Warning is a British doom metal band formed in Harlow, Essex, in 1994 by vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Patrick Walker. The group initially disbanded in 2001, reformed briefly in 2005, and released two full‑length studio albums: The Strength to Dream (1999) and Watching from a Distance (2006). After a second breakup in 2009, Warning reunited for a one‑off performance at the 2017 Roadburn Festival, playing Watching from a Distance in its entirety, followed by a short tour of Europe and North America. In 2025 the band announced a new record deal with Relapse Records and released their third album, Rituals of Shame, in June 2026, marking their first studio release in two decades.
History
- 1994–2001: Founded by Patrick Walker, bassist John Sellings, and drummer Stuart Springthorpe. Early demos Revelation Looms (1996) and Blessed by the Sabbath (1997) attracted underground attention. Their debut album, The Strength to Dream, was issued in 1999 on the Miskatonic Foundation label. The band toured Europe with fellow doom acts Solstice and Jack Frost before disbanding in 2001.
- 2005–2009: Reassembled for a performance at Germany’s Doom Shall Rise festival (2005). In 2006 the band recorded their second album, Watching from a Distance, which received critical acclaim and is frequently cited as an influential release within the modern doom metal scene. The group officially dissolved in January 2009.
- 2017–present: Walker revived the band for the 2017 Roadburn Festival, leading to additional live dates. After a hiatus, Warning signed with Relapse Records in 2025 and released Rituals of Shame (2026), their first new material in twenty years.
Musical style and legacy
Warning’s sound is characterized by slow, heavy riffing, mournful vocals, and emotionally driven songwriting, hallmarks of the doom metal genre. Watching from a Distance has been highlighted by publications such as Kerrang! (named the bleakest rock/metal album on a 2019 list) and Metal Hammer (ranking its title track among the most heartbreaking doom songs). The band is frequently mentioned in retrospectives of influential doom metal releases and is regarded as a cult favorite among genre enthusiasts.
Members
- Current: Patrick Walker (vocals, guitar), Marcus Hatfield (bass), Andrew Prestidge (drums), Wayne Taylor (guitar)
- Former: John Sellings (bass, 1994–1997), Stuart Springthorpe (drums, 1994–2008), Christian Leitch (drums, 2008–2009), among others.
Discography
- The Strength to Dream (1999)
- Watching from a Distance (2006)
- Rituals of Shame (2026)
Additional releases include demo tapes, live recordings (e.g., Watching from a Distance – Live at Roadburn, 2021), EPs, and compilation appearances.
Labels
Relapse Records (current), Svart Records, The Miskatonic Foundation, Cyclone Empire.
Online presence
Official website: www.warningband.com
The band remains a notable influence within the doom metal community, recognized for its atmospheric compositions and the emotive depth of its recordings.