The Sisters of Mercy’s Debut LP Gets Deluxe Treatment for 40th Anniversary 

It was 40 years ago this past March 11th when The Sisters of Mercy released their debut LP First And Last And Always on the group’s own Merciful Release imprint.

It would mark the first album from their most iconic lineup, which included the addition of Dead or Alive’s Wayne Hussey replacing departing guitarist Ben Gunn, who left the fold in 1983. Hussey joined the ranks with frontman Andrew Eldritch, guitarist Gary Marx and bassist Craig Adams to help usher in a new era for the Sisters, one that would be over before it began. Shortly after the release of First And Last And Always, Hussey, Marx and Adams would leave the group, citing frustration over Eldritch’s drug use at the time. Hussey and Adams would famously go on to form The Mission.

Hence, this album serves as a singular moment in the history of The Sisters of Mercy whose time to be given the reissue treatment is long overdue.

Enter Rhino Entertainment, who have announced the release of a 40th anniversary deluxe edition of First And Last And Always slated to hit retail on July 4th.

Pressed on Black and Red Marble vinyl, the 4LP set includes the original album alongside the three EPs preceding its release — Body & Soul, Walk Awayand No Time To Cry. Each EP features non-album bonus tracks, with the main album available as a standalone LP in its original gatefold jacket with printed inner bag.

Formed in Leeds, England, in 1980, The Sisters of Mercy remain a cornerstone of the goth rock movement flanked by a large cult following that continues to thrive in 2025.

See below for the full tracklist.

 

FIRST AND LAST AND ALWAYS

4LP TRACKLIST

LP1: Original Album

Side A

1. Black Planet

2. Walk Away

3. No Time To Cry

4. A Rock And A Hard Place

5. Marian (Version)

Side B

1. First And Last And Always

2. Possession

3. Nine While Nine

4. Logic

5. Some Kind Of Stranger

 

LP2: BODY AND SOUL EP

Side A

1 . Body And Soul

2 . Body Electric (1984 Version)

Side B

1. Train

2. Afterhours

 

LP3: WALK AWAY EP

Side A

1. Walk Away

Side B

1. Poison Door

2. On The Wire

 

LP4: NO TIME TO CRY EP

Side A

1. No Time To Cry

Side B

1. Blood Money

2. Bury Me Deep