Sisters of Mercy

About

Gothic rock's reigning lords of darkness, The Sisters of Mercy, aren't just a band; they're an atmosphere. Conceived in the post-punk crucible of early 80s Leeds, England, by Andrew Eldritch, their sound is a potent cocktail of driving drum machine rhythms ("Doktor Avalanche" – a character in itself), cavernous guitars, and Eldritch’s signature baritone vocals. Traces of the Velvet Underground's droning intensity and Motörhead’s raw power can be detected, subtly shaping their brand of epic, darkly romantic rock. The release of *First and Last and Always* in 1985 cemented their place as genre pioneers, followed by the commercial breakthrough of *Floodland* (1987), showcasing a more polished, symphonic sound. While internal strife and Eldritch’s notorious control have led to numerous lineup changes (he remains the sole constant), the band’s influence on subsequent goth, industrial, and metal acts is undeniable. Notable collaborations include Patricia Morrison (The Gun Club) during their most iconic period. The Sisters of Mercy, despite releasing no new studio albums since 1990's *Vision Thing*, remain a powerful live force, their concerts a ritualistic experience for generations of fans. They continue to tour extensively, proving that the allure of the dark never truly fades.