Green Lung: Urban Folklore
It seems odd to be talking about dark folklore tied to London in the midst of a June heatwave. Yet, even as the country swelters, the macabre undertones of the city pervade. GREEN LUNG has just released the single Necropolitan Line from forthcoming album Necropolitan. Tom Templar, lead singer of self-identified goat bothering heavy metallers acts as guide for the path from the heathen land into the myth laden streets of the capitol.
When it comes to the musical style of the album, GREEN LUNG are looking to expand upon a sound that has its roots firmly within the early traditional elements of heavy metal. It is a quintessential GREEN LUNG album, building on ideas that they have explored before but taking every aspect a little bit further. “We kind of know what the LUNG is now,” Tom explains. “It’s fun, being in dialogue with the fans, on the one hand doing classic kind of stuff, on the other bringing other bits in. I always see it as what can we draw into what we’re building. Both in terms of lyrics but also the music.” With a broad grin referencing to the new single, “it’s trying to goth up and heavy up DEEP PURPLE to its logical conclusion. Yet it’s an album that we’ve stripped back.” Taking a moment to reflect on making it a more “live” record and going into those roots. Tom laughs, “could we do this in The Black Heart.”
Of the themes of the new album, Tom expresses the muse of the city for him as a musician and song writer. Taking the elements of the city that appeal to the DNA of GREEN LUNG. A foundation of which is heavily based in the myth and lore of the land as a whole. “It’s a love letter to the folklore of the city, I think people often think of folklore as a rural thing. But there’s so much myth and history in London, it’s such an exciting thing.” Many people are familiar with tales and dark legends of the capitol. Stories that range from heinous true crime such as Jack the Ripper or the plague burial pits that are said to form diversions for underground lines. Tom is quick to point out that they didn’t want to take the well-known path.
“I wanted to do it in a non-obvious way, but it’s hard! I wanted to dig in a bit and find those things that are less obvious.” Through this telling of lesser-known legends, GREEN LUNG shine a light on the wonderful juxtaposition of the city. Ancient temples sit opposite a sky line dominated by skyscrapers, Tom grins “occult churches nestle side by side to an All Bar One.”
Reflecting on the GREEN LUNG journey, Tom says of Necropolitan, “I’d been thinking of this seven cemeteries idea way earlier.” Graveyard Sun (from second album Black Harvest) for example with Highgate. There are elements that the band have taken from earlier that they have now given a freedom to explore. “It’s a very referential band,” Tom explains, unable to contain a laugh. “Even becoming self-referential.” This it seems though is all part of the fun. Tom is enthusiastic about what the band have created and one can clearly get the sense that GREEN LUNG are not only enjoying every moment they create but that they are also brimming with ideas. Returning to the concept of how the seed was laid for this album on Black Harvest, Tom continues. “So I had this idea then, but that album morphed into an evil harvest festival and I’m really happy about how that turned out. Equally I’m now glad we waited to write this album.” London, while not the home city for the individuals is the home of GREEN LUNG. It’s where the group formed and coalesced into what they have now become. “I’ve been here for over a decade now but I’m still looking at London through outsiders’ eyes. I grew up in the rural stuff, so that comes easier to me. This has been a good challenge. I didn’t just want to do This Heathen Land part two.” What they have created is a companion album. A non linear follow on, the previous album being a view of the rural and the new release taking the trail into the urban.
“One of the itches I like to scratch. Is stuff that feels like it’s made up but did exist. However, you can give it a push a bit into the fictional world.” It’s an answer to the concept of how the songwriting of GREEN LUNG blends elements of fact and fiction. Taking a literary approach to actual events without delivering them in a literal way. “What I loved about This Heathen Land, a big breakthrough for me artistically was thinking about real places and feeling like people could go and explore the songs.”
This is an aspect that many of GREEN LUNG’s fans have found a deep connection with. Since their earliest release and first album Woodland Rites, they have felt like a band that can deliver the big rock ‘n’ roll moments, however they can ground it too. In some cases, quite literally to something physical and that helps add an extra dimension to what they create. “The world of fantastical rock ‘n’ roll is over here, it’s on the stage and that’s where it stays. But being able to go to some of these sites, it’s so atmospheric, I think, to listen to music in a certain place.” We’re talking just after the summer solstice has taken place and while with some artists it may seem trite to listen to talk of experiencing music in a specific location, there is an earnestness to with Tom speaks. He is aware that this is not something for everyone, but he speaks honestly about what it can mean. “If someone listens to Song of The Stones in a stone circle, they can have an experience that is incredibly personal to them, it’s out of my control but if I can give them that narrative impetus to get there, it’s great.”
Through all of their releases GREEN LUNG have been able to capture the folklore magic of their songs through the physical artwork that accompanies each release. Charting their journey through release, it is possible to see how they have been able to engage a bit more and grow into the concepts. Each progressive album has a more expanded artwork with Necropolitan offering an array of physical artwork as companion to the music. Credit for this as Tom explains goes to artist Richard Wells, ‘The sixth Lung’, Tom expresses with a smile. “For every album, Richard and I get given more rope, while it’s dangerous for the budget, that for me is some of the most fun.”
Without giving away too many spoilers, there is a feast of pieces to get into for those that can get their hands on them with the upcoming pieces. “The level of detail has been so much fun to explore.” Tom is keen to point out that this is not either simple fan service, nor just an ego being a fan of one’s own band. “I want to be able to look back and see how detailed it is, how immersive it all is.” There is pride in what has been created and rightfully so. From researching themes, songwriting, performing, artwork and beyond, this band is a labour of love. “I fucking love it!” Tom grins. “GREEN LUNG to me is when we’re all packed in on our way to a show.” It’s the air of genuine heartfelt enjoyment about every aspect of GREEN LUNG and it is completely infectious. When Tom discusses a riff or the artwork, he does so with the same engaging smile as he does when talking about the performing and fan engagement. GREEN LUNG is a passion project in every sense.
Necropolitan is set for release on September 11th via Nuclear Blast Records. View this interview, alongside dozens of other killer bands, in glorious print magazine fashion in DS133 here.
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