Mexican rock band The Warning stoped off in Manchester as part of their European tour. The 19-date trek around Europe has seen every single date sell out, and it is easy to see why after witnessing this electrifying performance. A 900-capacity crowd are packed into the Manchester Academy 2 in anticipation of a night of awesome all-female face-melting rock.
The Warning @ Manchester Academy 2
Opening up the show we have Conquer Divide. The American-based metalcore outfit are touring the UK for the first time and certainly won over the many fans who have arrived early. The heavy riffs of Atonement gives us a brutal start. The classic mix of clean vocals from Kiarely “Kia” Castillo and the screams from Madison Spencer work really well. The short set is mainly based around 2023’s Slow Burn (Paralyzed, system_failure, welcome2paradise) and despite them being much heavier than tonight’s headliners, they are really well received by everyone in attendance. Fans will get another chance to see them live in the UK when they return to support New Years Day in September.
Time for The Warning. No big stage show needed – just a simple backdrop featuring the band’s logo – the music more than speaks for itself. The Villarreal Vélez sisters from Monterrey, Mexico certainly pack a punch. Dany Villarreal Vélez (vocals, guitar) Ale Villarreal Vélez (bass, backing vocals) and Pau Villarreal Vélez (drums) are the very definition of a power trio.
S!CK – from the yet-to-be-released fourth album Keep Me Fed – kicks things off. The energetic riff and its chant-like chorus is the perfect opening number. The crowd sing-along to the opening of CHOKE. Dany’s soaring vocals are note-perfect and match the powerful guitars.
Most of the songs are in English, but they still manage to keep in the crowd in the palm of their hands when singing in their native Spanish on Qué Más Quieres. Old-school fans are delighted to hear Dust To Dust and Dull Knives (Cut Better) before MORE gives us a slightly different sound, with its alt-rock vibe. Dany frequently thanks the crowd, but it is us who should be saying “Muchas Gracias” for this epic performance, hitting us with anthems such as MONEY and ERROR.
The Warning @ Manchester Academy 2
It’s easy to see why they were chosen to support Muse last year. Many fans in the long queue to get in tonight had clearly been introduced to them then and were excited to see them in a more intimate setting tonight. I imagine they sounded good in the stadiums but they sound absolutely huge in here. As DISCIPLE and MARTIRIO draw the night to a temporary close, fans were begging for more.
Thankfully the band oblige, returning to the stage to end the night with passionate Narcisista, and EVOLVE gives us a head banging finale. This was a stunning performance by one of the best up-and-coming hard rock bands around. Selling out arenas in Mexico, we don’t think it will be long before they will be doing the same around the world.
Live review of The Warning and Conquer Divide at the Manchester Academy 2 on 25th April 2024 by Will Maxwell. Photography by Joe Jones.
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