Formed in Leeds, 1980, The Sisters of Mercy, while named after a Leonard Cohen song, took inspiration from such luminaries as Bowie, Slade and The Velvet Underground. But their closest sonic bedfellows are The Stooges, Motörhead and Suicide, the influence of which imbued the band with a distinct sound of their own when compared to others in the post-punk era. The band is known for their unique blend of punk-psychedelia, metal, dance beats, and guttural growls.