| Infliction | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Scheer |
| Cover: | Scheer - Infliction.jpg |
| Genre: | Alternative metal |
| Label: | 4AD |
| Prev Title: | Shéa EP |
| Prev Year: | 1996 |
| Next Title: | Wish You Were Dead EP |
| Next Year: | 1996 |
Infliction is the debut studio album by Northern Irish rock band Scheer. It was released on 28 May 1996 through 4AD record label. The album became a minor alternative hit following the release of the singles "Shéa" and "Wish You Were Dead".[1]
The record features an alternative metal sound with influences from power pop and shoegaze.[1] [2]
AllMusic critic Jonathan Lewis described the record as "a promising but inconsistent debut" and stated: "The problem Scheer encounter is not being able to make the songs different enough or to keep the vocals from sounding exposed."[3] Anya Sacharow of Entertainment Weekly stated that the frontwoman Audrey Gallagher’s "airy, Bjorkian vocals contrast nicely with the mostly metal guitar on Infliction, despite "occasionally lapsing into a monotonous drone". Sacharow also regarded the record as "both hard and pretty — as if you morphed Hole with the Cocteau Twins."[4]
Brad Reno of Trouser Press wrote: "The band kicks up an okay racket and Audrey Gallagher is certainly a strong vocalist, but the material is not desperately memorable."[5] CMJs Aaron Clow thought that the record showcases the band's technical prowess without overshadowing their songwriting. Clow further stated: "The band lives up to its name in a few ways — it's fuzzy and velvety, but watch out for that bed of nails lurking underneath."[6]
All tracks are written by Scheer, except where noted.
Album personnel as adapted from the album liner notes.[7]