The band began to take shape towards the end of 2002, with the songwriting collaboration of long-time friends & fellow-musicians Ceri Monger (guitar) and Terry Bennington (bass guitar) from Stowmarket, and their friend from Ipswich, Linden Beamish, with his devastating hardcore vocal technique and extensive collection of self-penned, literate, heartfelt lyrics. It immediately became clear that this combination had something original – right from the start the lads were putting together songs with drive, depth and distinctive riffs. Soon joined by Ceri’s brother, experienced drummer Barney Monger, from the authoritative power thrash band Vessel, their sound and repertoire continued to develop, and with the addition of Barney’s ex-Vessel colleague James L. Brown on guitar, they achieved the musical texture and variability they’d been looking for.

Their first gig, in April 2003, was startlingly successful, attracting over 150 people and inaugurating the gleefully ferocious moshpit which now materialises wherever DLC play. The band’s stage performance is full of energy and confidence, the music high-powered and exuberant; Linden gives it all he’s got on the vocals, Ceri’s easy communication with the mosh-pit makes for a high degree of enthusiastic audience-participation. All DLC’s gigs to date have been well-attended and well-received.

In July 2003 Dead Lane Cross went to Springvale Studios, Ipswich, to record their first album, with eminent studio proprietor Mark Harwood engineering and co-producing. ‘Signpost’ was released on 27th September 2003.