WARNING returns after twenty years with Rituals of Shame, an album born from a transformative period in vocalist/guitarist Patrick Walker's life. This release marks the first new music from the seminal Heavy Metal act in two decades, following the cult success of their 2006 album, Watching from a Distance. Walker approached this project with a blank canvas in early 2025, immersing himself fully until the five tracks that comprise Rituals of Shame took shape.

Musical Influences and Depth

The album showcases ambitious structural arrangements that echo the complex, episodic songs of Marillion, balanced with a sparsity reminiscent of June Tabor's economic yet melodic style. Patrick Walker credits John Brenner of Revelation with introducing the concept of infusing heavy music with significant emotional depth, a theme evident throughout this work. The lyrical content directly addresses the immediate concerns of Walker's current life, echoing enduring fixations found in his previous work, including guilt, shame, personal failure, obsession, longing, and separation.

Production Details

After successfully demoing the five songs, Walker refined the lyrics in a remote house near Florence, Italy. Recording and mixing were handled by Chris Fullard (known for work with Idles, Sunn O))), and Ulver) at The Arch Studio, a 140-year-old former church located in Southport, UK.

Key Highlights

• First new music from WARNING in twenty years.
• Features five new songs developed from a blank canvas in early 2025.
• Recording and mixing handled by Chris Fullard at The Arch Studio in Southport, UK.
• Lyrically explores themes of guilt, shame, failure, and longing.
• Musical arrangements draw inspiration from progressive structures and melodic sparsity.

Rituals of Shame is a significant Heavy Metal release, offering deep emotional resonance from an artist whose previous work has cultivated an ardent, growing fanbase.