Album Review: Warning – Rituals of Shame (Relapse Records)

Warning return with ‘Rituals of Shame’, their first new album in 20 years, due June 19th via Relapse Records.

Doom that you’ll feel in your soul, Warning’s return comes with weight and not just because of the lethargic, soaring instrumental delivery. No, so much of the album’s weight comes from Patrick Walker’s immense vocals. The man has a hypnotic voice, something fans of 40 Watt Sun will be all too aware of.

Of course, it’s easy to draw distinctions between the two bands, not just because of the Patrick link, but because both sit within the world of doom. However, as you sink into Warning, the differences become quite clear, least of all the fact that this album showcases a more monolithic and oppressive style of doom. Which, personally, I can be hot and cold with, but Warning really do it for me.

I feel like I’m drifting on a raft on a calm sea that is deep and dark. In fact, I’m surrounded by darkness, but it doesn’t frighten, even though there’s a sense of danger within. All I have to do is stay on the raft, and I’ll be fine, something that does get a little more challenging occasionally as the waters get choppier as the music shifts and shimmers in vibrant ways, but never to the extent that I get upended.

Does that make sense? I think it will once you hear the record, and it is a must listen as far as I’m concerned. A magnetic listen that encapsulates what it means to lose yourself to music. The thick and sinewy riffs, the thump and crash of drums, the way in which Patrick’s vocals swirl around the mind in disconcerting, but beautiful fashion, the album leaves a meaningful impression.

Warning – Rituals of Shame Track Listing:

1. Rituals of Shame
2. Stations
3. Night Comes Down
4. Landing Lights
5. Teacher

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