ALBUM REVIEW: Black Harvest – Green Lung
When GREEN LUNG released Woodland Rites in 2019, a ripple was made in the underground. Those in the know were treated to some utter exemplary riff laden doom rock and the band quickly established a cult following. Given the quality showcased on their debut, its clear that the band are destined for even greater pastures and now, two years later, Black Harvest is here.
Basking in the occult of British witchcraft alongside a splattering of horror, across its ten tracks, GREEN LUNG present an amalgamation of classic riff heavy rock with elements of classic 70s psychedelia albeit with a modern flair, largely thanks to the stellar production. As much as it is a throwback to a sound of decades prior, the infectious nature of their compositions and sheer unadulterated joy experienced when listening to the record is second to none.
Following introductory number The Harrowing‘s slow and atmospheric builder, GREEN LUNG roar into life with Old Gods and its impact is simply Earth shattering. Scott Black‘s slick riffs intertwine nicely with John Wright‘s subtleties of the organ helping to enhance the warm nature of their soundscape, all whilst Tom Templar showcases his exquisite vocals, particularly in the song’s closing passage where he simply soars. As far as album openings go, it doesn’t get much better than this.
From there, the quality really threatens to hit unfathomable levels. Single Leaders of The Blind is GREEN LUNG at their very best with copious amounts of chugging hard rock riffs, an utterly memorable chorus and a solo that is nothing short of exhilarating. Reaper’s Scythe boasts swinging rhythms and a particularly impressive offering from John Wright whose use of the organ adds depth to the sound without ever feeling too cheesy, ballad Graveyard Sun benefits from its placement and serves as a lovely way to kick off the second half of the record and the title track helps channel your inner druid before unfolding into some gorgeous guitarwork that screams major QUEEN influence. The infectious nature of GREEN LUNG‘s material across Black Harvest is magnificent.
Even in the album’s latter stages, the quality never dips or threatens to falter. You Bear The Mark is rocking good time thanks to the band’s knack for crafting a catchy beat and devilish hooks, Doomsayer lives up to its namesake with some stoner doom-soaked tones from the guitars that really help up the ante and album closer Born To A Dying World soars like a phoenix, closing the record on the highest of highs.
Since Woodland Rites‘ release, GREEN LUNG have basked in their cult status. But, given the stupendous brilliance the band showcase on Black Harvest, it would be criminal if the band didn’t soar into one of the big names of our world. Dynamic, infectious and utterly cool, Black Harvest is a sublime follow-up to Woodland Rites and establishes GREEN LUNG as one of the best bands we currently have. Cherish and worship them.
Rating: 9/10
Black Harvest is out now via Svart Records.
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