Goth legends The Sisters of Mercy hit Philly this week, performing to a packed house at The Met. SOM rose to popularity in the mid-80s with their album First and Last and Always, amassing a cult following, and they certainly put on a show for their loyal fans.
Lead singer and frontman Andrew Eldritch worked the audience into a frenzy as he moved from one end of the stage to the other. Guitarists Ben Christo and Kia played with vigorous energy, displaying masterful execution of their instrumental skills. The Sisters of Mercy opened their set in dramatic fashion. Fog and silhouette lighting added to the mystique of the dimly lit show as they launched into their classic tracks “Doctor Jeep” and “Detonation Boulevard.” It felt like the perfect primer for what was to come. SOM sounded larger than life, planting songs from their setlist into a lasting memory, presenting a story of deep-seated emotions.
The Sisters of Mercy are one of those rare bands that don’t rely on massive stage productions, instead focusing on the strength of their music. They proved that the music and message they began creating decades ago were born in a place that will continue to resonate within all of us for decades to come.