31

SATURDAY

For seven long years, Sisters of Mercy doyen Andrew Eldritch was trapped in an interminable contract with London’s East West Records. His solution was SSV, a side project so appalling it’s rumored to stand for “Screw Shareholder Value”; its album deals almost entirely with selling narcotics to schoolchildren and the joys of firearms. Not exactly “Temple of Love” or Vision Thing, eh? Apparently, though, East West was satisfied. Now free once again to make maudlin music with his Cimmerian comrades, Eldritch and the Sisters slink into D.C. to the delight of goth kids with names like Azrael Abyss and Circy Nightshade. Expect to hear cuts from their forthcoming new album. And be afraid. Be very afraid. With Heavy Water Factory at 7 p.m. at the Capital Ballroom, 1015 Half St. SE. $27. (202) 554-1500. (Dan Avery)