Pericardium is out with a new lineup, new compact disc and a new ambition. Though the band prefers to call “Salutary” a mini-album, this EP definitely has heart. “Salutary” takes the listener up and down lofty-psychedelic-interludes juxtaposed with conterminous heavy-metal tangents.

After experiencing drastic changes in the lineup, Pericardium felt it was necessary to put out a new disc. The mini-album is laced with material that showcases the band’s newest incarnation. The new lineup means a new sound, but the band tries to stay true to its socially aware roots.

As part of the band’s mission statement, songs deal with political and social issues. Death became a reoccurring theme during the songwriting process after two dear friends of the group were killed in a car accident in September of 2007.

“That experience just helped me realize the vulnerability and spontaneity of human existence … it kept coming up every time I would write,” said De Anza student Sean E. Sullivan, who plays guitar and does most of the lead vocals on “Salutary.”

Content aside, “Salutary” is a very well put together album. There were a few spots in the beginning where I thought there were some tonal issues, but the production quality is very high overall. Dosh Records, a local independent recording label, recorded this album.

Hands down, the best songs on the album are the first two tracks. “Salutary,” the title song, starts with a soft, clean and slow arpeggiated guitar riff on top of a smooth synth progression behind a classic David Gilmore of Pink Floyd style guitar lead. The vocals come in taking a different melody than one might expect, with the lines “I’m in for the ride of my life.”

At this point, the listener feels like Pericardium is literally about to take them on a musical joy-ride.

After a minute of this introductory piece, the song seamlessly leads into track two, “A Hymn For Doves to the Rhythm of Hawks,” one of the heaviest, guitar-strong songs on the album – and the musical joy ride begins.

What I found weak about “Salutary” was that the band tended to stay in the songwriting safe-zone. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with staying in the safe-zone, but it tends to be at the cost of the band’s unique sound. There were times when I couldn’t tell if I had fallen asleep and woken up to Pink Floyd, Coheed and Cambria or Kings Black Acid. Which is a shame, because whenever this record does manage to leave the safe-zone on songs like “Ataraxia’s End” and “A Hymn for Doves to the Rhythm of Hawks,” it is beauteous.

Pericardium will be throwing a release party at The Venue in Los Gatos on March 28. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. For tour dates and more information on the band, visit http://pericardiumband.com.