Floodland (album)

Floodland is the second studio album by English gothic rock band The Sisters of Mercy, released on November 23, 1987, by Merciful Release. It marks a significant shift in the band's sound, incorporating more atmospheric and operatic elements compared to their earlier work.

The album was conceived primarily as a collaboration between vocalist Andrew Eldritch and keyboardist/producer Patricia Morrison, following the departure of the other original band members. This resulted in a heavily layered and synthesized sound, distancing itself from the guitar-driven post-punk of their debut album, First and Last and Always.

Floodland explores themes of environmental disaster, political turmoil, and personal alienation. Lyrically, the album is characterized by Eldritch's characteristic sardonic wit and poetic imagery.

The album features several of The Sisters of Mercy's most well-known songs, including "This Corrosion," "Dominion/Mother Russia," and "Lucretia My Reflection." "This Corrosion," in particular, is notable for its elaborate production, featuring a large choir and orchestration.

Floodland was a commercial and critical success, reaching number 9 on the UK Albums Chart. It solidified The Sisters of Mercy's position as a leading act in the gothic rock scene and remains a highly influential album within the genre. The album is generally considered a classic example of late 1980s gothic rock production and songwriting.