Nearly eight years on from their first ever gig at The Black Heart, London cult heroes Green Lung have turned the beloved Camden institution into a shrine for all things occult ahead of their biggest hometown show to date. From the âGoaty Boutiqueâ pop-up shop with a queue stretching out the door, to punters sinking pints of the bandâs own ale brewed especially for the occasion, the band’s presence is everywhere.
The near sold-out date on the âHeathen Neverlandâ tour alongside Unto Others at the Kentish Town Forum is a celebration of bands who have trodden similar paths since their formations in 2017, slowly but surely building their reputations as promising young outfits on opposite sides of the Atlantic, tapping into sounds and influences from the heyday of traditional heavy metal. While billed at the same level on the poster and playing similar set times in Europe, the US goth metallers are very much the lesser-known quantity on these shores still and so, understandably, are taking a backseat to their touring partners while on their home turf.
Latest album ‘Never, Neverland’ saw Unto Others broaden their heavy gothic sound into more luscious horizons. Kicking off their set with the recordâs opening two tracks showcases the contrast in its depth, with the sultry guitar licks, synth lines and haunting baritone of vocalist & rhythm guitarist Gabriel Franco on âButterflyâ, followed by full throttle-thrasher âMomma Likes The Door Closedâ. The Oregon outfitâs newest songs are greeted with a joyous reaction from their passionate fans on the Forumâs floor throughout the set, with long-time live favourites âJackieâ and âCan You Hear The Rainâ receiving cheers within seconds of their opening riffs kicking in.
The Portland quartetâs knack for anthemic songcraft has long been worthy of gracing the stages they now find themselves playing, with âSuicide Todayâ, âTime Goes Onâ and the thunderous âHeroinâ among the setâs highlights, powered by the glorious twin guitar assault of Franco and lead guitarist Sebastian Silva. With only 45 minutes to work with, a pedant could argue they would have benefitted more from fitting in another original song as opposed to their cover of The Ramones classic âPet Semetaryâ, however few fans would have been left disappointed at their gorgeously sounding take, before the closing run of âGive Me to the Nightâ and âDragon, Why Do You Cry?â brings their set to a close with a rapturous mixture of applause and raised horns from the audience.
The reception that greets Green Lungâs arrival on the stage confirms that this is their night – a true victory lap for the occult stoner/doom metal group following the release of their critically acclaimed third album âThis Heathen Landâ in 2023. Vocalist Tom Templar leads a sea of fists pumping across the room for opener âWoodland Ritesâ, while doom-laden âThe Ancient Waysâ from their latest record underline the powerhouse presence his vocals bring to them in the live setting.
The bandâs passion for all things British folklore, myths and legends is on show for all to see, from the backdrop mirroring the art style of their latest album, to matching denim jackets worn by each member adorned with the late Eric Fraserâs iconic Dorset Ooser illustration. An Ooser mask looms large at the raised back of the stage overlooking proceedings, flanked either side by keyboardist John Wright and drummer Matt Wiseman. Bassist Joseph Ghast and guitarist Scott Black dart up, down and across the stage throughout the set, with the latter delighting in amping up the crowd while ripping into glorious solos during the riotous âMountain Throneâ and âReaperâs Scytheâ.
A special night in the bandâs hometown brings with it some truly special moments. Templar introduces âThe Oosettesâ, aka dream folk group Something Sleeps, to take the lead on an encapsulating, stripped-down rendition of âSong of the Stonesâ backed by violin and acoustic guitar – receiving one of the loudest ovations of the night â and to provide backing vocals for the rest of the set. The home-run stretch of âThe Forest Churchâ, âHunters in the Skyâ and the infectious âMaxine (Witch Queen)â is a reminder of the sheer hit factory that is their latest record, ending the first part of their set on the anthemic âGraveyard Sunâ.
Returning for an encore with sophomore album cuts âThe Harrowingâ and âOld Godsâ, Templar takes a few minutes to thank the crowd and address the momentous nature of the evening. While reminiscing about seeing doom metal luminaries Cathedral on their final tour at the same venue 13 years prior, he notes, âIt was one of the things that made me want to form a band. Never in my wildest dreams did I think Iâd be on this stage.â He ends his speech with a shoutout to some of the capitalâs grassroot venues that supported them on the way up, before Green Lung bring the night to a close in triumphant fashion with ever-present live set staple âLet the Devil Inâ and âOne for Sorrowâ.
While there have been many success stories in British metal over the past decade, Green Lungâs rise through its underground by tapping into the roots of the genreâs origins is one of the most heart-warming and pleasing to see take shape. The sheer quality and captivating nature of their song-craft has set them on a path to play stages and headline shows much bigger than tonightâs magical gathering at the Forum; an evening which can be pointed to as sure-fire proof that this heathen land – and the world that lies beyond it – will be their oyster for many years to come.
BRAD STRATTON