Warning (British band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Patrick Walker |
| Headquarters | Harlow, Essex , United Kingdom |
| Products | Doom metal music, albums |
Warning is a doom metal group originating from Harlow, Essex, United Kingdom, established in 1994 by Patrick Walker, who serves as the vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter. The band produced two albums and is widely recognized as a significant influence within the doom metal scene.
Following their split in 2009, Walker continued his musical journey with the project 40 Watt Sun, which eventually evolved into his solo endeavor.
Warning briefly reassembled in 2017 to perform their album Watching from a Distance at the Roadburn Festival, subsequently embarking on tours throughout Europe and the United States.
History
The inception of Warning dates back to 1994 when Patrick Walker joined forces with bassist John Sellings and drummer Stuart Springthorpe. Their early demo releases, Revelation Looms (1996) and Blessed by the Sabbath (1997), garnered attention from underground media and attracted interest from record labels.
Their first full-length album, The Strength to Dream (1999), issued through The Miskatonic Foundation label, achieved cult acclaim among doom metal enthusiasts. After completing a European tour in 2001 alongside Jack Frost, the band ceased activity but reunited for a performance at Germany’s Doom Shall Rise festival in 2005.
In early 2006, after touring Scandinavia with Reverend Bizarre, Warning recorded their sophomore album, Watching from a Distance, at Rosenquarz Studio located in Lübeck, Germany. Released later that year during winter, it received widespread critical praise and is regarded as one of the most impactful doom metal records of the last quarter-century as well as a defining metal release of its era.
Both albums were initially available as limited gatefold double vinyl editions through Metal Supremacy and subsequently Cyclone Empire. When an unauthorized low-quality vinyl pressing appeared in 2012, Patrick Walker reclaimed control over Warning’s recordings. Subsequent authorized vinyl reissues have been issued under license to Svart Records, reinforcing a durable collaboration.
In January 2009, Walker officially ended Warning to focus on creating music with deeper artistic integrity via 40 Watt Sun.
The 2017 Roadburn Festival reunion saw the band perform Watching from a Distance in its entirety, followed by highly praised tours across North America and Europe.
In 2025, Warning inked a deal with Relapse Records and revealed intentions to produce their first studio album in twenty years after appearing at the Damnation Festival.
Legacy
In 2019, Kerrang! placed Watching from a Distance at number one on their list of "13 Bleakest Rock And Metal Albums Ever," commending Patrick Walker’s unparalleled emotional expression. Metal Hammer recognized the album’s title track as the most heartrending doom metal song and included Warning among their "Top 50 Greatest Cult Bands." Decibel Magazine ranked the album within its Top 20 Doom Metal Albums of All Time, while Terrorizer Magazine featured it among their Best Albums of the Decade (2000–2009).
Author Andrew O'Neill, in his 2017 work A History of Heavy Metal, described Warning as "the finest doom band of their era," emphasizing their 2006 release for containing "arguably the most emotionally powerful song in all of heavy metal" – Bridges.
Current members
- Patrick Walker – guitar, vocals
- Marcus Hatfield – bass guitar
- Andrew Prestidge – drums
- Wayne Taylor – guitar
Previous members
- John Sellings – bass guitar (1994–1997)
- Wayne Taylor – bass guitar (1997–1998)
- Stuart Springthorpe – drums (1994–2008)
- Christian Leitch – drums (2008–2009)
Studio albums
- The Strength to Dream (1999)
- Watching from a Distance (2006)
Live recordings
- Watching from a Distance – Live at Roadburn (2021)
EPs
- Bridges (2010)
Demo recordings
- Revelation Looms (1996)
- Blessed by the Sabbath (1997)
Compilation albums
- The Demo Tapes (2011)
- Casting Shadows (2017, complete works)
Appearances on compilations
- At the Mountains of Madness CD, 1999 (The Miskatonic Foundation) – features "Cemetery Eyes"