Final Warning (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Defunct | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Portland, Oregon , United States |
| Products | Hardcore punk music |
Final Warning was a hardcore punk group originating from Portland, active within the Pacific Northwest scene between 1982 and 1986. They gained recognition for their anti-war messaging and stood out as pioneers in blending heavy metal influences into hardcore punk.
History
The band initially formed in 1982 under the name Broken Trust, featuring guitarist Jeff "Simon" Simoncini, drummer Dan Cunneen, vocalist Tim Paul, and bassist Charlie Nims (who later joined Poison Idea as Myrtle Tickner). In 1983, Glenn Estes, formerly of Poison Idea, replaced Nims on bass.
By early 1984, the group adopted the name Final Warning. At this point, Tim Paul transitioned to bass duties while Jeff Paul took over vocal responsibilities, establishing the lineup that would remain until their dissolution in 1986. In 1986, Poison Idea’s drummer Steve "Thee Slayer Hippie" Hanford also contributed as a second guitarist.
Their debut release was a self-titled 7-inch EP issued in 1984 through Fatal Erection Records, a label managed by Poison Idea guitarist Tom "Pig Champion" Roberts. The following year, their song "I Quit" appeared on the Portland punk compilation Drinking is Great EP.
Throughout their career, Final Warning performed alongside prominent bands such as Dead Kennedys, The Exploited, Charged GBH, Hüsker Dü, Minutemen, and Mercyful Fate, although their live shows were confined to the Pacific Northwest region.
Members subsequently participated in various other regional acts including Napalm Beach, Poison Idea, The Obituaries, Big House, Gruntruck, Zipgun, Kill Sybil, and Seattle’s Nightcaps.
In June 2007, Southern Lord Records released a comprehensive CD titled PDX, featuring all studio material alongside eleven live tracks recorded during a 1985 Portland performance where Final Warning opened for Mercyful Fate’s inaugural U.S. concert.
The classic lineup reunited for two live performances in September 2008 held in Seattle and Portland.
Tragically, Jeff Paul passed away in a motorcycle accident in Portland on March 3, 2013.
In February 2015, Black Water Records from Portland issued Demonstration 1983, an EP containing nine tracks from the band’s original demo sessions.
Influences
Final Warning’s sound was heavily influenced by early 1980s West Coast hardcore bands such as Germs, Black Flag, Dead Kennedys, Crucifix, Iconoclast, and Circle Jerks, as well as second-wave British punk groups including Discharge, Charged GBH, Disorder, and The Exploited. They set themselves apart by incorporating heavy metal elements inspired by Metallica, Motörhead, Venom, and early Mötley Crüe, positioning them among the first to merge punk with metal styles.
Their lyrics predominantly addressed themes opposing violence and war. Building upon Discharge’s anti-war stance, they critiqued societal conformity, complacency, and militarism prevalent during the Reagan administration.
Discography
- 1983 Final Warning demo (self-released cassette)
- 1984 Final Warning 7-inch EP (Fatal Erection)
- 1985 Contribution to Drinking Is Great 7-inch EP ("I Quit") (Fatal Erection)
- 2007 PDX CD (Southern Lord)
- 2008 Reissue of Final Warning 7-inch EP (Black Water)
- 2013 Demonstration 1983 CD (Rendezvous Recordings)
- 2015 Demonstration 1983 7-inch EP (Black Water)