UK doom metal legends WARNING have announced their first studio album in two decades, "Rituals of Shame", set for release on June 19 via Relapse Records. The announcement marks the end of a 20-year silence from one of the genre's most revered acts — a band whose 2006 album "Watching from a Distance" is widely regarded as one of the finest doom metal records ever made.
The comeback has been announced alongside the lead single "Stations", a near-ten-minute track that reestablishes frontman Patrick Walker's unmistakable approach immediately: patient, devastating, emotionally raw. Walker has been active with his side project 40 WATT SUN during WARNING's long absence, but "Rituals of Shame" signals a full return to the band that made his name.
Walker provided context for the album's creation: he recorded the entire record throughout 2025, working methodically without a rush. He cited British folk singer June Tabor, American doom group REVELATION, and British progressive legends MARILLION as inspirations for the material.
On the announcement, Walker stated: "Whether you're among those who have been waiting for this for 20 years, or whether you're new to my music, it is with great pleasure and some relief, that I can finally give you a taste of the album that will follow later in the year."
The five-track "Rituals of Shame" tracklist: "Rituals of Shame", "Stations", "Night Comes Down", "Landing Lights", "Teacher". WARNING have also announced several European festival appearances and tour dates for 2026.