of The Styx’ in 2003.Comprised largely of old Oracle songs, the band began moving in a more melodic but equally powerful direction. Just prior to the commencement of recording the second album ‘Permian Dusk’ (2005), Mark left the band and Lord Tim stepped in to sing on short notice. The result was very positive, with Rock Hard! Magazine in Germany scoring the album 9.5 out 10.Lord Tim returned to sing on the third album ‘Vespertilion’ (2007) with Tim Yatras of Lord (Lord Tim’s post-Dungeon band) performing drums. Due to time restraints however, the band were forced to look elsewhere for a vocalist, securing the services of Mike DiMeo (Riot, Masterplan). The band, by the time they had released two albums with Mike DiMeo on vocals (‘Ageless Decay’ (2009) and ‘Genetic Memory’ (2011) had become very much accomplished songwriters, with Adam Smith’s excellent arrangements and Jason Hodges’ epic lyrics and concept-songs.Mike’s departure opened the doors for legendary vocalist Lance King (Balance Of Power, Pyramaze, Avian) to take over. Lance's style was very much what the band were looking for on the final product, ‘My Misanthropia’ (2015) will prove to be their most accomplished works yet.
Album:
Long running Novocastrian power metal band, Ilium have been plying their craft for over 20 years! Forming from the ashes of Oracle in 1998, the band have built a solid global fanbase and amassed a long list of fantastic reviews.The bands creative force and mainstays, Jason Hodges and Adam Smith have once again recruited Lord Tim and Tim Yatras on vocals and drums to record both a new EP and their seventh full length album.The EP and Album are available to Pre Order now via their Bandcamp page with funds directly contributing back to the recording of the releases.The EP, Enviro-Metal brings attention to the plight of Earth’s endangered species. A subject very close to Jason Hodges who is a wildlife rescuer and rehabilitator in Australia.The full length Carcinogeist expands on the EP’s premise and the general lyrical nature of Ilium’s catalogue, with songs based on original dark sci-fi/horror themes, whilst others address issues such as social inequality, the environment, and the human condition.Musically the band is a melting pot of power metal, traditional metal, progressive, symphonic, thrash and speed metal, with a strong emphasis on melody and drama.Ilium’s pre order campaign offers not only the Album and EP but also brand new merch designs and the option of having yourself be painted into one of the bands future artworks! Fans can also donate to Jason’s fundraiser which will greatly assist him with his wildlife work.Ilium introduced itself to the world via their 2002 self titled debut EP and quickly followed it up with their first full length, Sirens Of The Styx in 2003.Renowned producer, guitarist and vocalist, Lord Tim (ex Dungeon and of Wollongong powerhouse, Lord) became the bands vocalist for their next release, 2005’s Permian Dusk which blew the international heavy music press away, scoring 9.5/10 from Germany’s Rock Hard and similar praise elsewhere.Vespertilion, followed in 2007 which featured the legendary Tim Yatras on drums.Ilium then recruited former Riot and Masterplan vocalists Mike DiMeo for the next two albums, Ageless Decay (2009) and Genetic Memory (2011) In 2015, they released My Misanthropia featuring the vocal talents of Nightmare Records CEO Lance King (Balance of Power, Avian etc) My Misanthropia was also released with an EP titled Wendigo, which featured a metalized version of the Bee Gees Tragedy among others.In 2017, Ilium once again enlisted Lord Tim to sing on a completely rewritten version of their debut album which came out as Sirens Of The Styx: Re-Styxed.The release also featured a new song called ‘Ode Of The Transdimensional Puppeteer’ and was considered by many to be their best effort yet….
Line-Up:
Lord Tim - Vocals (LORD, Dungeon, Blackened Angel) Jason Hodges - Guitars (ex-Oracle) Adam Smith - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards Tim Yatras - Drums (LORD, Germ, Austere, Autumn' Dawn)
Tracklist:
01. Anachronistica 02. Carcinogeist 03. Harlequin Tree 04. Haunted By The Ghost Of Me 05. Imbecylum 06. Messiah For The Broken 07. Question Air 08. The Serpent Maligned 09. Uncle Rupert’s Puppet Show 10. Vigilante Vagrant
Year : 2020 Style : Melodic Heavy Metal , Power Metal Country : Australia Audio : 320 kbps + front Size : 65 mb
Bio:
ILIUM formed first as ILIAD in 1998 hailing from OZ the gates of Newcastle (Australia) the band draws heavily from tradition heavy metal bands, like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Scorpions and Saxon, plus power metal bands such as Helloween, Rage, Running Wild, Iced Earth, Metal Church, Jag Panzer and Gamma Ray, with the bombastic styles of Blind Guardian, Savatage, Axel Rudi Pell, Rainbow and Nightwish, the technicality of Megadeth, Coroner, Toxik, Fates Warning, Symphony X, Angra, King Diamond, Riot and Realm, and the otherworldly qualities of Rush, Uriah Heep and Magnum. Forged into one magnum alloy!Comprised mostly of members of Oracle including guitarist Jason Hodges, bassist Michael Noonan and vocalist Mark Snedden; and the addition of former Oracle member, multi-instrumentalist guitarist Adam Smith. In 2002 the band changed their name to Ilium commencing recording their self-titled EP with Dungeon leader Lord Tim producing. Thier first EP was released in 2002 and received positive press, which encouraged the band to produce their debut album, ‘Sirens Of The Styx’ in 2003.Comprised largely of old Oracle songs, the band began moving in a more melodic but equally powerful direction. Just prior to the commencement of recording the second album ‘Permian Dusk’ (2005), Mark left the band and Lord Tim stepped in to sing on short notice. The result was very positive, with Rock Hard! Magazine in Germany scoring the album 9.5 out 10.Lord Tim returned to sing on the third album ‘Vespertilion’ (2007) with Tim Yatras of Lord (Lord Tim’s post-Dungeon band) performing drums. Due to time restraints however, the band were forced to look elsewhere for a vocalist, securing the services of Mike DiMeo (Riot, Masterplan). The band, by the time they had released two albums with Mike DiMeo on vocals (‘Ageless Decay’ (2009) and ‘Genetic Memory’ (2011) had become very much accomplished songwriters, with Adam Smith’s excellent arrangements and Jason Hodges’ epic lyrics and concept-songs.Mike’s departure opened the doors for legendary vocalist Lance King (Balance Of Power, Pyramaze, Avian) to take over. Lance's style was very much what the band were looking for on the final product, ‘My Misanthropia’ (2015) will prove to be their most accomplished works yet.
Album:
Long running Novocastrian power metal band, Ilium have been plying their craft for over 20 years! Forming from the ashes of Oracle in 1998, the band have built a solid global fanbase and amassed a long list of fantastic reviews.The bands creative force and mainstays, Jason Hodges and Adam Smith have once again recruited Lord Tim and Tim Yatras on vocals and drums to record both a new EP and their seventh full length album.The EP and Album are available to Pre Order now via their Bandcamp page with funds directly contributing back to the recording of the releases.The EP, Enviro-Metal brings attention to the plight of Earth’s endangered species. A subject very close to Jason Hodges who is a wildlife rescuer and rehabilitator in Australia.The full length Carcinogeist expands on the EP’s premise and the general lyrical nature of Ilium’s catalogue, with songs based on original dark sci-fi/horror themes, whilst others address issues such as social inequality, the environment, and the human condition.Musically the band is a melting pot of power metal, traditional metal, progressive, symphonic, thrash and speed metal, with a strong emphasis on melody and drama.Ilium’s pre order campaign offers not only the Album and EP but also brand new merch designs and the option of having yourself be painted into one of the bands future artworks! Fans can also donate to Jason’s fundraiser which will greatly assist him with his wildlife work.Ilium introduced itself to the world via their 2002 self titled debut EP and quickly followed it up with their first full length, Sirens Of The Styx in 2003.Renowned producer, guitarist and vocalist, Lord Tim (ex Dungeon and of Wollongong powerhouse, Lord) became the bands vocalist for their next release, 2005’s Permian Dusk which blew the international heavy music press away, scoring 9.5/10 from Germany’s Rock Hard and similar praise elsewhere.Vespertilion, followed in 2007 which featured the legendary Tim Yatras on drums.Ilium then recruited former Riot and Masterplan vocalists Mike DiMeo for the next two albums, Ageless Decay (2009) and Genetic Memory (2011) In 2015, they released My Misanthropia featuring the vocal talents of Nightmare Records CEO Lance King (Balance of Power, Avian etc) My Misanthropia was also released with an EP titled Wendigo, which featured a metalized version of the Bee Gees Tragedy among others.In 2017, Ilium once again enlisted Lord Tim to sing on a completely rewritten version of their debut album which came out as Sirens Of The Styx: Re-Styxed.The release also featured a new song called ‘Ode Of The Transdimensional Puppeteer’ and was considered by many to be their best effort yet….
Line-Up:
Lance King - Vocals (Defyance, Lance King, ex-The Kings Machine, ex-Gemini, Legacy of the Loud, ex-Avian, ex-Empire, ex-Magic Kingdom, ex-Pyramaze, ex-Shining Star, ex-Balance of Power, ex-Decible, ex-Krucible) Jason Hodges - Guitars (ex-Oracle) Adam Smith - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards
Tracklist:
01. Golden Toad 03:31 02. Père David's Deer 03:03 03. Greenpeace 03:28 04. American Crocodile 06:44 05. Genetic Memory 08:02 06. I Got You 03:56
Year : 2022 Style : Heavy Metal , Power Metal Country : Australia Audio : 320 kbps + front Size : 53 mb
Bio:
ILIUM formed first as ILIAD in 1998 hailing from OZ the gates of Newcastle (Australia) the band draws heavily from tradition heavy metal bands, like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Scorpions and Saxon, plus power metal bands such as Helloween, Rage, Running Wild, Iced Earth, Metal Church, Jag Panzer and Gamma Ray, with the bombastic styles of Blind Guardian, Savatage, Axel Rudi Pell, Rainbow and Nightwish, the technicality of Megadeth, Coroner, Toxik, Fates Warning, Symphony X, Angra, King Diamond, Riot and Realm, and the otherworldly qualities of Rush, Uriah Heep and Magnum. Forged into one magnum alloy!Comprised mostly of members of Oracle including guitarist Jason Hodges, bassist Michael Noonan and vocalist Mark Snedden; and the addition of former Oracle member, multi-instrumentalist guitarist Adam Smith. In 2002 the band changed their name to Ilium commencing recording their self-titled EP with Dungeon leader Lord Tim producing. Thier first EP was released in 2002 and received positive press, which encouraged the band to produce their debut album, ‘Sirens Of The Styx’ in 2003.Comprised largely of old Oracle songs, the band began moving in a more melodic but equally powerful direction. Just prior to the commencement of recording the second album ‘Permian Dusk’ (2005), Mark left the band and Lord Tim stepped in to sing on short notice. The result was very positive, with Rock Hard! Magazine in Germany scoring the album 9.5 out 10.Lord Tim returned to sing on the third album ‘Vespertilion’ (2007) with Tim Yatras of Lord (Lord Tim’s post-Dungeon band) performing drums. Due to time restraints however, the band were forced to look elsewhere for a vocalist, securing the services of Mike DiMeo (Riot, Masterplan). The band, by the time they had released two albums with Mike DiMeo on vocals (‘Ageless Decay’ (2009) and ‘Genetic Memory’ (2011) had become very much accomplished songwriters, with Adam Smith’s excellent arrangements and Jason Hodges’ epic lyrics and concept-songs.Mike’s departure opened the doors for legendary vocalist Lance King (Balance Of Power, Pyramaze, Avian) to take over. Lance's style was very much what the band were looking for on the final product, ‘My Misanthropia’ (2015) will prove to be their most accomplished works yet.
Album:
This epic new EP immediately picks up where 2020's "Cacinogeist" album left off, featuring guest vocals and production by Lord Tim, and guest drumming by Tim Yatras. This EP contains two new Ilium tracks, plus three older tracks entirely re-worked and re-recorded for this release.At the beginning of 2020, I reviewed the eighth album from Australian melodic power metal band Ilium and was really rather taken with it. It made me question the fairness of the music industry too, because to me, there appeared to be no earthly reason why such a good band could still be unsigned to a label. These days, labels aren’t always necessary, but for Ilium to be independently releasing their excellent material after nearly 20 years in the business just seems plain wrong to me. To further hammer home this point, I present to you their latest EP, ‘Quantum Evolution Event’.In keeping with ‘Carcinogeist’ and the accompanying EP entitled ‘Enviro-Metal’, ‘Quantum Evolution Event’ is a cracking release that can only further enhance the Aussie outfit, and rightly so. As before, Ilium is comprised of founder, guitarist and songwriter Jason Hodges alongside guitarist, bassist and keyboardist Adam Smith. The two musicians are joined once again by guest vocalist Lord Tim, alongside his LORD colleague Tim Yatras on the drums to create what is clearly and demonstrable a forceful quartet.Comprised of five new tracks, ‘Quantum Evolution Event’ is a relatively brief affair, but it makes a big impact all the while it is playing. Full of intensity, speed, melody, flamboyance, and a host of other ingredients, Ilium manage to enter stage left via the title track in a really hurry, batter the listener with their brand of high energy melodic power metal, and exit stage right via ‘Mothcaste’ in what feels like the blink of an eye. A frenzied, high-octane blink, but a blink nonetheless.I’ve lost track of the amount of times I’ve pressed play and taken a cheeky listen to this EP. What I haven’t forgotten however, is the effect that this music has on me. I’m energised, I’m invigorated, and I’m left feeling thoroughly entertained and uplifted. To my mind, that’s exactly what this music should do and it achieves it with aplomb.Beginning with the title track, Ilium waste no time in making an impression. The intro is full-throttle and exuberant led by a fast paced lead guitar melody, ably backed up by some thunderous double-pedal infused drumming and underpinned by a depth provided by some synths. But then, the synths move to the front and centre within a chorus that takes the song in a noticeably different direction. The riffs that accompany the track are crunchy and very satisfying, but most impressive is the ground covered in three-and-a-half short minutes, everything from a soothing AOR-style section to an all-out solo that’s reminiscent of the excesses of a band like Dragonforce. Lord Tim once again delivers a power metal masterclass behind the microphone, fitting the music that surrounds him like the proverbial velvet glove, hitting high notes with ease alongside the lower, more aggressive delivery.Bearing in mind that Ilium only have five tracks to get their point across, it’s great to be able to report that barely a moment is wasted. The pace and ferocity is maintained into ‘Tsetse’ which has a more progressive air about it without delving too far into this genre. At it’s heart, it’s a hybrid of classic NWOBHM and European power metal, complete with chunky, no-nonsense riffing, wailing neo-classical guitar leads, galloping rhythms, and a strong chorus to tie everything together.‘Undergods’ follows and is very reminiscent of early Edguy, with Lord Tim sounding similar to Tobias Sammet at points within the song. Whether it’s deliberate or coincidence, it’s a happy result, one that only serves to enhance the Teutonic flavour of the song. Helloween references are also present, alongside a touch of Primal Fear in the potent riffing that dominates at points. The chorus is a more expansive beast too, providing a more epic, majestic feel to the track overall.I love the cinematic intro to ‘Hostile Sky’, although I wish it lasted longer. Mind you, when it gives way to wailing twin lead guitar harmonies, it’s hard to not be quickly won over. The pace is noticeably slowed to a more mid-tempo stomp but again, the synths come to the fore to enhance the melodic nature of this rather lovely song. The hooks are strong as I have discovered over the past week or two.The final song is entitled ‘Mothcaste’ and it ends the release on a high thanks to yet another very strong performance from all concerned. More lead guitar histrionics, more ballsy riffs, more immediate melody, a deeper, grittier vocal delivery from Lord Tim, and a relentless galloping rhythm laid out in tandem by drums and bass – it’s all here and it serves to more than satisfy my appetite for this kind of music.Had ‘Quantum Evolution Event’ been a full-blown album, then we may be talking about an early contender for my end-of-year ‘best of’ list. As it is, this is ‘just’ an EP, although saying that feels like it is marginalising a really rather excellent release regardless. Human nature dictates that we always want more of a good thing and that’s exactly my feeling towards Ilium and this latest release of theirs. It may be a twenty-minute EP, but ‘Quantum Evolution Event’ is a huge success that needs to be checked out by anyone who takes their melodic power metal seriously. Two great power metal releases in the first week of 2022? I’m starting to like this year already!
Line-Up:
Jason Hodges - Guitars (ex-Oracle) Adam Smith - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards - See also: ex-Iliad
Year : 2026 (Arkeyn Steel Records Edition) Style : Melodic Heavy Metal , Melodic Power Metal Country : Australia Audio : 320 kbps + front Size : 105 mb
Bio:
ILIUM formed first as ILIAD in 1998 hailing from OZ the gates of Newcastle (Australia) the band draws heavily from tradition heavy metal bands, like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Scorpions and Saxon, plus power metal bands such as Helloween, Rage, Running Wild, Iced Earth, Metal Church, Jag Panzer and Gamma Ray, with the bombastic styles of Blind Guardian, Savatage, Axel Rudi Pell, Rainbow and Nightwish, the technicality of Megadeth, Coroner, Toxik, Fates Warning, Symphony X, Angra, King Diamond, Riot and Realm, and the otherworldly qualities of Rush, Uriah Heep and Magnum. Forged into one magnum alloy!Comprised mostly of members of Oracle including guitarist Jason Hodges, bassist Michael Noonan and vocalist Mark Snedden; and the addition of former Oracle member, multi-instrumentalist guitarist Adam Smith. In 2002 the band changed their name to Ilium commencing recording their self-titled EP with Dungeon leader Lord Tim producing. Thier first EP was released in 2002 and received positive press, which encouraged the band to produce their debut album, ‘Sirens Of The Styx’ in 2003.Comprised largely of old Oracle songs, the band began moving in a more melodic but equally powerful direction. Just prior to the commencement of recording the second album ‘Permian Dusk’ (2005), Mark left the band and Lord Tim stepped in to sing on short notice. The result was very positive, with Rock Hard! Magazine in Germany scoring the album 9.5 out 10.Lord Tim returned to sing on the third album ‘Vespertilion’ (2007) with Tim Yatras of Lord (Lord Tim’s post-Dungeon band) performing drums. Due to time restraints however, the band were forced to look elsewhere for a vocalist, securing the services of Mike DiMeo (Riot, Masterplan). The band, by the time they had released two albums with Mike DiMeo on vocals (‘Ageless Decay’ (2009) and ‘Genetic Memory’ (2011) had become very much accomplished songwriters, with Adam Smith’s excellent arrangements and Jason Hodges’ epic lyrics and concept-songs.Mike’s departure opened the doors for legendary vocalist Lance King (Balance Of Power, Pyramaze, Avian) to take over. Lance's style was very much what the band were looking for on the final product, ‘My Misanthropia’ (2015) will prove to be their most accomplished works yet.
Album:
BraveWords Records has announced the digital Bandcamp release of Scythe Ballet, the 2026 album from Australian fantasy power metal act ILIum, originally formed in Newcastle, New South Wales.Following a strong response to the album’s physical edition, Scythe Ballet is now available digitally through Bandcamp, giving listeners direct access to the new record. Additional digital platforms are expected to follow later in the year.By this point, ILIum have established a distinctive identity within the power metal scene, combining melodic and progressive elements with adventurous songwriting. Scythe Ballet continues that development while pushing the band's sound into more ambitious territory.Guitarist, bassist and keyboard player Adam Smith, guitarist Jason Hodges and drummer Tim Yatras are joined by vocalist Giles Lavery, known for his work with Warlord, Alcatrazz, Jack Starr and Dragonsclaw. Together, they deliver an album that brings ILIum’s melodic power metal approach into sharper and more progressive focus.Scythe Ballet is built around intricate song structures, elaborate melodies and a strong sense of musical progression, while remaining remarkably accessible. Lavery’s distinctive vocal performance adds another dimension to the material, complementing the increasingly complex arrangements without taking away from the melodic character that has long defined ILIum.The album moves comfortably between progressive passages, exotic melodic colors and memorable power metal hooks. Rather than relying on straightforward formulas, the songwriting gives each track room to develop, making Scythe Ballet a record that reveals more with repeated listens.Meticulously crafted, intelligent, and remarkably addictive, “Scythe Ballet” is an album that feels immediately familiar without ever becoming predictably boring. It is accessible without being simplistic, sophisticated without becoming self-indulgent, and stands miles away from the disposable, formulaic releases that dominate so much of today’s power metal landscape.This is traditional heavy/power metal created by musicians who understand that genuine excellence is not measured by innovation alone, but by inspiration, conviction and timeless songwriting. ILIUM have delivered one of the strongest heavy/power metal albums of the year — and hopefully the record that finally earns them the wider recognition they have deserved for decades.Date of release 20.08.2026.
Line-Up:
Giles Lavery – Vocals - See also: Dragonsclaw, Jack Starr, Lavery/Mergler, Warlord, ex-Doomed Beast, ex-Heavenward (live), ex-White Wizzard, ex-Metal Piranhas Jason Hodges - Guitars - See also: ex-Iliad, ex-Oracle Adam Smith - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards - See also: ex-Iliad Tim Yatras – Drums
Production:
Mixed and mastered by Thomas Mergler
Tracklist:
01. Infant Clairvoyants 03:53 02. Blood Embers 04:12 03. Scythe Ballet 03:10 04. Confesion of a Former God 04:50 05. Extinction Point 03:37 06. Byzantium 04:28 07. Jovian Storm 03:44 08. Lexicon 04:43 09. Morality Virus 05:02 10. The Prophet King 04:30
