WHAT LIES AHEAD is a metal band based out of Elgin, Illinois, emphasizing killer grooves, strong hooks, catchy melodies, and introspective lyrics drenched in video game, film, and television references.

Formed just after the beginning of 2015, Jim (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Steve (Drums), and Q (Bass, Lead Vocals) have been churning out riffs, rhythms, and grit like three men possessed. Bringing their diverse influences together in a blend of old-school metal with a modern approach, they take a great deal of pride in the powerful sound they've crafted.  After spending a year hard at work writing, rehearsing, and recording, they released their first effort on January 30th, 2016, titled THE DAMAGE LEFT IN YOUR WAKE.

Since that album's release, the band has written and gigged relentlessly, building strong bonds within the Chicagoland metal community and stepping onto stages both small and large.  Following the June 2018 release of their second album, THE BIRTH OF TRAGEDY, the group has continued to work on new material and an improved live experience.

WLA embarked on their first tour, HELLBOUND, during Summer 2019, bringing their music to stages outside of Illinois for the first time ever with a journey to Oklahoma and Texas.  Writing and planning for the next major release continued in earnest before, during, and after the tour, and production for what would become the NEW GAME EP officially began in February 2020.

NEW GAME releases on May 29th, 2020.

Keep an eye open and an ear to the underground, and soon you'll see for yourself WHAT LIES AHEAD.