The Sisters of Mercy

The Sisters of Mercy [ðə ˈsɪstəz ə ˈmɜːsɪ] are a British gothic rock band from Leeds, England. They were formed in 1980 by Andrew Eldritch and Gary Marx.

Andrew Eldritch has said that the band's name was inspired by a Leonard Cohen song in which the phrase « the sisters of mercy » alternately refers to a religious order of that name and to prostitutes. Another, more likely explanation exists for the origin of the band's name: a reference to the sisters of the Brontë family, writers from Leeds, like the band. Highly influential in goth circles, the band has nonetheless released only three albums in more than 40 years of existence. Careful work on sound and melody has always characterised their output. Their concerts are often described as an « experience », featuring thick clouds of smoke accompanied by lighting effects.

The Sisters of Mercy are strongly shaped by the personality of Andrew Eldritch, the vocalist around whom the band's line-up has frequently changed. One of the group's defining features is its constant use of a drum machine named Doktor Avalanche. Present on every recording and used at every concert, the instrument is regarded as an entity in its own right within the band.

Fiercely independent and determined to retain artistic control of the band, Andrew Eldritch created his own label, Merciful Release, and even when he signed with major label WEA, he retained production, design and artistic direction of the records within that partnership, with WEA handling distribution and promotion for the band. He is one of the founders of the goth style, unanimously recognised as such by critics, although he rejects the goth label. His lyrics are often cynical and disillusioned, referencing various artists, philosophers and historical events that he admires.

Former members of Sisters of Mercy went on to form the bands Ghost Dance and The Mission.