The Warning are no longer children, though some listeners still seem reluctant to let go of the image that first introduced the Villarreal Vélez sisters to the world.
“We’re not children anymore” has become a recurring line in recent interviews. With their latest single “Ego,” the band stopped being subtle about it.
The Warning’s Evolution Didn’t Please Everyone
Fans noticed a shift with Keep Me Fed, their 4th studio album. Their sound took on a more modern feel with new producer Anton Delost. With compressed vocals and heavier effects processing, Keep Me Fed took some longtime fans a few listens to fully embrace.
That was in 2024. There are still some grumblings from fans of the more classic rock vibes their 3rd album Error is known for, but once the band started touring and audiences heard the songs live, most were all for it.
The Keep Me Fed era was a period of significant growth for The Warning. The album’s success also created anxiety among some fans wondering where the band would go next.
Fan Reactions After Keep Me Fed
When The Warning announced that Delost was returning to produce their 5th studio album (unofficially dubbed “TW5” by fans) there was some handwringing among those hoping for a return to the earlier classic rock sound or even fears they would become more pop-oriented.
Whether intentionally or not, TW5’s early singles feel like a response to those concerns.
The Message Started With “Kerosene”
“Kerosene” was the first single that dropped from TW5, and there were already hints of what was to come. “You try to write the songs I sing / It makes me sick” doesn’t leave much to the imagination.
Drummer Paulina said in an interview the song came out of a group writing session about general experiences and isn’t aimed at any one person or group. In the end, it’s their song they gave to the world. I’ll leave the interpretation to you.
The response to “Kerosene” was overwhelmingly positive. The single climbed to #2 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart and reached #17 on Mainstream Rock Airplay.
“Ego” Pushes The Warning Into a New Era
The official music video for their 2nd TW5 single, “Ego” dropped on Friday (5/22) with the subtlety of a hand grenade. “We’re not children anymore” put to a pulsating video and an air of badassery that can’t be misinterpreted.
Sung in their native Spanish language and drawing on influences from nu metal and industrial metal, “Ego” unmistakably ushers in a new era for The Warning.
Pau reportedly learned harsh vocal techniques specifically for TW5, and the result has already drawn comparisons from fans to artists like Poppy.
Musically it aligns with Korn and early Linkin Park, but as is typical for The Warning, they take those influences and make them their own. You never get the impression that this band is copying anything, and that holds true with “Ego.”
Lyrically, it packs the same punch as the music video featuring Rottweilers, black leather and attitude. “Don’t tell me I can’t / I always take what I want / I don’t bark, I only bite” (English translation) leaves the listener no doubt they’re not apologizing for anything here.
“Ego” Removes Any Remaining Doubt
If you frequent online hangouts of The Warning’s fans such as r/TheWarning, you will see some division over the “new” sound which didn’t previously exist. Not all fans have fully embraced their direction.
If you know the band, you also know they never stop evolving. Queen of The Murder Scene didn’t sound like XXI Blood, Error didn’t sound like Queen of The Murder Scene and Keep Me Fed Didn’t sound like Error.
Bands that survive long term refuse to become nostalgia acts in their 20s.
“Ego” sounds like a band choosing growth over comfort.
