Necromandus

Introduction to Necromandus

Necromandus is a British rock band formed in 1970 in Egremont, Cumbria. The original lineup included Barry "Baz" Dunnery on lead guitar, Dennis McCarten on bass, Frank Hall on drums, and Bill Branch on vocals. The band gained early attention when they were discovered by Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath in 1972. They opened for Black Sabbath at various concerts, which helped elevate their profile.

Recording History

In early 1973, under Iommi’s guidance, Necromandus recorded an album at Morgan Studios in London. This work was intended for release on the Vertigo label. However, after Dunnery departed from the band later that year, the album was shelved and remained unreleased for over two decades. The band members continued to play together, including a stint in Ozzy Osbourne's original backing band in 1977.

Quicksand Dream Release

The album "Quicksand Dream" was released in 1991 as a limited edition vinyl LP under the Reflection label, catalog number MM09. This pressing circulated prior to the eventual official release of the recording in 1999, which was titled "Orexis of Death." The 1991 version features a series of tracks that blend elements of hard rock and progressive rock. Key songs include the title track "Quicksand Dream," "Gypsy Dancer," and the two-part "Mogidisimo."

Artwork and Presentation

The artwork for "Quicksand Dream" was created by Paulo Baigent, adding a visual element that complements the music. The limited edition nature of this release has made it a collectible item among fans of the band and the genre. The album's sound reflects the band's roots in the early 1970s rock scene, infused with aspects of hard rock and progressive sounds.