ARTISTSisters of Mercy

Sisters of Mercy, an English rock group founded in Leeds in 1980 by Andrew Eldritch and guitarist Gary Marx, is led by Eldritch and the drum machine Doktor Avalanche. After the independently released debut single “Damage Done,” the lineup expanded to make live performances possible and released a run of EPs and singles, including “Alice,” “The Body Electric,” and “Adrenochrome.” The Reptile House EP appeared in 1983, followed by a deal with WEA. With guitarist Wayne Hussey joining, Sisters of Mercy released its first album, First and Last and Always, in 1985.

After internal tensions and the departures of Marx, Craig Adams, and Hussey, Eldritch continued with temporary players. Produced by Jim Steinman, Floodland came out in 1987, reached number nine on the U.K. Albums Chart, and spent six weeks on the Billboard 200. Vision Thing followed in 1990 with a heavier, industrial metal approach. A 1992 re-recording of “Temple of Love” reached number three in the U.K., while the compilation Some Girls Wander by Mistake reached number five. “Under the Gun,” released in 1993, was the group’s last commercial recording. Sisters of Mercy has continued as a live act with changing lineups; songs including “Eyes of Caligula” and “Don’t Drive on Ice” have appeared in its set lists, while Eldritch has said that no new studio album is in the works.