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Infernal Love
Infernal Love
Infernal Love
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Infernal Love
Studio album by
Therapy?
Released12 June 1995
RecordedJanuary–March 1995
StudioReal World Studios, Box, Wiltshire, England
Genre
Length48:44
50:22 (JAP)
LabelA&M
ProducerAl Clay
Therapy? chronology
Troublegum
(1994) 		Infernal Love
(1995) 		Semi-Detached
(1998)
Singles from Infernal Love
  1. "Stories"
    Released: 22 May 1995
  2. "Loose"
    Released: 17 July 1995
  3. "Diane"
    Released: 6 November 1995
  4. "Misery"
    Released: December 1995 (US)
  5. "Bad Mother"
    Released: May 1996 (Belgium)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[1]
PunknewsStarStarStarStar[2]
Q MagazineStarStarStarStarStar[3]
Kerrang!StarStarStarStarStar
Metal HammerStarStar
RawStarStarStarStarHalf star

Infernal Love is the fifth album by the Northern Ireland rock band Therapy?[4] Their third album on a major label, it was released on 12 June 1995 on A&M Records. The album was recorded at Real World Studios in Box, Wiltshire from January to March 1995.

Background

[edit]

The album was a major shift in direction from previous album Troublegum, moving away from punk-metal to create a broad epic cinematic soundscape with a strong melodic and rock grounding, with the songs being linked by ambient music pieces from DJ David Holmes. The album also contains a vocals-and-cellos version of "Diane" by American punk band Hüsker Dü, which also became a single.[5] The cellist, Martin McCarrick, later joined Therapy? for several albums.

It was the final album to feature the original three-piece line-up, as drummer Fyfe Ewing departed in January 1996 following the European leg of the Infernal Love tour. The album reached number 9 in the UK Albums Chart and was certified Silver in the UK. It was also certified gold in Belgium.[6][7][8]

Releases

[edit]

The album was originally released on limited edition red 12" vinyl, CD and Cassette. The Japanese release did not feature the "insanity" links by David Holmes, but included two bonus tracks. A remastered CD version of the album by Harvey Birrell was included in The Gemil Box, released on 18 November 2013. A two-disc Deluxe Edition version of Infernal Love was released by Universal Music on 31 March 2014.[9]

Sonisphere Festival

[edit]

The band performed this album in its entirety at Sonisphere 2014.[10]

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Epilepsy"Cairns3:50
2."Stories"Cairns, McKeegan3:11
3."A Moment of Clarity"Cairns6:02
4."Jude the Obscene"Cairns3:32
5."Bowels of Love"Cairns2:53
6."Misery"Cairns3:40
7."Bad Mother"Cairns, McCarrick5:46
8."Me Vs You"Cairns6:24
9."Loose"Cairns3:00
10."Diane" (Hüsker Dü cover)Grant Hart5:00
11."30 Seconds"Cairns5:25
Total length:48:44
Japanese release bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
12."Misery" (Acoustic Version)Cairns3:10
13."Isolation" (Consolidated Synth Mix)Curtis/Sumner/Hook/Morris4:41
Total length:50:22
Deluxe edition disc 2
No.TitleLength
1."Misery (Acoustic Version)" (Diane single) 
2."Die Laughing (Acoustic Version)" (Diane single) 
3."Screamager (Acoustic Version)" (Diane single) 
4."Jude the Obscene (Acoustic Version)" (Diane single) 
5."Loose (Acoustic Version)" (Diane single) 
6."30 Seconds (Acoustic Version)" (Diane single) 
7."Our Love Must Die" (Loose single) 
8."Nice Guys" (Loose single) 
9."Loose (Photek Remix)" (Loose single) 
10."Die Laughing (Live)" (Loose single) 
11."Nowhere (Live)" (Loose single) 
12."Unbeliever (Live)" (Loose single) 
13."Knives (Live)" (Misery US promo single) 
14."Stories (Live)" (Misery US promo single) 
15."Innocent X (Remix)" (Split single with Orbital) 
16."Disgracelands (Acoustic Version)" (Bad Mother single) 
17."Diane (Acoustic Version)" (Bad Mother single) 
18."Opal Mantra (Acoustic Version)" (Bad Mother single) 
Total length:78:00

Personnel

[edit]
Therapy?

with:

Technical
  • Al Clay – backing vocals, producer, engineer
  • David Holmes – "Insanity" (as listed in the booklet)
  • Anton Corbijn – photography
  • Lewis Mulatero – photography
  • Jeremy Pearce – design
  • Simon Carrington – design

Singles

[edit]
  • "Stories" was released on 22 May 1995 with "Stories" (Cello Version) and "Isolation" (Consolidated Synth Mix). This single reached number 14 in the UK Singles Chart, and number 15 in the Irish Singles Chart.[11]
  • "Loose" was released on 17 July 1995 with "Our Love Must Die", "Nice Guy" and "Loose" (Photek Remix). This single reached number 25 in the UK Singles Chart, and number 23 in the Irish Singles Chart. A digipack was released on 31 July 1995 with "Die Laughing" (live), "Nowhere" (live) and "Unbeliever" (live). The digipak charted at number 141 in the UK Singles Chart.
  • "Diane" was released on 6 November 1995 with "Misery" (Acoustic), "Die Laughing" (Acoustic), "Screamager" (Acoustic). A velvet digipack was released with "Jude the Obscene" (Acoustic), "Loose" (Acoustic), "30 Seconds" (Acoustic). This single reached number 26 in the UK Singles Chart, and number 20 in the Irish Singles Chart.
  • "Misery" was released as a radio single in the US on 11 November 1995 with "Evil Elvis" (The Lost Demo), "Knives" (live), "Stories" (live), "Isolation" (Consolidated mix).
  • "Stories" was re-released in the Netherlands in 1996 with "Loose" (live), "A Moment of Clarity" (live), "Our Love Must Die" (live). Live tracks recorded on 14 July 1995 in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
  • "Bad Mother" was released in Belgium in 1996 with "Disgracelands" (Acoustic Version), "Diane" (Acoustic Version), "Opal Mantra" (Acoustic Version).

Accolades

[edit]
  • Included in Q Magazine's 50 Best Albums of 1995 (February 1996 issue).
  • Number 100 in Kerrang's 100 Best British Rock Albums ever![12]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1995) Peak
position
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[13] 21
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[14] 5
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[15] 12
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[16] 33
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)[17] 10
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[18] 20
Ireland Albums (IRMA)[19] 5
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[20] 48
Scottish Albums (OCC)[21] 15
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[22] 12
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[23] 40
UK Albums (OCC)[24] 9

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications and sales for Infernal Love
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Belgium (BRMA)[25] Gold 25,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[26] Silver 60,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Infernal Love

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Infernal Love is the fifth studio album by the Northern Irish band Therapy?, released on 12 June 1995 by . Featuring 11 tracks produced by Al Clay at in Bath, , the album is noted for its dark, dynamic, and introspective sound, blending heavy riffs with experimental elements such as string arrangements and ambient interludes by Belfast DJ Holmes. The record includes standout tracks like the aggressive opener "," the melodic single "Stories," the epic six-minute "A Moment of Clarity," and a cello-driven cover of Hüsker Dü's "Diane," alongside originals such as "Bad ," "Loose," and "30 Seconds." It marked Therapy?'s third major-label release following their Troublegum (1994), but faced production challenges, including the use of for a more polished yet brooding aesthetic. Upon release, Infernal Love received a critical mauling from the music press, which contrasted sharply with the acclaim for its predecessor, leading to diminished band confidence and the eventual departure of drummer . However, retrospective assessments have redeemed its reputation, positioning it among the finest rock of the for its emotional depth and innovative songwriting, with band members Andy Cairns and later reflecting on it as a pivotal, if turbulent, creative peak. The has since been reissued in formats including 180-gram vinyl and deluxe editions, maintaining a strong .

Background

Conception and Writing

Following the commercial success of their 1994 album Troublegum, Therapy? sought to evolve beyond their established punk-metal sound, opting for a darker, more cinematic and ambient-influenced style on Infernal Love. This transition was driven by frontman Andy Cairns, who aimed to incorporate introspective and atmospheric elements inspired by bands like , , and , creating a sonic palette that evoked the brooding intensity of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds or . The songwriting process began in late 1994, with Cairns leading the effort amid personal struggles including drug use—such as alcohol, , and ecstasy—and profound emotional turmoil from the isolation of sudden fame. Initial demos captured heavier, introspective themes, reflecting Cairns' wired state where he wrote relentlessly without self-editing, often staying awake for days and grappling with lyrics born from loneliness and inner conflict. Cairns drew heavily from literature, including Flannery O’Connor's unflinching explorations of human flaws, Samuel Beckett's existential despair, and Thomas Moore's Dark Eros for its embrace of "disgusting truths," infusing the material with raw psychological depth. Specific tracks emerged from these influences, such as "Jude the Obscene," inspired by Cairns' childhood trauma during Northern Ireland's , including a incident where he was tied to a lamppost and assaulted until an older woman intervened, symbolizing societal indifference and vulnerability. "A Moment of Clarity" channeled cinematic and artistic sources, drawing from David Lynch's The Shining for its "haunted ballroom" imagery of shame and longing, as well as ' paintings that captured emotional rawness, with Cairns ensuring "every single word is meant." This phase marked a pivotal, cathartic shift for the band, prioritizing personal catharsis over commercial expectations.

Band Context

Therapy? formed in 1989 in , , by guitarist and vocalist Andy Cairns and drummer while they were students at , with bassist joining shortly thereafter to complete the original lineup. The band initially released material on independent labels such as Wiiija before signing with major label in 1992, marking a significant shift that enabled broader exposure. Their debut major-label album, Nurse (1992), reached number 38 on the and featured the top-30 single "Teethgrinder," establishing them in the scene with its noisy, industrial edge. The band's breakthrough came with Troublegum (1994), which sold over one million copies worldwide, peaked at number five on the , and earned a nomination for the . This success propelled Therapy? into the spotlight of the 1990s Britrock movement, where they toured alongside acts like and shared the era's working-class ethos, though their punk-influenced sound positioned them as a noisier alternative to more melodic contemporaries such as Blur and Oasis. By the time of Infernal Love (1995), still under , the original trio of Cairns, McKeegan, and Ewing remained intact, but the album would mark Ewing's final recording with the band before his departure in early 1996 amid escalating touring fatigue and internal strains. Rapid fame brought significant pressures, including substance use and personal challenges for Cairns, who grappled with the psychological toll of Northern Ireland's conflicts and the demands of constant performance, contributing to a tense band dynamic as they navigated industry expectations.

Recording and Production

Studio Sessions

The recording of Infernal Love took place beginning in January 1995 at in , a facility owned by . The sessions began with demos at Chapel Studios in Lincoln during 1994, before the band relocated to Real World for the main tracking, often working long hours into the night amid tight deadlines and band tensions, including exhaustion and lack of communication between members; the sessions later moved to 's personal attic studio due to time pressure, with final vocal takes completed as mastering tapes were collected. Producer Al Clay played a pivotal role in shaping the album's polished, ambient sound, marking the first use of in the sessions to facilitate experimentation with multiple takes and ambient recordings, such as natural sounds of and geese recorded from a on Real World’s for atmospheric depth. Clay oversaw the addition of string elements, including full arrangements with , viola, and —layered progressively from high to low registers—to enhance tracks like "Diane," contributing to the record's cinematic texture. Belfast DJ David Holmes incorporated ambient interludes between most tracks, transforming the album's flow into a cohesive, film-like experience. The sessions involved challenges in experimenting with heavier riffs and slower tempos to distinguish the album from the band's prior punk-leaning work, including ad-libbed vocals, all aimed at achieving a darker, more varied sonic palette amid pressure from to replicate the sound of their previous album Troublegum.

Personnel

The recording of Infernal Love featured Therapy?'s longstanding core trio: Andy Cairns on lead vocals and guitar, on bass and backing vocals, and on drums, percussion, and backing vocals. This lineup handled the majority of the instrumentation, with Cairns delivering the album's raw, introspective vocal performances and the rhythm section providing the driving, foundation that characterized the band's sound during this period. Additional musical contributions came from cellist , who added atmospheric string elements to select tracks, enhancing the album's emotional depth and experimental edge. On the production side, Al Clay served as producer, engineer, and mixer, overseeing sessions at in the UK and contributing backing vocals; his involvement was crucial in capturing the band's tense creative dynamic while introducing early digital tools like for refinement. David Holmes composed and added the ambient interludes that seamlessly linked the album's tracks, infusing it with a cinematic, atmospheric cohesion.

Composition and Style

Musical Elements

Infernal Love represents a notable evolution in Therapy?'s , transitioning from the grunge-infused punk-metal of their prior release Troublegum to enriched with ambient, cinematic, and industrial elements. This shift introduced a more introspective and atmospheric palette, drawing from gothic and influences such as , , and the roster. The spans 48:40 across 11 tracks, blending fast-paced rockers with slower, brooding compositions to create a cohesive, moody . Instrumentation emphasizes heavy guitar riffs that drive the album's intensity, particularly in tracks like "," which opens with jagged, frantic energy and noisy solos. Cello arrangements, contributed by of , add atmospheric depth and emotional resonance, most prominently in the gothic reinterpretation of Hüsker Dü's "Diane." The sound features dynamic contrasts, moving from aggressive, punk-rooted outbursts to introspective passages that highlight cleaner guitar tones and vocal harmonies. David Holmes' trip-hop and ambient interludes provide cinematic transitions between songs, enhancing the album's haunted, isolated vibe and evoking influences like or The God Machine. These elements contribute to darker, industrial-tinged tones reminiscent of contemporaries in the alternative scene, underscoring the album's departure toward textures.

Lyrical Themes

The lyrical themes of Infernal Love revolve around isolation, , struggles, and fractured relationships, deeply rooted in frontman Andy Cairns' personal experiences during a period of intense touring fatigue and creative pressure. Cairns has described the album as fundamentally "about isolation," capturing his sense of being "simply lost… under lots of stress" amid the band's post-Troublegum and the emotional toll of constant . Tracks like "Misery" and "Bad Mother" delve into turmoil and familial dysfunction, while "Diane"—a cover of Hüsker Dü's inspired by the real-life abduction and of Diane Edwards—evokes obsessive, destructive relationships through its of predation and loss. These elements reflect Cairns' own battles with , including heavy use of , ecstasy, and alcohol, which he later acknowledged fed an that "took me years to shake." The tone of the lyrics is confessional and raw, marked by infernal and religious imagery that underscores themes of damnation and inner torment. Cairns drew from literary influences like and Thomas Moore's Dark Eros, which encouraged confronting "disgusting truths" in a direct, unflinching manner. This rawness stems from Cairns' state during writing, where he was "completely wired… no internal editor," resulting in lyrics that feel unfiltered and urgent. Cairns' vocal delivery amplifies this intensity, featuring a yelping, expressive style that contrasts sharply with melodic hooks to heighten emotional impact. On songs like "A Moment of Clarity," his raw yelps give way to a "really pretty " that invites listener identification, blending with . This approach, described as Cairns' "distinctive manner of singing," underscores the album's personal stakes without overt polish. The album's lyrical arc progresses from chaotic, high-energy outbursts of frustration—evident in opening tracks like "" and "Stories"—to a more reflective closure in pieces like "Loose," mirroring Cairns' journey from pressured creation to introspective release. This structure, with ambient interludes providing breathing room, creates a narrative of emotional descent and tentative resolution.

Release

Formats and Editions

Infernal Love was originally released on June 12, 1995, by in multiple physical formats, including a standard (catalog number 540 379-2), cassette (540 379-4), and a limited edition red 12-inch vinyl (540 379-1). The vinyl pressing was particularly noted for its distinctive red color, limited to a small run for collectors. The Japanese edition, released by A&M Records (POCM-1127), expanded the standard 11-track album to 13 tracks by including two bonus tracks: an acoustic version of "Misery" and the "Isolation" Consolidated Synth Mix. These additions were exclusive to the Asian market and catered to international fans with alternate mixes from the album's sessions. Subsequent reissues began with a remastered CD version included in the band's self-released The Gemil Box set on November 18, 2013, which compiled remasters of their major-label albums alongside rare material. In 2014, Universal Music Group issued a two-disc Deluxe Edition (catalog number 3764398), featuring the remastered original album on the first disc and a second disc with B-sides, acoustic versions, demos, and remixes such as acoustic takes of "Screamager," "Jude the Obscene," and "Loose." This edition was packaged in an eight-panel digipak with a 16-page booklet but omitted printed lyrics. Following the 2014 reissue, Infernal Love became available digitally through platforms like , offering both the standard album and the Deluxe Edition with expanded content. In 2025, marking the album's 30th anniversary, Therapy? acknowledged the milestone via official channels, sharing archival items, a guitar playthrough of "Jude the Obscene" by bassist , and links to streaming options, though no new full reissue was announced—only limited merchandise tied to the celebration.

Promotion and Singles

To promote Infernal Love, Therapy? released a series of singles ahead of and following the album's June 1995 launch by , aiming to sustain momentum from the commercial success of their previous album Troublegum. The lead single, "Stories", was issued on 22 May 1995 and peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, marking the band's highest charting single to that point. The track was backed with the B-side "Isolation", a cover recorded during the album sessions. The second single, "Loose", followed on 17 July 1995, entering the UK Singles Chart at number 41 before climbing to a peak of number 25. This release helped maintain radio airplay and visibility during the early post-album period, with the band incorporating the into live sets amid ongoing studio work. The third single, "Diane"—a cover of the track featuring a string arrangement added by producer Al Clay—arrived on 6 November 1995 and reached number 26 on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, "Misery" served as a promotional single to target and alternative radio outlets, including live recordings like "Knives (Live)" as B-sides on the EP. These singles were closely tied to Therapy?'s extensive 1995 world tour, which began in April with dates in and extended through , , and , allowing the band to debut album material live while building audience familiarity. The tour, overlapping with recording and release, featured performances of tracks like "A Moment of Clarity" and "Me Vs You" from early onward, helping to integrate the new songs into the band's setlists. A TV advertisement for the album aired in the UK during mid-1995, showcasing clips from the darker, introspective sound of Infernal Love.

Commercial Performance

Chart Positions

Infernal Love debuted at number 9 on the on June 18, 1995, marking a solid entry bolstered by the band's momentum from their previous album Troublegum, and remained on the chart for 9 weeks. The album demonstrated international reach in , peaking at number 10 on the Finnish Albums Chart in week 31 of 1995 after entering in week 30, and spending 6 weeks there, while achieving a peak of number 20 on the German Albums Chart over 11 weeks. It also peaked at number 5 on the Irish Albums Chart.
CountryPeak PositionWeeks on ChartEntry Date
99June 18, 1995
5UnknownJune 1995
106July 1995
2011June 1995
The album's singles experienced varied success, primarily in the . "Stories," released simultaneously with the album, became the highest-charting single, peaking at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and spending 4 weeks on the chart. The double A-side "Diane" / "Jude the Obscene," issued later in 1995, reached number 26 in the . "Loose" peaked at number 25 on the UK Singles Chart. Other promoted singles, including "Misery" and "Bad Mother," generated regional interest in Europe but did not enter the top 40. Overall, the release reflected a commercial slowdown compared to Troublegum, with the album's chart longevity shorter amid the band's stylistic evolution.

Certifications

In the United Kingdom, Infernal Love was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) on June 1, 1995, for shipments of 60,000 units. The album also earned a gold certification in from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI Belgium) on August 12, 1995, recognizing sales of 25,000 copies. These remain the only official certifications awarded to the album, with combined estimated sales in the and reaching 85,000 units; no additional awards were granted after 1995, highlighting the record's commercial challenges in sustaining the momentum of Therapy?'s previous release, Troublegum.

Critical Reception

Contemporary Reviews

Upon its release in June 1995, Infernal Love elicited a range of responses from critics, with the music press delivering what has been described as a critical mauling that tested the band's resolve. While some reviewers appreciated the album's bold evolution, others lamented its divergence from the punchy accessibility of Troublegum. Positive assessments highlighted the record's ambition in blending industrial noise, strings, and brooding introspection. Despite the mixed reception, the album was included in Q magazine's 50 Best Albums of 1995 list and ranked #26 in Select magazine's Albums of the Year 1995. Common themes across reviews included admiration for the conceptual scope but debate over whether the darker, more labyrinthine approach alienated listeners expecting Troublegum's immediacy.

Retrospective Assessments

In the 2010s, deluxe reissues of Infernal Love garnered renewed acclaim for highlighting the album's depth and innovation. The 2014 expanded edition, featuring remastered tracks, acoustic versions, and live recordings, was praised by PopMatters for its cinematic textures enhanced by producer David Holmes and the emotional resonance added by cellist Martin McCarrick, earning a 7/10 rating. Similarly, The Quietus lauded the reissue as the best album of 1995 and the second-best of the 1990s overall, commending its pitch-black tone, gothic-pop influences from artists like Nick Cave, and Andy Cairns's refusal to repeat the punk-metal formula of prior works. Retrospective reviews from the period emphasized the 's emotional intensity and personal stakes. Punknews.org's 2014 assessment highlighted its raw vulnerability, particularly in tracks like the cover "Diane," described as a "depressing, gloomy and incredibly creepy" exploration of human depravity that left a lasting impact. A 2016 interview with the band reflected on the recording's turmoil, noting it nearly caused a and ended their major-label momentum in the U.S., yet affirmed its heartfelt authenticity, with Cairns stating every word was "meant" and the now regarded by many as a personal favorite or one of the decade's standout records. Louder Sound's that year positioned Infernal Love among the finest rock releases of the 1990s, crediting its bold shift toward introspection and ambience for influencing the band's later maturity. By 2025, marking the album's 30th anniversary, critical reevaluations underscored its enduring resilience and cult status. Distorted Sound Magazine described it as "something of a " in hindsight, crediting time's healing effect for elevating its reputation beyond initial commercial setbacks. Aggregate user scores on sites like averaged 3.5 out of 5, reflecting sustained appreciation among listeners for its dark, anxious energy. The evolving critical consensus frames Infernal Love as a daring, mature evolution in Therapy?'s catalog, prioritizing artistic risk over accessibility despite its role in a temporary sales decline following Troublegum. This view celebrates its departure into melancholic, literate themes as a high point of experimentation.

Live Performances

1995 Tour

The 1995 tour in support of Infernal Love marked a significant undertaking for Therapy?, beginning in April with the first show in on April 9 and encompassing an extensive schedule of live performances across , , and through the album's June release and beyond. The tour included high-profile appearances such as at the festival in , , on August 26, where the band delivered a set blending new material with established hits. According to the band, they played 101 shows that year, reflecting the demanding pace of promotion for their third major-label album. Setlists during the tour evolved to emphasize tracks from Infernal Love, with staples like "Loose," "Stories," "Bad Mother," and "A Moment of Clarity" forming the core, often comprising over half the performance. These were interspersed with fan favorites from the preceding album Troublegum, including "Die Laughing," "Hellbelly," and "Screamager," creating a dynamic mix that showcased the band's shift toward a heavier, more experimental sound while maintaining crowd engagement. Early shows featured more improvisation during soundchecks, but as the tour progressed, the focus sharpened on the new record's darker themes. The rigorous itinerary took a toll on the band, exacerbating internal tensions and leading to exhaustion, particularly for drummer , who had already been strained by interpersonal issues with frontman Andy Cairns during recording. These pressures culminated in Ewing's departure in January 1996, shortly after the tour's initial legs, nearly derailing further promotion; bassist later recalled the chaos of overlapping recording and touring commitments as "insane." Reception to the live shows was generally positive in the UK and Europe, where enthusiastic crowds appreciated the band's raw energy and the album's heavier direction, contributing to successful festival slots and venue turnouts. However, responses were mixed in regions like Australia, where some fans expressed disappointment over the departure from Troublegum's punk accessibility, with Cairns noting a promoter's visible letdown upon hearing the new material.

Anniversary Shows

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Infernal Love, Therapy? performed the album in its entirety at the Sonisphere Festival's Bohemia Stage in Knebworth Park, , on July 5, 2014. The set, which included support acts like and , drew praise for its raw energy and nostalgic appeal, with frontman Andy Cairns dedicating the show to the album's enduring "infernal" spirit amid a crowd of rock enthusiasts. Buoyed by the enthusiastic reception at Sonisphere, the band announced an extension of the anniversary performances, scheduling additional full-album shows across the and in late 2015 and early 2016. These dates, including stops in and , were lauded for reviving the album's intense, brooding atmosphere, with one review describing the performances as a triumphant "dark opus revival" that highlighted the record's depth beyond its predecessor Troublegum. Following the conclusion of the dedicated Infernal Love tour in 2016, select tracks from the album continued to feature in the band's wider setlists during subsequent European and festival outings, emphasizing fan favorites such as "Stories," "A Moment of Clarity," and "Jude the Obscene" to maintain the material's live presence. In 2025, marking the album's 30th anniversary since its June 12 release, Therapy? engaged in commemorative activities including social media retrospectives on the original 1995 tour—highlighting the 101 shows played—and reflections on its recording and impact, as well as a play-through of the track "Jude the Obscene" by bassist Michael McKeegan, though no dedicated full-album live tour was undertaken.

Track Listing and Credits

Track Listing

Infernal Love comprises 11 tracks with a total duration of 48:44. All tracks were written by band members Andy Cairns, Michael McKeegan, and Fyfe Ewing, except for "Diane", a cover of the Hüsker Dü song written by Bob Mould.
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1"Epilepsy"Cairns3:50
2"Stories"Cairns, McKeegan3:11
3"A Moment of Clarity"Cairns6:01
4"Jude the Obscene"Cairns3:32
5"Bowels of Love"Cairns, McKeegan, Ewing2:53
6"Misery"Cairns, McKeegan, Ewing3:40
7"Bad Mother"Cairns, McKeegan, Ewing5:45
8"Me vs You"Cairns, McKeegan, Ewing6:23
9"Loose"Cairns, McKeegan, Ewing3:00
10"Diane"Mould4:21
11"30 Seconds"Cairns, McKeegan, Ewing5:31
The Japanese edition adds two bonus tracks: "Misery" (Acoustic Version) (3:10) and "Isolation" (Consolidated Synth Mix) (6:37). The 2014 deluxe reissue by expands the with a second disc featuring demos, B-sides, acoustic versions, remixes, and live recordings from a 1995 performance at , including an acoustic rendition of "Stories".

Additional Credits

The artwork and design for Infernal Love were created by Paul Karslake, who illustrated the cover featuring an infernal heart, while sleeve photography was handled by Paul Cox. The album was released by in the UK and internationally, with mastering performed by at Sterling Sound. Additional production elements include string arrangements composed and performed by , particularly on tracks like "Diane," and ambient mixes curated by David Holmes, which link the album's songs with atmospheric segues. The 2014 deluxe reissue, released by , includes a 16-page booklet with written by the band members, providing personal insights into the album's creation.

Legacy

Accolades

Infernal Love earned several notable rankings in contemporary polls following its 1995 release. The album also ranked number 100 on Kerrang!'s 100 Best British Rock Albums of All Time, a reader poll highlighting standout British rock releases. While Infernal Love did not secure major awards such as the , retrospective honors include its 30th anniversary celebrations in 2025, with the band marking the occasion through official posts reflecting on the album's impact.

Cultural Impact

Infernal Love has garnered a reputation as a within circles, particularly for its bold fusion of 1990s intensity with electronic and ambient elements, such as the atmospheric segues composed by Irish producer David Holmes. This experimental approach, blending heavy riffs and raw emotion with orchestral flourishes and textures, positioned the album as a bridge between the grunge era and emerging electronica-infused sounds. The album maintains a devoted fanbase, especially in the UK and Ireland, where Therapy? originated, with many listeners now regarding it as their favorite Therapy? record or one of the standout releases of the 1990s for its unflinching portrayal of desire, isolation, and heartbreak. In 2025, marking the album's 30th anniversary, fans shared nostalgic reflections on its emotional depth through online discussions and video play-throughs of tracks like "A Moment of Clarity," often tying personal memories to the record's tour experiences. This enduring resonance underscores its role in fostering a loyal that appreciates its and melodic deviations from the band's earlier punk-grunge roots. Reflecting on the album's creation, frontman Andy Cairns described Infernal Love as a near-catastrophic period marked by internal band tensions, exhaustion, and substance issues that almost led to Therapy?'s dissolution, with drummer departing after the 1995 tour. Despite these challenges and its initial commercial underperformance amid the boom, the record proved pivotal to the band's longevity, enabling a creative reset that sustained their evolution through 10 subsequent studio albums up to Hard Cold Fire in 2023. While Infernal Love has seen limited mainstream revival, overshadowed by the band's breakthrough Troublegum, it endures through deluxe reissues, such as the 2014 expanded edition featuring remastered tracks and rarities, and appearances at niche rock festivals where selections from the album remain staples in setlists. These efforts highlight its lasting niche appeal, occasionally revisited in anniversary performances that reaffirm its artistic significance.

References

  1. https://therapyquestionmark.co.uk/audio/infernal-love/
  2. https://www.loudersound.com/features/therapy-s-infernal-love-an-oral-history
  3. https://www.discogs.com/master/35765-Therapy-Infernal-Love
  4. https://thequietus.com/interviews/therapy-interview-infernal-love/
  5. https://www.loudersound.com/features/therapys-andy-cairns-my-life-in-10-songs
  6. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4ng857j0p7o
  7. https://shop.udiscovermusic.com/products/therapy-nurse-cd
  8. https://riffology.co/2025/04/16/the-making-of-troublegum-by-therapy/
  9. https://www.loudersound.com/features/britrock-special-how-to-make-friends-influence-people
  10. https://distortedsoundmag.com/heavy-music-history-infernal-love-therapy/
  11. https://www.loudersound.com/features/darkness-destruction-drugs-and-a-dead-crow-how-therapy-killed-off-their-hated-irish-nirvana-tag-with-the-daring-nurse
  12. https://www.metalkingdom.net/lyrics-album/therapy-infernal-love-125728
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/3996042-Therapy-Infernal-Love
  14. https://thequietus.com/quietus-reviews/therapy-troublegum-infernal-love-reissue-review/
  15. https://www.allmusic.com/album/infernal-love-mw0000646715
  16. https://www.punknews.org/review/12667/therapy-infernal-love
  17. https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/95991/
  18. https://balkanrock.com/english/andy-cairns-therapy-it-took-me-years-to-get-over-the-experience-of-making-infernal-love/
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/985332-Therapy-Infernal-Love
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/6408896-Therapy-Infernal-Love
  21. https://thethinair.net/2013/10/therapy-announces-details-of-gemil-boxset/
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/5562614-Therapy-Infernal-Love
  23. https://superdeluxeedition.com/news/therapy-deluxe-editions/
  24. https://www.amazon.com/Infernal-Love-Deluxe-Therapy/dp/B073JHR46G
  25. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKy4sK9oL5O/
  26. https://www.facebook.com/Therapyofficial/posts/heres-to-30-years-of-infernal-love-released-on-this-day-in-1995-our-5th-album-fe/1251671832981665/
  27. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/therapy-stories/
  28. https://www.discogs.com/release/698259-Therapy-Stories
  29. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/uk-top-40-singles-chart/19950730/750140/
  30. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/therapy-diane/
  31. https://www.discogs.com/release/6620639-Therapy-Misery
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUBW2bXNENM
  33. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19950618/7502/
  34. https://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Therapy%3F&titel=Infernal+Love&cat=a
  35. https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche?suche=therapy%3F+infernal+love
  36. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/therapy-loose/
  37. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/47980
  38. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/13310
  39. https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Keenomanjaro/select-magazine-albums-of-the-year-1995/
  40. https://www.popmatters.com/180120-therapy-troublegum-infernal-love-2495675320.html
  41. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/therapy/infernal-love/
  42. https://www.instagram.com/p/DKzhaXWi8No/
  43. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/average-setlist/therapy-5bd66fcc.html?tour=63d75e37
  44. https://www.loudersound.com/features/sonisphere-2014-therapy-the-bronx-kerbdog
  45. https://www.eonmusic.co.uk/therapy-sonisphere-2014.html
  46. https://www.loudersound.com/news/therapy-extend-infernal-love-dates
  47. https://louderthanwar.com/therapy-infernal-love-slade-rooms-wolverhampton-live-review/
  48. https://louderthanwar.com/therapy-belfast-live-review/
  49. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/therapy-5bd66fcc.html?year=2016
  50. https://music.apple.com/us/album/infernal-love/1443902937
  51. https://muzieklijstjes.nl/Kerrang100British.htm
  52. https://www.facebook.com/Therapyofficial/posts/30-years-of-stories-released-on-this-day-in-1995-the-single-was-the-first-taste-/1236377341177781/
  53. https://blabbermouth.net/news/therapy-troublegum-and-infernal-love-20th-anniversary-editions-due-in-march
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