19th-Century Folklore Comes to Life Through Contagious, Hypnotic Retro-esque Sounds
English Stoner/Doom group and Nuclear Blast recording artists Green Lung have released their fourth studio album, Necropolitan, on September 11, 2026. The record is filled with heavy, catchy, retro-esque, hypnotic sounds, heavily influenced by early heavy metal heroes Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, with lyrics that scream folklore, occultism, life, history, and death. The structures, both lyrically and melodically, open a spiritual, storytelling gateway for the soul.
The LP opens with “Open the Hellmouth,” which starts with palpitations and a high-pitched, eerie effect that emulates a wailing voice. The sudden ending transitions to “Dance to the Grave,” where the band plays a heavy, dirty descending riff reminiscent of Black Sabbath’s early material. Backing vocal overdubs and organ fill out the arrangement, with the bass dominating the low end. Lead vocalist Tom Templar preaches words of the false promise of progress in humanity’s relationship with technology, addressing modern anxiety in a style reminiscent of Ozzy Osbourne.
If Black Sabbath’s influence wasn’t enough to serve as the album’s foundation, then Deep Purple’s influence is integral to Necropolitan. The follow-up “Black Magick Radio” shows it, with driving guitars and bass and prominent organ work. Templar, at times, hits high notes eerily close to Ian Gillan’s voice, while an interplay of organ and guitar solos screams a musical battle between Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore.
“Necropolitan Line” solidifies Deep Purple’s influence. Driven by a contagious, hypnotic hook from the rhythm section, with the drums carrying the tempo, the song becomes an absolute headbanger. The interplay of solos, organ, and guitar again serves as an album highlight, while Templar delivers his strongest vocal performance, with lyrics inspired by London’s Necropolitan Railways, which transported dead bodies and their mourners to Brookwood Cemetery for funeral processions.
“Together In Death” takes a different direction, featuring melancholic acoustic guitar and piano that create a completely different feel. Centering on the longing to be with a deceased lover, the song provides a rare sense of vulnerability in the album. It then returns to the familiar heavy sound; however, the guitar solo adds to the feeling of despair rather than serving as a moment to show off.
“Ozymandias” sees the return of erratic organ passages, guitars, and another phenomenal vocal display, while “Alostrael (Be My Babalon)” is a nod to occultist Leah Hirsig. Lastly, in “To the Gallows Born”, the concept of death is unavoidable. Accompanied by eerie voices and heavy wah-wah, the walk to execution is met with acceptance, marking the end of a great LP.
Necropolitan will be a huge hit for this well-established band. The arrangements balance identity and homage without becoming too predictable; the production lets the instruments breathe while keeping them as focused as possible; the layers of guitars, drums, organ, and voice bring their songwriting to life. While the influences of Black Sabbath and Deep Purple may be immediately recognizable, Green Lung makes them their own.
