Review GREEN LUNG “Necropolitan”

Green Lung haven’t been around all that long, yet they’ve already managed to leave a distinct footprint in the worlds of rock and metal. The journey began back in 2019 with a somewhat overlooked debut album that nevertheless opened the door to a deal with Svart Records. Black Harvest became the band’s first real milestone, followed by the excellent This Heathen Land, which further established their musical identity.

Three years later, Green Lung return with Necropolitan, continuing their journey through the darker corners of doom-laden occult rock. The five Englishmen remain firmly committed to their musical vision without making any major changes to their sound. Instead, it’s the little things – the attention to detail and carefully placed nuances – that make these songs such an engaging listen.

Take the superb “Dance to the Grave.” There’s a distinctly Sabbathian foundation here, but Green Lung build their own musical identity on top of it. The lyrics are build on the Victorian era but are also lined to contemporary themes, something that becomes particularly apparent on “Dance to the Grave.” There’s more going on beneath the surface than the riffs might initially suggest.

With “Black Magic Radio,” Green Lung pick up the pace a little. The Hammond organ adds an intriguing layer to the song, giving its dense arrangement some extra character. More importantly, “Black Magic Radio” shows just how much the band can do with seemingly small details. Beneath its cohesive melodic flow, numerous little facets reveal themselves with each listen.

“Necropolitan Line” turns up both the speed and the heaviness another notch. The label’s description of the track as a blend of Motörhead and Deep Purple actually hits the nail on the head. “Necropolitan Line” has the raw, untamed energy of Motörhead paired with the finesse of a band like Deep Purple. Just listen to those Hammond parts – and Tom Templar’s Gillan-esque scream. Ian Gillan might raise an eyebrow, but he’d probably approve. This is one of the album’s standout moments on a record that has no shortage of well-crafted songs.

“Together in Death,” meanwhile, takes a more mournful and haunting approach. An eerie sense of calm provides the song with its defining atmosphere. There’s nothing cheerful about “Together in Death,” and even when its initial melancholy gives way to rumbling riff power, the track retains its dark character. It’s a gloomy moment on an album that knows exactly when to step back and let the shadows do the talking.

In the end, Green Lung haven’t lost any of their appeal. With Necropolitan, they deliver another strong record rooted in doom metal and infused with occult overtones. The album offers plenty of memorable moments, allowing the band to let their creativity roam while never losing sight of their core direction. With Necropolitan, Green Lung have firmly established themselves and secured their place in the wider metal universe. Their formula remains recognizable, but the details keep it interesting – and that’s where much of the album’s magic lies.