The Crate
The Sisters Of Mercy
Floodland
Floodland is the Sisters of Mercy’s second studio album, released on 16 November 1987. It marks a move toward expansive, synth-driven gothic rock and is widely regarded as a landmark in the genre. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floodland_%28album%29))
Recording History
Sessions ran at Power Station (New York City), Strawberry Studios (Stockport), and The Wool Hall (Bath). Producers were Andrew Eldritch and Larry Alexander, with Jim Steinman co-producing the tracks “This Corrosion,” “Dominion,” and “Mother Russia.” Recording began in January 1987 and continued through the first half of the year; Eldritch performed nearly all parts, programming Doktor Avalanche on a computer-based setup while Patricia Morrison contributed little to the final performances. The title reflects Hamburg’s influence and water imagery. The track “This Corrosion” features a 40-voice New York Choral Society. The album runs 45:27, on Merciful Release/WEA, and demonstrates early use of MIDI/sequencers and other late-80s studio tech (Casio CZ-101, Voyetra Sequencer Plus, Yamaha SPX90, Compaq 286). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floodland_%28album%29)) ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floodland_%28album%29))
Chart Performance & Recognition
Floodland peaked at number 9 on the UK Albums Chart (first chart date 28/11/1987) and was certified gold in the UK (11 March 1988). It reached number 32 in Germany (BVMI, 1987) and was later certified gold there (1993). In the US, it debuted at 174 on the Billboard 200 and rose to a peak of 101. Singles performed well in the UK: “This Corrosion” at 7, followed by “Dominion” at 13 and “Lucretia My Reflection” at 20. ([officialcharts.com](https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/sisters-of-mercy-floodland/))
Cultural Impact & Legacy
Critics soon hailed Floodland as a milestone, with AllMusic praising its lush production and vast soundscape; it is listed among essential gothic-rock albums by Classic Rock, Consequence, Spectrum Culture, LA Weekly, and Treble. Tracks and versions are widely discussed in modern sources, and the album’s material has influenced later goth and industrial artists. “Lucretia My Reflection” has been covered (notably by Kreator in 1999), and “This Corrosion” was featured in The World’s End (2013). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floodland_%28album%29))
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