Relapse Records has officially announced the signing of Warning, one of the most revered names in British doom metal. The partnership will see the label reissue the band's entire back catalogue and, perhaps most significantly, release the first new Warning material in twenty years.
Led by Patrick Walker, Warning emerged in the late 1990s with a singular, emotionally devastating approach to doom metal that stood in stark contrast to the genre's traditional aesthetic. Their debut album, The Strength to Dream in 1999, introduced listeners to Walker's melancholic songwriting and vulnerable vocal delivery.
However, it was their 2006 sophomore effort, Watching from a Distance, that would become a genre-defining cult classic. Hailed for its raw emotional power and stark minimalism, the album has since gained legendary status among doom aficionados, praised for its introspective lyrics and haunting atmosphere.
Shortly after Watching from a Distance's release, Warning disbanded, seemingly cementing the band's legacy with only two studio albums. However, in 2017, the band reunited to perform the album in full at select festivals, including Roadburn, where their performance was captured for the live album Live at Roadburn. This return proved that Warning's music had only grown in stature and influence during their absence.
Now, with Relapse Records behind them, Warning's entire catalog — The Strength to Dream, Watching from a Distance, and Live at Roadburn — will be reissued in physical formats. All three albums are available digitally now, with pre-orders for physical editions expected soon.
Even more exciting, a brand new Warning studio album is in production, marking the first full-length from the band since 2006. Writing is already underway, with recording scheduled for late 2025. Patrick Walker shared his thoughts on the new chapter.
"After seventeen years of focusing my attention and energies on other endeavours, production is well underway on a new Warning album, and I'm pleased to find a home for the band with Relapse Records, who will be releasing this long-awaited follow-up to Watching from a Distance, as well as reissuing the band's back catalogue," said Walker.
"Considering the quality and integrity of their releases, I feel privileged, and am grateful to Relapse, for honouring and preserving my past work, and for their trust and confidence in this next chapter of my musical journey."
Fans won't have to wait long to hear what's next. Warning is set to perform at Damnation Festival in the UK this November, where they will debut new material alongside a full performance of Watching from a Distance. This rare appearance promises to be a major moment in doom history — both a celebration of the past and a glimpse into the future.
As one of the most emotionally resonant and quietly influential bands in doom metal, Warning's return is not just a comeback — it's a continuation of one of the genre's most essential voices. Fans of atmospheric, introspective heavy music should prepare for what promises to be a landmark release in 2026.
