The DevilsHorns

Twenty years is a long time, so it is fair to say that Warning have not been prolific, but now they are releasing album no. 3. That’s not to say that vocalist/guitarist Patrick Walker has been fannying about, concentrating on the rather excellent 40 Watt Sun.

But it is hard to escape your past – especially when your past contains an album that is fast approaching legendary status. Watching from a Distance is that album, and so Warning now have challenge. Will Rituals of Shame be able to support their growing legacy, or should it be left to be revered as it is now.

It is perhaps a fair reflection of their legacy that the mighty Relapse Records are releasing Rituals of Shame. Hopes are high for Warning and the first thing you realise when the excellent opening track, ‘Rituals of Shame’, is that this is a very well-produced album. Crisp and clean, the contemplative riff stands out as Walker’s yearning vocals excel. The result is a deeply personal sounding album that you know is going to affect you.

This is not a background album – it utterly compels you to listen. ‘Stations’ has a magnificent tone, ‘Night Comes Down’ is more tortured in its feel. ‘Landing Lights’ has the best drum performance on the album from Andy Prestidge, helping to set the song apart from the others.

Closing track, ‘Teachers’ is a claustrophobic song, with a plaintiff guitar tone and, once again, vocals that excel. It brings everything to what can feel like a traumatic close, but when you reflect, you feel a gentle warmness as the impact of the album hits.

Warning did not have to release this album. Their brief legacy is assured. The best thing about Rituals of Shame is that it doesn’t affect the legacy. It builds on it and, to be blunt, I would prefer a new Warning album in due course in lieu of a 40 Watt Sun album.

Highly recommended.

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