The Sisters of Mercy are an English rock band formed in Leeds in 1980. Known for their dark, atmospheric sound, the band gained a cult following in the underground scene before breaking through commercially in the mid-1980s. Their three studio albums—First and Last and Always, Floodland, and Vision Thing—were each recorded with different line-ups, but always featured founding member Andrew Eldritch and their iconic drum machine, Doktor Avalanche. By the early 1990s, The Sisters of Mercy stopped releasing new music due to disputes with their record label. Since then, the band has focused on touring and continues to perform both classic tracks and new material live, despite not releasing fresh recordings. Eldritch also recorded an unreleased album under the name SSV as part of his contractual obligations. Former members of The Sisters of Mercy later formed the bands Ghost Dance and The Mission.