The Sisters Of Mercy - Demos And Rarities Volume II

Picking up exactly where its predecessor left off, Demos and Rarities Volume II continues the fascinating excavation of The Sisters of Mercy’s vault. This volume focuses heavily on the mid-80s transition period, offering a glimpse into the creative friction and experimentation that occurred during the First and Last and Always and Floodland eras. It is a collection that highlights the band's shift from the jagged, guitar-driven post-punk of Leeds toward the vast, atmospheric electronic-rock soundscapes that would eventually define their global success.

The tracklist is a treasure trove of "work-in-progress" moments. It features highly sought-after demo versions of "Marian" and "No Time To Cry," where the arrangements are noticeably sparser and the atmosphere more haunting than the final album versions. Additionally, this volume often includes rare instrumental takes and early electronic sketches by Andrew Eldritch, showcasing his mastery of the Doktor Avalanche drum machine as the band's core rhythmic engine. These recordings allow fans to hear the "bones" of the songs before they were layered with the "wall of sound" production of their major-label years.

As with Volume I, this unofficial pressing is designed for the serious collector, often issued in limited quantities on colored or marbled vinyl. The audio quality is remarkably high, largely compiled from high-generation studio tapes that preserve the cold, industrial precision of the band’s mid-80s output. With its minimalist artwork and focus on the band's most creative "shadow" period, Demos and Rarities Volume II remains a mandatory companion for anyone looking to complete their understanding of the Sisters' sonic legacy.