Review
The Sisters of Mercy's debut album, 'First and Last and Always,' released in 1985, stands as a brooding monument within the realm of gothic rock. With an iconic lineup featuring Andrew Eldritch, Wayne Hussey, Gary Marx, and Craig Adams, the album envelops listeners in hauntingly beautiful soundscapes. Eldritch's deep, foreboding vocals weave through atmospheric tracks drenched in melancholic allure, each note a dance with shadows and introspection. Engineered by David M. Allen, the production's notable use of a drum machine amplifies the album's sense of mechanized despair, a rhythmic pulse echoing themes of mortality, love, and the darkness within the human soul.
Standout tracks like 'Walk Away' and 'No Time to Cry' showcase the band’s skill in crafting melancholic melodies that are hauntingly catchy, yet dripping in sorrow. Despite the internal tensions that would eventually lead to disbandment, 'First and Last and Always' remains a testament to their innovative sound, peaking at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart. This transcendental album continues to captivate, inviting listeners into its dark corridors and is essential for those who yearn to explore the somber depths of 1980s music. - Lydia
