Australia's Ilium returns with their fifth recording Genetic Memory and finds the band staying the course of heavy melodic power metal. Familiar territory is always a good place to be, so don't expect Ilium to breaking any new ground here. But that's just fine, simply because Ilium is good at what they do. With a foundation in classic heavier metal, Ilium easily straddles the fence both simple melodic metal and the more thunderous power metal, although the melodic girds everything here. The former is evident in Ephemeral, Hostile Sky, and the best track Grey Stains the Rainbow. Much of this has do to the harmonious guitar work and the inclusion of, often luxurious, synthesizers. These are not merely in accent but add much needed breadth and dexterity to a song like Hostile Sky. For the latter power metal, Kinasthesia, the title cut Genetic Memory, and The Immortality Gene blister along with a scorching intensity. But even these (and others) are tempered by the keen sense of melody and tasteful use of keyboards.