Formed in 2009, CEREBELLION plays melodic metal in the vein of TOOL, GOJIRA, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, and METALLICA, lyrically integrating introspective themes with social commentary. This year the Orange County (California) quartet celebrated National Metal Day (Nov. 11) with the independent release of their third studio album, "Beyond Our Failures" (six of the songs were individually released prior to the album dropping).

The first track, "Before The Storm," is just that, a period of relative acoustic calm prior to the band unleashing a six song metal assault. Guitarist John Arnold is the focus, playing in a superb flamenco style that, with the introduction of Jimmy Schultz's drumming, gradually builds intensity. The storm breaks as the track segues into "Through Darkness," an interesting song that sees bassist Marc Battung and vocalist Joe Arnold (John's twin) joining to complete the sound. Rife with tempo and tonal variations there is also a central melody with other musical lines running through.

"Now Or Never" is thrash from the get go, settling into a groove that features a couple great riffs. I really liked the way the fuzzy sounding guitar is, at points, seemingly mixed beneath the drums and bass. At about the halfway mark the track slows and becomes spare before building back into its foundational melody.

One of my favorites is the third track, "Someone's American Dream." As Joe Arnold makes abundantly clear in his vocal bursts, which match the intensity of the band's sound, what is a dream for some in today's society is a nightmare for others. John Arnold plays several cool guitar riffs and, whereas he eschewed solos on the first two tracks, he demonstrates his fretboard mastery on this one.

"Redemption" begins frugally and then starts to march right along as Shultz pounds the skins. A tonal break follows, which is something of a reset as the band comes right back with their in your face melodic density. The Arnolds again shine, with Joe showing his pipes and John playing a simple, though effective, solo. "Struggle For The Soul" commences with the repetition of three notes, cymbals chiming in underneath. Rather than being boring, the uncomplicated line played over-and-over-and-over carries an attention grabbing power. The drums and bass eventually form a solid foundation for the guitar, which is alternately played light and then dreary. "No Space For Silence" is contemplative, progressively winding itself up into pure driven thrash.

None of the preceding prepared me for the final track. "Up From The Dust" is a beautifully rendered song remarkable for its gentleness, especially after what CEREBELLION previously unfurled. It is perhaps all the more effective because of its unexpectedness. For me the most memorable feature was the group's vocal harmonies, which left me saying "wow, where did that come from." In fact, the harmonies were so good I wondered how they could be incorporated into more of CEREBELLION's work.

CEREBELLION keeps things interesting on "Beyond Our Failures," changing musical tempos, structures, and tones in a manner that held by my attention, but in such a way as not to be abrupt or jarring (except maybe when they unleashed that last number). They can, as the tenor of the moment dictates, lay down a raging, thunderous sound or an equally accomplished sparser melody. "Beyond Our Failures" is a release that demands attention by a band that I hope becomes more prominent in America's metal spotlight.