Dead Can Dance

I know the name of this band sounds like a death metal group, but it's actually far from that. In fact, the band's style is a mixture of 'world music' and medieval-style choral tracks ('darkwave' according to Wikipedia), among other things. The lyrics are English, along with a strange invented language (much like Sigur Ros's 'hopelandic'... well, kind of). I was given a copy of their album Aion about five years ago which I decided that I liked very much and made myself a copy. It's only just over half an hour long and contains wonderful (in title and in substance) tracks such as The Arrival and the Reunion, As the Bell Rings the Maypole Spins and Fortune Presents Gifts Not According to the Book. Later I also bought Into the Labyrinth which features The Ubiquitous Mr Lovegrove, an amazing song.

Sample: You build me up just to knock me down
You play the fool while I play the clown
Now I'm serving time in disillusionment

The band has a member based in Australia, Lisa Gerrard, although the band was based mostly overseas and she sounds rather European when she sings. Brendan Perry's lyrics are sung in a haunting and commanding voice (he now lives in Ireland although he's from Melbourne originally). Read more here if you like. Wikipedia's article is also pretty interesting.

In terms of their albums, I haven't heard many. I own three and of these I like Aion most. This is supposed to be the album where they sold out to the mainstream, or something. Their older stuff seems much less accessible. Anyway, they're pretty cool. Go and have a listen if you're interested.