- GREEN LUNG - BLACK HARVEST
Earmaster: Christopher Caps | Website: greenlung.co.uk
Metal Brew is yet to have the pleasure of Green Lung playing one of our shows, although they have been on our radar since their brilliantly occultish, Sabbath-worshipping debut, Woodland Rites. The great thing about that previous album was that, while it worshipped Sabbath, it didn’t remotely plagiarise. Both the presentation and the sound very much represented the bands own entity, though that core influence could be felt. Woodland Rites suggested that very rare of things – a distinctive Stoner-Doom band.
Finally seeing the band in full swing live at Bloodstock (bloody Covid, disrupting live joys…) confirmed all suspicions that Green Lung were onto something special – a fact that was all the more proved at the sold-out celebratory show at The Dome a few weeks later. Which brings us to the long-awaited release of Black Harvest. And what do Green Lung have to offer us? A heavingly heavy joy of an album that has Green Lung widening the exploration of their sound, subtly stepping a little further outside of the Sabbathine shadow that had done them so well up to this point. Influences from other classic early Metal, NWOBHM and Gothic Metal acts can be heard, along with a subtle Proggy-influence that helps lift the band from outside straightforward ‘Stoner-Doom’ labelling. All of this results in album that delivers exactly what you should want from a second Green Lung album – great songs with riffs that demand an immediate head-banging boogie and an orgiastic, ritual atmosphere to match. A band celebrating the sound that made their first album a success while showing the confidence to go a little further than before.
None of the songs is a dud and the album is a delight to take in as a whole. However, the three belters that open this album (after a really nice, mood-setting intro) immediately win you over.
“Big heavy songs for your doomed balls.”
One of the things that helps Green Lung do what they do so well is the addition of the organ. It adds an extra layer that powerfully adds to the bombast of the album. It sometimes discreetly adds to the feel of a song, while at other times it comes to the forefront, helping to lift the songs to an even higher level. Combined with massive, rocking Doom riffs, driving rhythms and a voice that is its own take on the Ozzy style, and what you are left with are anthems for the doomed youth (and the not so youthful). ‘Old Gods’, ‘Leaders of the Blind’ and ‘Reaper’s Scythe’ are all undeniable anthems and an excellent opening trio. ‘Graveyard Sun’ changes the pace and the mood a little, but maintains the quality, showing the variety in Green Lung’s sound (I can’t be the only one to hear a welcome tip of the hat to Type-O on this song). ‘Graveyard Sun’ breaks the album up nicely and, after a little title-track, interlude, we are off full-pelt through the rest of the album – a further rush of bombastic Doom beauties. If you enjoyed Woodland Rites, then this album should make you very fucking happy.
Overall…
I’m not sure if any of the songs quite have the call-to-arms power of ‘Let the Devil’ In or ‘Ritual Tree’ (though arguments could definitely be made for ‘Leaders of the Blind’ and ‘Upon the Altar’) but I’d argue that overall the album is a step up from a very strong debut. If you’ve not got into Green Lung yet – what the hell is wrong with you?! This is a great place to start and then go witness the majesty of the live Green Lung ritual.