An original heavy metal sound was born when Skyril, a thrash metal group, merged forces with nu metal group 44 Cal. The result became Lies Beneath, an original group with its own unique sound whose name suggests there's a lot more to their music and lyrics than what meets the eye.

Earlier this year, Lies Beneath entered the Emergenza contest, which took place in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn. Like American Idol, the audience had an opportunity to vote on the groups they liked best and, after three rounds, Lies Beneath entered the semifinals July 31 at Manhattan's The Knitting Factory. The group came in as the runner-up.

Although influenced by such known heavy metal bands as Metallica, Chimaria, Lamb of God, Slayer and Slip Knot, Lies Beneath does not do covers. Instead they have created their own style of music with original heavy metal lyrics written by Jared Zipes and Ben Seer, both 18 and from Westbury. Sixteen-year-old Andrew Czedlede, also of Westbury, plays the drums; 20-year-old Steve Inoshimaof Westbury is on base; and 18-year-old Glen Staff of Deer Park plays rhythm guitar and is a lead vocalist. In addition, Zipes also plays lead guitar and backup vocals while Seer, who is the band's lead singer, also provides back up guitar.

"Our material is 100 percent our own," said Zipes of the band's lyrics with subtle meanings that pierce the surface of the obvious. The lyrics all come from the group's own life experiences and philosophies.

To date, Lies Beneath has created 10 songs for their new album scheduled out later this year. "We are expanding into Manhattan where the big boys play," said Steer. "We're on a roll and nothing can stop us now.

According to Staff, the band is ready to go out there and show who they are. "Believe me, they won't forget us."

Zipes said that what separates Lies Beneath from the competition is the way the band plays together. "What we do is practice, practice and more practice," he said. "Hard work, practice and perseverance will land us on top ... We all play with chemistry and love what we do."