Sisters of Mercy brought their iconic goth sound to Downtown Phoenix on Oct. 3, performing at the Van Buren. The band, joined by opener Blaqk Audio, captivated the audience with memorable performances that thrilled fans.
Lead singer Davey Havok engaged the audience with frequent banter between songs, fostering a lively atmosphere that enhanced the connection between the artist and the crowd.
The energy between the artists and the crowd was amplified by Havok’s constant dancing. At one point, he leaned into the barricade, singing directly to audience members and enhancing the intimate atmosphere of The Van Buren.
Blaqk Audio’s flavor of music is surprisingly clear for the environment you’d find yourself in – a dark, grungy, and complex scene. Havok’s vocals would show his talent especially, holding notes for outrageously long times, which he’d achieve solely on his own with no machine assistance.
Blaqk Audio’s upbeat, rave-like energy contrasted sharply with Sisters of Mercy’s slow, somber sound. Despite the apparent clash between the two bands, they were united by one common element: the synth.
The Sisters of Mercy is a three-member band featuring lead singer Andrew Eldritch, and guitarists Kai and Ben Christo.
The band performed on a striking set adorned with vines wrapped around pillars that emitted bold, fitting lights. This soundstage perfectly complemented The Sisters of Mercy’s dark, rock-inspired, and atmospheric aesthetic.
While not as interactive as Blaqk Audio’s lead singer, Davey Havok, Eldritch delivered his powerful and distinctive vocals.
Andrew Edltrich’s vocals have become iconic in the goth scene — with his deep and dark voice, listening to the difference in Eldtirch’s and Havok’s voices gave an audience a distinct wave of shock and awe.
Guitarists Ben Christo and Kai, with an emphasis on Christo, drove much of the band’s crowd participation, encouraging the audience to clap and raise their hands. However, their engagement fell short of Blaqk Audio’s Davey Havok, who did not interact with the crowd during the performance.
Despite this, Christo and Kai’s guitar solos were a highlight of the show, showcasing their expertise and skill. At various points, the two leaned back-to-back, supporting each other during solos, and frequently burst into dynamic, skillful riffs that captivated the audience.
As the performance concluded, the crowd erupted in chants of “Encore!” expressing their desire for more.
After a suspenseful wait, The Sisters of Mercy returned to the stage, opening with their acclaimed song “Lucretia My Reflection” before seamlessly transitioning into “This Corrosion.” The band left the audience on a high note, delivering both songs with maximum intensity and reinforcing their status as a legendary act in music history.
