Necromandus - Orexis Of Death Plus (Reissue) (1973/2005)

In 1968 two West Cumbrian bands, JUG and HEAVEN, broke-up. Members from both bands, BARRY DUNNERY (lead guitar), DENNIS McCARTEN (bass), FRANK HALL (drums) and singer BILL BRANCH formed a heavy progressive blues outfit they called HOT SPRING WATER. They were briefly renamed TAURUS and then settled on NECROMANDUS after a radio show asked for band name suggestions. In 1972 after extensive gigging, they caught the eye of BLACK SABBATH guitarist TONY IOMMI who began managing the group.

In early '73 NECROMANDUS, under the guidance of IOMMI (who also produced and added some guitar to the title track), recorded the album 'Orexis of Death' at London's Morgan Studio. A deal was arranged with Vertigo and the band began opening for Sabbath as well as Tony Kaye's BADGER. Sadly the album was never released in its time, though NECROMANDUS continued receiving praise and support, Ozzy Osbourne initially wanting them for his 'Blizzard of Oz' album.

Hailed as "the second Sabbath" but with a prog edge, Melody Maker called NECROMANDUS "a sort of Black Sabbath play Yes' greatest hits". A reasonable but not terribly accurate description though the band's sound did remind of the Sabs, the technique and pseudo-classical arrangements made them a touch more ambitious.