The Sisters Of Mercy - The Damage Done 7'' [Bootleg]

The original 1980 7" release of The Damage Done is a raw, primitive slice of post-punk that sounds more like a clunky garage band than the polished gothic icons the Sisters would become. Clocking in with a thin, scratchy production, the title track and its B-sides ("Watch" and "Home of the Hit-Men") feature Andrew Eldritch’s vocals at a much higher, more nervous register, backed by simple, jagged guitar work. While some critics dismiss it as a "clumsy" debut, collectors and fans prize bootleg versions for their historical value, as they capture a rare moment of unrefined energy before the band adopted their signature drum-machine-heavy, baritone-driven sound.

The original The Damage Done 7" captures The Sisters of Mercy in an almost unrecognizable state, long before they became the architects of gothic rock. Released in 1980, the three-track single is a jagged, primitive example of post-punk that trades the band's later atmospheric polish for a thin, nervous energy. Andrew Eldritch’s vocals are notably higher and more strained than his signature baritone, and the instrumentation—featuring real drums rather than the iconic "Doktor Avalanche" machine—feels clunky and unrefined. It’s a fascinating, if somewhat "clumsy," artifact that sounds more like a DIY garage band than a group destined for stadium-sized gloom.

Despite its rough edges and scratchy production, the EP is essential listening for anyone tracking the evolution of the genre. Tracks like "Watch" and "Home of the Hit-Men" possess a raw, aggressive bite that was largely ironed out by the time they reached the Alice era. For collectors, bootleg versions are often the only way to own this piece of history without spending a fortune on the rare original pressing. While it lacks the melodic hooks of their later hits, the release stands as a vital document of a band finding their footing, offering a rare glimpse into the chaotic, unpolished roots of a legendary career.

Ripped to MP3

A: "The Damage Done" (3:04)

B: "Watch" (3:12)

The Damage Done (Primary): This common bootleg, often found with pink or blue covers, includes the first two tracks but skips the short outro "Home of the Hit-Men". (actually it doesn't because I just checked for myself...never believe what the internet says)