Aveus is all about rebellion. The metal band made up of Napa teens is finishing up a concept album called "Heaven's Last Hour," a compilation of songs addressing corruption in America's organized religions, according to Steve Meloney, Aveus' lead vocalist.

The north Napa subdivision where Aveus regularly plays hears the band's message loud and clear -- a Napa police officer interrupted Aveus' practice on a March weekday after a neighbor phoned in a noise complaint.

Meloney said Aveus practices every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday for at least two hours at a time. "We're pretty tight and we're pretty dedicated," he said, adding that he reads up on the music business and wants to make it his career.

The parents of Aveus' members believe in what their children do. Meloney's parents have helped the band by buying music equipment. The parents of Jeremy Diestel, the band's drummer, allow the band to practice at their home.

When asked about the meaning of the name Aveus, the band's members said it is an acronym -- but wouldn't say what it stands for.

Brothers Matt and Steven Meloney grew up with Jeremy Diestel and said they added guitarist Chris Paulson to the group since his personality meshed with that of the brothers and their longtime friend. Steven Meloney said finding a new band member was no small feat. "We auditioned two singers but they didn't fit in."

Aveus' sound stems from musical influences including Metallica, Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, Michelangelo Batio and Trivium, a death metal band. Although the musicians say they don't like labels, they describe their music as "rock to heavy metal," and usually play original songs.

Aveus is only about four months old. In an earlier incarnation was called the Knights of Havok, a band composed of Diestel and the Meloneys. The Knights of Havok were intact for about two years, according to Steven Meloney, and he said the Knights were the first band to play in the Napa High School auditorium after it was remodeled. "But now, our sound is a little bit heavier."

Scott and Jill Meloney are supportive of their sons' efforts, and Steven Meloney said his father, who plays keyboards, is one of his sources of motivation and inspiration.

"My dad Scott has done sound for Vintage's Garage Band Club, a couple of Chefs Markets and the last Fourth of July show (in downtown Napa). He's involved with the Napa Musicians Performance Guild" -- a collective group of local bands and musicians that stages free concerts in the summer.

Aveus plans to send a tape of themselves performing to CBS' "Living Room Live" program.

Meloney said the band is also fine-tuning its stage presence to create higher energy performances. The group currently has a set list about 90 minutes long.

Aveus (or the Knights) has performed at Locos Tex Mex Grill and at the last two downtown Fourth of July celebrations. Steven Meloney said for the past two years, the group has played at the Chefs Market twice each season. The Napa Musicians Performance Guild has also secured gigs for the band.

"We're trying to keep the widest audience we can while still doing what we like," Steven Meloney said.

For more information about Aveus, visit www.myspace.com/aveusmusic.