Editing The Sisters of Mercy (section)

===''First and Last and Always'' era (1984–1985)===
Gunn was succeeded by [[Wayne Hussey]], who focused on 12-string electric and acoustic guitars while also contributing as a songwriter. His studio experience with [[Dead or Alive (band)|Dead or Alive]] proved invaluable as the Sisters set out to record their first full-length album. The ''Black October'' UK tour (October–November 1984) solidified the band’s underground cult status; however, the growing estrangement between Eldritch and the rest of the group became increasingly problematic during the recording of the debut album ''[[First and Last and Always]]''. Eldritch's declining health and psychological issues further exacerbated the situation. The causes of these problems were frequently discussed in the gossip columns of the music press, including ''[[NME]]'', ''[[Melody Maker]]'', and ''[[Sounds (magazine)|Sounds]]''.

Most songs on the album were written and rehearsed by Marx, Hussey, and Adams, with Eldritch stepping in at the final stage to write lyrics and provide vocals.

Following the release of ''First and Last and Always'', produced by [[David M. Allen]], Marx departed from the band in the midst of a supporting tour, citing an inability to continue working with Eldritch. The Sisters of Mercy completed the tour as a three-piece act, bidding farewell to fans with their final performance at London's [[Royal Albert Hall]] on 18 June 1985. Video recordings of this show were later released as "Wake." A music video for the song "Black Planet" was also produced, featuring the [[Monkeemobile]]. Promotional videos were created for the singles "Body and Soul," "Walk Away," and "No Time to Cry," but none of these videos, including "Black Planet," have been officially released by the band to date.