The Sisters Of Mercy
First and Last and Always (RSC Indie Exclusive) Vinyl LP

Debut studio album from Leeds' The Sisters of Mercy. First and Last and Always was originally recorded in 1984 after the band signed a contract with WEA Records. The album featured the band's the classic line up of frontman Andrew Eldritch, Gary Marx and Wayne Hussey on guitars, Craig Adams on bass and Doktor Avalanche, the band's drum machine. Hussey joined the band following the departure of founding guitarist, Ben Gunn. This had an immediate impact on the band's sound, shifting it in a more gothic rock direction. After years of independent releases, First and Last and Always ushered in a new, although short lived, era for the band. Driven by the mechanical rhythms of Doktor Avalanche, the band would forge a sound that would be imitated long after they disbanded. Includes the songs: "Walk Away," "Marian (Version)," and "No Time To Cry." Ten tracks in all. Released by Merciful Release on black vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve.

• exclusive Record Store Crawl release
• gatefold sleeve
• music label: Merciful Release 2018

reviewed by Hollowed Cheeks 08/2018