"The Lords of the New Church" is the debut studio album by English/American gothic rock band The Lords of the New Church. It was released in 1982 by Illegal Records in the UK and by I.R.S. Records in the US.
The album is a culmination of post-punk, gothic rock, and new wave genres, reflecting the varied musical backgrounds of the four band members: vocalist Stiv Bators (formerly of The Dead Boys), guitarist Brian James (formerly of The Damned), bassist Dave Tregunna (formerly of Sham 69), and drummer Nick Turner (formerly of The Barracudas).
The album was well-received, particularly for its singles "Open Your Eyes" and "Russian Roulette". Its distinctive blend of punk and gothic rock elements set the tone for the band's subsequent releases and established them as significant players in the early '80s alternative rock scene.
Though the album was not a commercial hit upon initial release, it has since gained a cult following and is often cited as a significant influence in the development of the gothic rock genre. Its edgy sound and provocative lyrics combine to create a raw and powerful debut that encapsulates the spirit of the early post-punk era.
