FB Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1996682107230228/***Possibly metals most depressing album of all time, Warning’s 2006 release ‘Watching From a Distance’ is capable of reducing the burliest of men to a whimpering wreck. The band gained interest from the metal underground from their early demos and release of their full length debut ‘The Strength to Dream’; however ‘Watching From a Distance’ became their most significant release.Lyrically introspective and sung with the utmost of emotion, vocalist Patrick Walker bears his heart and soul for our listening pleasure. The vocals are somewhat unique and take a moment or two to get on board with, but the vulnerability and sentiment in the way he sings is what makes this album what it is.Down tuned, distorted, dense guitar riffs form the backbone of each song, opening track ‘Watching From A Distance’ begins with a long dawdling doom drenched riff, before Walkers mesmerizing vocal stylings seize our attention and demand it for the entirety of the album.The highlight of the album for me is undoubtedly ‘Footprints,’ which in essence is seven minutes of total heartbreak. Melancholic from the get go, harsh guitar tones set the bleak atmosphere as the song builds to a heart wrenching epic conclusion. Anyone familiar with this record will understand the impact of the following lyric: “Yet here I stand, a broken soldier, shivering and naked, in your winter light.”Never have I heard something so hugely emotive, the final two minutes of ‘Footprints’ are without question one of the most moving sections of music I have ever experienced. Continuing with the notion of utter gloom, ‘Bridges’ is immersed with bleakness and despair. The slowest track of the album, the guitars crawl along at an almost painfully slow tempo escalating to an uncharacteristic euphoric end. Final two tracks ‘Faces’ and ‘Echoes’ continue the unrelenting melancholic assault, delving into the depths of desolation that Warning do so well.‘Watching From A Distance’ is a timeless album that will forever be a firm favourite of mine. Warning disbanded in 2009, however Walker formed a band called 40 Watt Sun who offer similar gloom and doom, and a band I also rate very highly. Some albums are good, some are great and some capture something so special it becomes an unforgettable experience. This is one of the most beautifully crafted and meaningful albums I’ve ever heard or will ever hear, and an essential listen for any metal fan.