ALBUM REVIEW: Green Lung, "This Heathen Land"

 By: Richard Maw
 
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 03/11/2023

Label: Nuclear Blast

 
“This Heathen Land” CD//DD//LP track listing:
 
1. Prologue
2. The Forest Church
3. Mountain Throne
4. Maxine
5. One for Sorrow
6. Song of the Stones
7. The Ancient Ways
8. Hunters in the Sky
9. Oceans of Time
 
The Review:
 
Green Lung are the best ‘new’ band in the UK today. This is their third album and takes in folklore, esoteric and occult albion (Britain) and so on. “Woodland Rites” was rough and ready with the artwork, the vibe and the songs in place. “Black Harvest” was nothing short of a modern classic; beefed up production, better arrangements and songs with vibe and artwork intact.
 
“This Heathen Land” is more developed and varied than the previous albums. It has the muscle of Nuclear Blast behind it- once again, the artwork is stellar (kind of a Wild Hunt pastiche), the production is superb and the songs, well….
 
A spoken word prologue sets the scene for a journey into a hidden, pagan, Britain. The first track proper, “The Forest Church”, should have you invested. If it doesn’t, please give the rest of the record a chance. The track takes in epic soloing, doom like pacing and some dynamic tempo shifts- plus a more prominent role for the keys. Having as they do the line-up of classic Deep Purple or Jethro Tull, it makes sense to make use of the keys to a larger extent.
 
The grooving tempo of “Mountain Throne” makes for an excellent and headbanging track, while advance track “Maxine (Witch Queen)” is just brilliant. Catchy, clever and full of hooks and ideas. Essentially, this is for fans of folk horror, films like The Wicker Man, Straw Dogs, Witchfinder General, A Field In England, The Devil Rides Out etc. It’s got that hard-to-define aspect that makes it somehow otherworldly- much like compatriots Pagan Altar.
 
The doom vibes are back for “One For Sorrow”- it’s slow and creepy, with a dose of melancholia woven into the grim portents. Reference points abound in terms of the band’s sound. This is not doom, per se, but the spectre of Sabbath looms. However, classic 70’s rock like Heep, Jethro Tull and Purple is also present- as is, in particular, Queen. Backing vocals, varied instrumentation, varied styles, well orchestrated guitar parts and hooky vocals. Yep, Brian et. al. would approve.
 
The band has expanded their sound- not just by the use of keyboards, either. “Song of the Stones” mixes folkloric ghost story telling with acoustic instrumentation and is much further from Sabbath and much closer to Tull at their ’77 peak or even Led Zeppelin at their most arcane. It’s fantastic and transportive. Crucially, this is also music played by younger people; these aren’t a load of middle aged old hands trying their luck at occult rock. It feels organic and authentic.
 
The UK, even the world, needs younger rock bands who are not yet into their 40s to keep the genre alive and thriving. Sabbath are done. Priest and Maiden are in various stages of their twilight, other large bands are now just embarrassing corporations or the core of the bands are dead and buried. Elsewhere on the album, Green Lung delve into the distant past and fictional horror with strong success. The band keep the vibe on point with a forty two minute playing time. It’s all here; Ley Lines, barrows, stone circles, paganism, sorrow, despair and hope.
 
Modern day Britain is becoming increasingly out of touch with its past (the good and interesting parts of it in particular) in favour of a culture of individualism, consumerism and distrust. Bands like Green Lung and albums like “This Heathen Land” place the listener firmly in a different time and a better place. While some of the material here may be a little more stately (“Ancient Ways”) and grand, there are also the headbanging thrills of “Hunters In The Sky”, so the album comes off as balanced and considered in its track list.
 
The record closes with a take on the vampire myth- “Oceans of Time”- referencing memorable dialogue from the early 90s film with Gary Oldman in the lead role. Again, it’s clever and effective and hugely enjoyable, with some Type O style production and arrangements. Green Lung haven’t put a foot wrong with this record and it may well be the one that puts them over the top from underground prospects to legitimate headliners. They deserve it, as having witnessed the band live at Desertfest I can confirm that they have that indefinable extra factor; charisma, mystery, x-factor- call it what you will. In short, this band is unique and this album is excellent. Treasure them both.
 
“This Heathen Land” is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Green Lung, "Black Harvest"

 By: Richard Maw
 
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 22/10/2021
Label: Svart Records
 

“Black Harvest” CD//DD//LP track listing:

 
1. The Harrowing
2. Old Gods
3. Leaders of the Blind
4. Reaper's Scythe
5. Graveyard Sun
6. Black Harvest
7. Upon the Altar
8. You Bear the Mark
9. Doomsayer
10. Born to a Dying World
 
The Review:
 
What do have here?! Well, it appears that we have a band to pin our hopes on. Green Lung have been super active with two albums in as many years. They bring doom, folk, 70s rock and paganism together in a rather heady brew. If the debut “Woodland Rites” was the prototype, this is the finished article. It does everything that the 2019 release did, but more powerfully and with greater clarity.
 
I've been slow off the mark to review this one; I should have been quicker as the band have created a real buzz. They are THE new band on the block and one listen to this LP will let you know why. Lots of references to the old religion, the stones, Woden and fire- and that is just the first two tracks.  “The Harrowing” sets the tone- mystical and magical, ethereal... “Old Gods” is a grooving beast. Equal parts Sabbath and Uriah Heep; mighty riffs, mighty organ work.
 
This record is most definitely for fans of: Jethro Tull, Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple and onwards into the modern era of Rise Above Records roster (Orange Goblin, Witchcraft, Electric Wizard) and the other current great English rock band, Wytch Hazel.
 
This album is nothing less than a rejuvenation of the underground heavy rock scene. It's sorely needed, as the halcyon years of 2004 to 2010 when Witchcraft and Orange Goblin were riding high at packed out gigs in London are now a long time ago. After that opening one-two punch combination, it's very much what you'd expect; weighty heavy rock with all the right influences in place.
 
Green Lung are gaining some serious traction with all the cool festival slots booked and the crowds waiting for them- even if they had to cancel their appearance at Damnation Festival recently. It's clear that they are going somewhere with their esoteric atmospheres and swirling organ work coupled with varied tempos and a noteworthy weighty production.
 
There are ten tracks here, but the atmosphere is intact throughout and the overall vibe will certainly invoke Stone Henge (in a good way) stone circles (in a general way) and the folklore of the British Isles when the listener plays the album. I note that the band have taken inspiration from the same book that Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull utilised for the seminal “Songs From The Wood” album and it shows here with much drama about graveyard suns, altars, bearing marks and so forth.
 
It's hard to pick stand out tracks as this is all so uniformly good. The lead work throughout is excellent and each of the songs manages to be part of a cohesive whole while maintaining its own identity. 
 
If you wanted a flavour of the band, you could just play “Reaper's Scythe” or “Graveyard Sun”, but really you could pick any track and get a decent idea. Yep, this London band are going places- climb on board now before it's too late and you arrive only in time for the destination. I can't really recommend this record highly enough. Join them. Join me. Welcome to the coven.
 
“Black Harvest” is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

TRACK PREMIERE: Dr Awkward & The Screws debut "Take Me Down"

Dr. Awkward & The Screws is a 70s stoner-rock/heavy-blues group from the historic city of Athens, Greece. In early 2017, the band released a self-tiled EP that got some extremely positive reactions from fans and press and allowed them to play numerous shows throughout Greece.

Now nearly two years later, the Greek group is back with their first full-length album "Gettin’ out of Style", which offers nine tracks full of heavy and bluesy riffs and groovy rhythms. Showcasing the band’s strongest material to date, "Gettin’ out of Style" sees Dr. Awkward & The Screws merging heavy stoner-rock riffs with some 70’s bluesy leads and some catchy, groovy rhythms that will surely appeal to all fans of Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats, Windhand and Horisont among others.  “Getting out of Style” is available HERE on digital and on vinyl.  You can check a new track "Take Me Down" below

Band info: facebook  || bandcamp 

VIDEO PREMIERE: Stockholm's brightest new band The Riven debt "Shadow Man"

Self releasing their debut EP “Black Bird” in April 2017 Stockholm based heavy rock band The Riven will undoubtedly take 2019 by storm with the release of their debut full length set for release via The Sign Records.   Though little is known about their forthcoming album, the band have already started the promotion of the record with the recent release of the track “Fortune Teller” and today what better way to deliver  some Christmas cheer than to debut another kick ass track from arguably one of the brightest new talents in heavy rock.  Check out “Shadow Man” below and read what vocalist Totta has to say about the track

“There he goes into the unknown… The lyrics came to mind as I travelled on a train in Sardinia one warm and hazy afternoon. Representing your inner voice and angst, but also refers to your shadow that follows you wherever you go as long as you let the light shine on you. There was this one time when bass player Max decided to record a phrase on his phone. When I heard this ”oh shadow man” I knew this was the melody and name for the song I’d started writing some time before. The video for "Shadow Man" shows The Riven playing the song live. Roberto, who we worked with, captured us and the energy of a live performance. In Shadow man we wanted to introduce the band to everyone who hasn’t yet put a face on The Riven. Have a look, grab a beer and remember that Shadow man stands and falls with you.”   From Totta, The Riven

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

VIDEO PREMIERE: La Chinga, "Wings of Fire"

La Chinga’s classic-rocking, sophomore record “Freewhelin,’” harkened back to the days of yore when a band would roll into town and bring a party with them. Forged in 2012, La Chinga’s style of retro-rock serves up that saucy 70s vibe, with an Aerosmith swagger, Van Halen style riffing and that all important bad ass guitar solo. At the end of the day, each song is a party and luckily today y’all are invited for the ride as we debut their brand new video “Wings of Fire” lifted from their forthcoming album “Beyond The Sky” set for release via Small Stone Records on 07/09/2018 (available here).  Check out the video below and what director of the video R.D. Cane had to say about it.

La.Chinga….When they asked me to shoot a video I had to really think about how to pay all due respect to their guitar heavy forefathers and still visually knock the socks off of a whole new generation of young rockers. We knew we wanted to make it colourful and exciting but simple enough to not get in the way.  “Wings of Fire” just rocks.  La Chinga know their thing and they do it so well.  Thanks La Chinga, this was a blast to shoot and hanging out was very cool, I really can’t wait to do more…

Band info: Facebook || Bandcamp

TRACK PREMIERE: 70'S inspired Norwegian rockers Friendship debut "Ain't No Shame"

Friendship is a groovy power trio from Oslo in Norway where the drummer has lead vocals. The band was formed in 2010 and consists today of Fredrik Skalstad on drums and vocals, Sander Eriksen Nordahl on guitar and Martin Morland on bass. The musicians in Friendship have all ample experience from numerous releases and tours with other projects. This results in a tight, groovy and dynamic music performance you want to experience.

Friendship’s music is based on rock, with influences from psychedelic and soul music from the late 60s, early 70s. Friendship is a live band, letting the energy of the moment inspire jams on stage. In these moments, the audience get a real feel on the level of craftsmanship in the band.

Friendship released its debut in 2011, a limited orange hand numbered 7" single and their first full length in 2014. Now they have recorded and mixed their upcoming full length album at Studio Paradiso with Christian Engfelt (Big Bang, Cato Salsa Experience). The album, "Ain't No Shame" will be released ON 25/5/2018 May 2018 on the German label Kozmik Artifactz.  Today we’re streaming their third single entitled "Ain't No Shame" taken from the album of the same name and you can check it out below. Preorders are available HERE

Band info: Facebook

REVIEW: Green Lung - "Free the Witch" [EP]

By: David Jupp

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 19/02/2018

Label: Deckhead Records

In a genre packed with bands that draw on decades-old tone and aesthetic, it takes a mature hand to re-appropriate bygone creativity without sounding forced. Luckily there is a confidence and craft present in Green Lung’s writing that belies their months.  If Green Lung can expand the template that has served them so well across these four superb songs then a truly exciting future awaits.

“Free the Witch” CS//DD track listing:

1). Lady Lucifer

2). Free the Witch

3). Living Fossil

4). Older than the Hills

The Review:

It’s been two hundred and fifty days or so since Green Lung announced themselves on the UK heavy-stage with their blistering demo ‘Green Man Rising.’ In the months that have passed since that promising release, the London quartet have refined their craft across a host of England’s underground stages. Now armed with a growing following and half-an-hour of new material, the question is can Green Lung transfer the heft and excitement of their live show to tape?

‘Free the Witch’ sparks with lead single ‘Lady Lucifer’ and a crescendo of crisp guitar hammer-on. As the tension builds and we reach the twenty-seventh second, Green Lung proceed to drop the hammer on what is sure to be one of 2018’s stand-out riffs. The groove on display here bangs with such an endearing audacity that you can only hope the record to follow will measure up. As guitarist Scott Masson whittles down the dirt, singer Tom Templar makes his entrance. Washed in reverb and folk-horror croon Templar transmutes the bands 70’s aesthetic, from cover to sound. ‘You smiled with lips incarnadine, whispered black magic, rites obscene.’ As the song climbs to its apex Masson cracks the reigns with an outrageous solo and “Free the Witch”’s opener sets a ridiculous standard.

Title track ‘Free the Witch’ is up next and is a much more direct affair. The lurch and swerve of ‘Evil Empire’ that crackled in the opener is now replaced with a full pelt nod to debut-era The Sword. Just as the record becomes in danger of reverting to type the arrangement peels back and Masson injects another well-judged solo. ‘Free the Witch’ lurches home on a bed of cultish chant and half-time stagger.

In making the jump to Bear Bites Studios (Vodun, Ghold) and employing Wayne Adams on production Green Lung have shed the compressed savagery of their live demo and allowed their stellar rhythm-section room to breathe. Track three ‘Living Fossil’ demonstrates this upgrade perfectly and the song is all Andrew Cave’s. The arrangement follows a similar pattern but before any unwanted familiarity encroaches, Cave’s bass swaggers in for an overdriven solo. The months spent on various stages refining these cuts is evident and Templar hauls the song home, ‘Living fossil, a blast from the past.’

Green Lung’s debut closes in sprawling fashion with ‘Older than the Hills.’ Not content to banish their live demo to audio-history there is a clever re-integration of the vocal hook from ‘Freak on a Peak’ but this time the extended track-length really allows the band to flex their muscles. Across its eight minutes each musician takes a moment in the spotlight, and as Masson’s guitar wails in the storm Cave and Wiseman’s rhythm section rumble home on an array of deft fills and charming girth.

In a genre packed with bands that draw on decades-old tone and aesthetic, it takes a mature hand to re-appropriate bygone creativity without sounding forced. Luckily there is a confidence and craft present in Green Lung’s writing that belies their months. This confidence is only emphasised by the fact that b-side ‘When the Axe Comes Down’ is left off their debut. When you are in a vein of writing so rich you can cast away such strong songs it can only be a good omen. And that is what ‘Free the Witch’ is, an impressive and rousing omen, of greater things to come. If Green Lung can expand the template that has served them so well across these four superb songs then a truly exciting future awaits.

“Free the Witch” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

TRACK PREMIERE:The Riven deliver a raw and soulful slice of heavy rock with "Ain't No Doctor"

London based heavy rock band The Riven are set to create quite the stir within the heavy rock fraternity, they are set to release their gloriously righteous  debut EP “Blackbird”on April 14 2017 and as a consequence it is destined to propel them to the top of every playlist by year’s end.  Make no mistake this band are going to blow up in stratospheric proportions.  The album's five tracks recall the glory of 70s hard rock and is influenced by bands such as Grand Funk Railroad and Deep Purple.

The Riven is the perfect juxtaposition of delicacy set against raw, soulful, heavy rock which tastes all the better when washed down with lots of hot sauce and cheap beer. Formed in West London after an alcohol-fueled songwriting session between guitarist Arnau Diaz and bass player Max Ternebring, they were soon to be accompanied by Charlotta Ekebergh on vocals and  Olof Axegard on drums.

Whilst comparisons with their contemporaries will undoubtedly come their way, naysayer take a walk, this delectable quartet are the perfect remedy for the blues of winter and compose music that warms the soul and puts a strut in your step.  So we are beyond stoked to debut a brilliant new track from their forthcoming EP which you can check out below entitled “Ain’t No Doctor”.  Now where's that beer and hot sauce!!

Band info: bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Blues Pills - "Lady In Gold"

By: Dominic Walsh

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 29/07/2016
Label: Nuclear Blast

The second album test has been passed by Blues Pills. It’s more polished and not as raw, but ultimately, this is a great record.

‘Lady In Gold” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Lady In Gold (4:31)

2. Little Boy Preacher (3:35)

3. Burned Out (4:33)

4. I Felt A Change (3:57)

5. Gone So Long (4:17)

6. Bad Talkers (3:11)

7. You Gotta Try (3:39)

8. Won't Go Back (3:56)

9. Rejection (3:34)

10. Elements And Things (4:52)

The Review:

Ever since the good folks at The Sludgelord sent me “Devil Woman”, the debut EP from Blues Pills, I've been a fan and loved following the band. In tried and tested cliché fashion, could Blues Pills overcome the difficult second album syndrome?

In short, yes. There are a few things that set “Lady In Gold” back though. Immediately, the production is far more polished and the album lacks the fire that their debut carried. For me, this is a double edged sword; I understand the band wanting to progress in their craft and to make that step up and I feel that they have sacrificed a little in their quest to step up. 

Whilst that sounds very critical, “Lady In Gold” is still a superb record and definitely one that grows with each listen. Elin Larsson’s vocals are still completely amazing. “Gone So Long” sees her vocal range in full flow. The track builds and builds with the guitars and drums pulsing throughout before a fiery solo from the super talented Dorian Sorriaux to end. “Little Boy Preacher” is a soulful slice of rock with angelic backing vocals adding to the sound of the band. The choirs are used again on “Burned Out”. This does give the album more of a retro feel which Blues Pills do pull off so well.

“You Gotta Try” has that blues swagger that has made Blues Pills so popular. Sultry vocals and a filthy guitar line make for a real hip shaker of a tune. Tony Joe White's “Elements And Things” is an absolutely superb, driving cover to close the album. The track has been a part of the bands live set for a while so it's great to hear it committed to record. 

One of the main highlights of the album is the piano based ballad, “I Felt A Change”. It is every inch a hippie style anthem that many a great singer would love to sing. If Adele had recorded this, the music media would swoon. It is a beautiful song that shows the change that Blues Pills have gone for perfectly.

The second album test has been passed by Blues Pills. It’s more polished and not as raw, but ultimately, this is a great record. Live, Blues Pills are an irresistible proposition. Check them out on their tour in support of this album. 

‘Lady In Gold’ is available now

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Purson - “Desire’s Magic Theatre”

By: Kat Hilton
 
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 29/04/2016
Label: Spinefarm Records

 

 

With all ten songs covering a wide range of sounds and with their anchor firmly planted in the soil of a 1970’s rock garden, the variety within offers solid coverage for various genres. Throughout the album they cleverly combine flecks of The Beatles and Iron Butterfly, with Jazz and Prog to create this smorgasbord of tunage, underpinned by superb production, the result is a warm, organic sound, with complex arrangements and superb melodies producing a rich musical landscape.

 

 

“Desire’s Magic Theatre” CD//DD//LP track Listing  

 

1). Desire's Magic Theatre

2). Electric Landlady

3). Dead Dodo Down

4). Pedigree Chums

5). The Skye Parade

6). The Window Cleaner

7). The Way it is

8). Mr. Howard

9). I Know

10). The Bitter Suite

 

The Review:

Purson made their presence known, as they emerged on the scene three years ago with their highly acclaimed debut “The Circle And The Blue Door”, gaining mass applause as well as hordes of fans with their impressive talent.  A band that amalgamated prog, hard rock and psychedelia with more flair than a pair of 70’s bell bottoms their second album was eagerly awaited by many.

 

From the off, the signature Purson funk is evident, lighting up the speakers with charm, sophistication and shrouded in the heady scent of sandalwood incense, taking the listener on a chilled out, vibe filled trip. Rosalie Cunningham; singer extraordinaire imbues each lyric with soulful underpinnings, harmonising beautifully to produce a tour de force of excellence, through mind boggling melodies and effervescent sound penetrating the ears as well as the psyche.

 

The standout track for me is “Electric Landlady”, a twinkly, funk laden “In A Gadda Da Vida” style throw down with flecks of Hendrix(of course). An ultra-catchy, fuzzy, pop filled number that will fast become an ear worm. “The Window Cleaner” is a mixture of hazy, chilled out verses and brain fogged choruses and “I Know” a sombre acoustic-tinged balled playing on the heart strings. A full eight minutes of “The Bitter Suite” is pure prog perfection really pushing the band firmly into the memory banks of progliness.

With all ten songs covering a wide range of sounds and with their anchor firmly planted in the soil of a 1970’s rock garden, the variety within offers solid coverage for various genres. Throughout the album they cleverly combine flecks of The Beatles and Iron Butterfly, with Jazz and Prog to create this smorgasbord of tunage, underpinned by superb production, the result is a warm, organic sound, with complex arrangements and superb melodies producing a rich musical landscape.

“Desire’s Magic Theatre” is available here

 

Band info: facebook || twitter

Spiritual Beggars - "Sunrise to Sundown" (Album Review)

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 25/03/2016
Label: Inside Out Music

Business as usual for Spiritual Beggars, then; another album of good songs, strong playing and wrapped up in an impressive production. If you long for the days when Blackmore still played rock and jeans were flared, this album is certainly for you.  It should be noted that there are two things about this record which really stand out: the sound and the performance. The sound is fantastic, live and raw but crystal clear... the performance? Even more remarkable, as this was tracked live, yes live, off the studio floor!

“Sunrise to Sundown” CD//DD//LP tracklisting:

01. Sunrise To Sundown
02. Diamond Under Pressure
03. What Doesn't Kill You
04. Hard Road
05. Still Hunter
06. No Man's Land
07. I Turn To Stone
08. Dark Light Child
09. Lonely Freedom
10. You've Been Fooled
11. Southern Star

The Review:

Follwing the Deep Purple obsession exhibited on “Earth Blues”, I was interested to see where Spiritual Beggars would go with “Sunrise to Sundown”. There are no huge detours here. This is 70's style hard rock- think Rainbow, Deep Purple, Led Zep etc and you are there. There are heavier moments too, in some of the tracks there are echoes of the members alma maters (and an impressive list that is too; Carcass, Arch Enemy, Grand Magus, Opeth, Firewind etc!).

Apollo Papathanasio returns here with a full throated performance, while Per's keyboards (notably the Hammond Organ) are a feature that is pushed to the fore. It should be noted that there are two things about this record which really stand out: the sound and the performance. The sound is fantastic, live and raw but crystal clear... the performance? Even more remarkable, as this was tracked live, yes live, off the studio floor!

Old school to the last, the band are a credit to the genre and have recorded an album of fine performances here. “Diamond Under Pressure” is a catchy radio hit... or would have been if this was still 1976, while the aforementioned echoes of heavier sounds surface on “What Doesn't Kill You” and “Hard Road”. It always seemed odd to me that Spiritual Beggars were bracketed with the stoner/doom bands from the mid 90's onwards. I always felt them to be revivalists, pure and simple, but I guess that there is enough cross over with Sabbath (notably Dio era) for that pigeon holing to have occurred.

The eleven tracks here are uniformly of high quality , some more hooky than others, some heavier, most fairly concisely written- even “No Man's Land” comes in under six minutes with a rather “Heaven and Hell” type feel to it. Ludwig's performance (no doubt on Ludwig drums!) is excellent as usual- he plays hard and heavy with a good sense of groove- no overplaying. The Likes of” Dark Light Child” show the band in full flow with killer riffs in tow.

Perhaps it could be argues that “Lonely Freedom” almost veers into Fu Manchu like territory with its fuzzed ups sounds and rolling open groove, but the band does not stray too far from that which begat them- the second word of the lyrics is “rainbow” after all! The album closes strongly with the one two combination of “You've Been Fooled” (pure Purple, Coverdale era) and the more brooding “Southern Star”.

Business as usual for Spiritual Beggars, then; another album of good songs, strong playing and wrapped up in an impressive production. If you long for the days when Blackmore still played rock and jeans were flared, this album is certainly for you.

“Sunrise to Sundown” is available now 

Band info: facebook