The Essence is a new wave/gothic rock band from Rotterdam, The Netherlands, formed in 1984 and fronted by singer, songwriter and guitarist, Hans Diener. Signed to Midnight Music in 1985 after a year of gigging, their début album Purity (1986) was released to great acclaim, preceded by the 12-inch single, 'Endless Lakes', which was especially succesful in Holland and Germany. 1987 saw the release of the follow-up album, A Monument of Trust, plus the single 'A Mirage', a catchy tune that cracked the Top 10 in Spain.