My introduction to the mighty Green Lung dates back to the release of their first album, Woodland Rites, in 2019. Since then, I have watched like a proud Pagan father their ascent to the Heavy Metal heights.
Green Lung – Necropolitan
Release Date: 11 September 2026
Words: Kenny Kendrick
After Woodland Rites, the band released another LP via Svart Records, Black Harvest (2021), before signing with Nuclear Blast. This Heathen Land (2023) was their debut on Nuclear Blast, and Green Lung have gone from strength to strength since then.
The band’s winning combo of Paganism and Heavy Metal is what initially drew me to them. It is obvious that frontman Tom Templar knows his stuff involving Paganism and Wiccan witchcraft. You do not need to delve too deep into his lyrical content to see that Tom is very well informed. It has been said that he may even be part of a coven himself. Who knows?
I have been lucky enough to see the band in a live setting a few times. The most memorable occasion was in a sweaty club in Greece a few years ago. They are an incredible live band. If you have never heard Green Lung before, just imagine Black Sabbath riffage, Deep Purple style keyboard wizardry, and melodic vocal acrobatics. Have I sold them to you? Of course I have. Welcome along for the ride.
The band’s latest effort, Necropolitan, is described perfectly by the band as “A love letter to gothic London in riffs, ” and is possibly their greatest moment so far. The album title is derived from the seven garden cemeteries, or necropoli, which circle the city, all built in Victorian times.
With producer Tom Dalgety at the helm (Ghost, Opeth), the band headed to the legendary Rockfield Studios (just up the road from me) to record the nine wonderful tracks that make up Necropolitan.
The LP opens with the atmospheric introduction of Open The Hellmouth before Dance To The Grave reminds us of the power of Green Lung.
Monstrous riffs courtesy of guitar wizard Scott Black, who sounds heavier than ever here, kick the album off with style. A catchy sing-along chorus makes it a perfect way to open the record. Fantastic stuff. Welcome back, lads.
The latest incredible single with a superb video to match, Black Magick Radio, is next up with its references to ’60s gothic subculture. The Process Church is mentioned, as well as the famed Soho Goth Haunt – Le Macabre. The chant from the old occult text “Eko Eko Azarak” is also used.
Necropolitan Line is a fantastic mashup of Deep Purple and Motörhead-style mayhem. The answering keyboard and guitar solos are magic. Take a bow, John Wright.
Evil In This House is another standout track. Green Lung’s formula is a heady blend and is intoxicating. I cannot help but nod along while I am writing this. Brilliant stuff. I think I need to highlight how important drummer Matt Wiseman is to the band. Never flashy, always playing for the song, he is the bedrock of Green Lung’s signature sound.
Together In Death has echoes of some of Alice Cooper’s macabre nods to death. It reminds me of Cold Ethyl or Gail. Not musically, but the lyrical content for sure. Ozymandias gallops along nicely with a few perfectly timed 808 bass drops. Amazing stuff.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that Castle Rat’s Rat Queen herself, Riley Pinkerton, has a guest appearance on the track Alostrael (Be My Babalon). Another solid track.
The album closes with the epic To the Gallows Born, a mid-paced affair which builds to a perfect crescendo. Tom Templar’s vocals are on fire here. Superb.
For those people who are worried about the future of British Heavy music, I say worry not. Green Lung are more than capable of grabbing the baton from the old school and will run at full pelt with it. I was so happy to see that they have been announced as Saturday’s special guests on the Ronnie James Dio stage for next year’s Bloodstock Festival. So well deserved.
Necropolitan is a blast from start to finish. Grab yourself a mug of tea and a couple of rounds of toast, and strap yourselves in for a journey back to Victorian London. ‘Cor blimey, Guv, those Green Lung boys can belt out a tune.
Green Lung release Necropolitan on 11 September 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records. Pre-orders are available from greenlung.bfan.link/necropolitan.
