The Warning

"The Warning" is the debut studio album by the American heavy metal band Queensrÿche. Released on September 7, 1984, this album embarked Queensrÿche on their professional recording career, showcasing a traditional heavy metal and progressive sound that was very stylish for the time period. The album was a stepping stone that helped carve out a unique niche for Queensrÿche in the panorama of 1980s rock.

"The Warning" was recorded in London, England, and it was the first Queensrÿche's album released internationally under the EMI label. Though it was not a large commercial success, it did gain a strong fan following and placed a respectable #61 on the Billboard album charts in the U.S.

"The Warning" features some of Queensrÿche's earliest classic songs like "Warning", "Take Hold of the Flame" and "NM 156". The lyrics of this album often centralize on abstract and metaphysical themes along with dystopian and warning scenarios dealing with robotics and technology taking control over humanity. The album's cover art was designed by Garry Sharpe-Young.

Critically, the album received mostly positive reviews for its musicianship and composition. However, the band members themselves have expressed dissatisfaction with the final mix of the album. Nevertheless, "The Warning" is highly regarded by fans and critics alike for its intricate musical structure and thoughtful lyrics, marking a strong debut for the Seattle-based band.