With such a band name and the Southern US flag waving on the cover artwork I don't think that THE SIGN OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS need further introduction. They clearly are a Southern/Stoner Metal band and before I even listen to the album I already knew their influences. Come on, DOWN, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, PANTERA and a little bit of EYEHATEGOD. Name me one band from the specific genre that hasn't been influenced by them!

The North Carolina based trio is obviously influenced by the aforementioned bands, something that someone can realize when listening to their debut album ...Of Mountains And Moonshine, which has been already released through the French label Season Of Mist.

Even though I am a huge fan of this sound and especially of the bands I mentioned as TSOTSC's influences, I am also a huge fan of bands that try to do their own thing and kick ass with a more unique style. The US trio is not doing something like this, since even though the album is well structured, with catchy compositions, great riffs and a totally swampy atmosphere, they clearly worship DOWN! I mean come on! They have exactly the same sound, regarding music, since their production could be a lot better. Even the vocalist tries to imitate Phil Anselmo. He is really good at it, but as it seems he is really bad at trying to be himself. Some may say this is bad because the band is trapped into itself, some may say it is good since Anselmo has a really unique voice, some may say that it is just Seth's voice and he can't do anything about it...

The fact is that THE SIGN OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS shows signs of great talent, but they have to move on and find their sound. It just doesn't feel right since this doesn't let their talent shine. I will be waiting for their next step to see how these guys will evolve.

(If you don't care too much about the sound quality of an album or the great similarity to a well known band, then see the rating as a 7/10)