The Essence

The Essence are a Dutch gothic rock and dark wave band formed in Rotterdam in 1984. The band was founded by singer and guitarist Hans Diener, bassist Jeroen "Jerry" Geertsma and drummer Olaf Willemsen. Their music incorporates elements of new wave and post-punk, and has frequently been compared to the sound of the English rock band The Cure.

The band released their debut studio album, Purity, through Midnight Music in 1985. Their second album, A Monument of Trust (1987), produced the single "A Mirage", which became a top-ten hit in Spain. The success of the song was followed by extensive touring throughout Europe. The Essence subsequently released Ecstasy (1988), Nothing Lasts Forever (1991) and Glow (1995).

Although primarily associated with the European gothic rock and new wave scenes of the 1980s and 1990s, The Essence have continued performing and releasing music in subsequent decades.