The Rise and Fall of Necromandus: A Lost Chapter in Rock History

Picture it: Britain, early 1970s. You’re a young band playing a potentially pioneering blend of heavy metal and prog, earning plenty of local praise, and you catch the ear of Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, who not only wants to represent you but helps get you signed to his label and agrees to produce your first record. This is your ticket to the big time, right?

It probably seems like a safe assumption, and in many cases, it probably would be. But for the members of Necromandus, this opportunity failed to pan out — not once, but twice.

Origins of Necromandus

The story of Necromandus began in the late ’60s, when drummer Frank Hall and bassist Dennis McCarten teamed up in a band known as Heaven. Following Heaven’s disbandment, they joined forces with singer Bill Branch and guitarist Baz Dunnery, who had just left another band called Jug. After a few gigs under the humorously provocative name Urinal, they settled on Necromandus, a name that reflected their musical style without the offense.

As Hall later recounted, the name change came from a mix-up: “I got mixed up with Nostradamus,” he told the Cumberland News & Star in a 2010 interview. “But it sounded good, so we kept it.”

Musical Talents and Early Success

Their choice of name wasn’t the only thing that resonated. The band members possessed serious musical talents, particularly Dunnery, whose dexterous guitar playing shaped their complex sound. Hall was even considered to replace Phil Collins as Genesis’ touring drummer. With McCarten’s steady bass lines and Branch’s soulful vocals, Necromandus began to gain local legend status, attracting the attention of Iommi.

As Hall shared with Classic Rock Magazine, their admiration for Sabbath ran deep. He recalled a night watching Iommi and drummer Bill Ward perform with their pre-Sabbath group, Mythology: “I’d never seen anything like it. I’d never seen a left-handed guitarist before. And Bill was knocking seven bells out of John Bonham.”

Signing with Vertigo Records

With Iommi’s support, Necromandus inked a deal with Sabbath’s label, Vertigo Records, and he even agreed to oversee their first album’s recording sessions. However, this promising beginning quickly turned sour.

The recording sessions went smoothly, with Iommi contributing guitar fills, but just as the band was gearing up to tour alongside Sabbath, Dunnery unexpectedly quit. Hall explained, “Baz wouldn’t do the tour. He couldn’t fly. Just couldn’t get on a plane… I knew there was something wrong. Maybe he was in a deep depression at the time.”

Struggles with Vertigo

The label delayed the album release for nearly a year, leaving the band frustrated and financially strained. As Hall described, they were “living hand-to-mouth, nicking potatoes from restaurants to eat.” The lack of a release date made it difficult to justify touring, and with Dunnery gone, Iommi delivered an ultimatum: find a new guitarist or the deal was off. With no suitable replacements, Necromandus parted ways, leaving their album in limbo.

Brief Reunion with Ozzy Osbourne

Despite their setbacks, dreams of success lingered. A former Necromandus roadie informed Hall that Ozzy Osbourne had been fired from Sabbath and was seeking to form a new band, envisioning Hall, Dunnery, and McCarten as members. They dubbed the group Blizzard of Ozz, but the venture was fraught with challenges.

Osbourne’s penchant for indulgence and erratic behavior made it difficult to maintain focus in the studio. Hall recounted, “You’d shove him in the shower… then he’d go up to the Hand & Cleaver [pub] and come back at 9 o’clock, out of it, and go, ‘Right, let’s start.'” The group’s musical differences added further strain, leading Osbourne to return to Sabbath.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The Blizzard of Ozz sessions marked a disappointing end for the original Necromandus lineup. When Osbourne left Sabbath again, he assembled a different group for his 1980 solo debut, which he also named Blizzard of Ozz. The members of Necromandus scattered, likely assuming their connection to Sabbath would remain a footnote in rock history.

In many ways, this assumption proved correct; few outside of Sabbath diehards were aware of Necromandus or their innovative blend of metal and prog. However, over the years, a cult following emerged, and their music was bootlegged until it saw an official release in 1999 as *Orexis of Death*. Rise Above Records later reissued the album, expanding it with live performances.

A New Chapter for Necromandus

Despite the losses of Branch, Dunnery, and McCarten, Hall sought to revive Necromandus. In 2016, he formed a new lineup, including Branch’s son, John, as the lead vocalist. Hall shared, “I bumped into John in the street one day and asked him straight out – ‘Would you like to be Necromandus’ lead singer?’ He decided to give it a try.”

This revitalized band released a self-titled album in 2017, allowing Hall to finally perform and connect with audiences again. He reflected on his journey, saying, “I feel cheated. I feel robbed. But I always think about them with fond memories. It was a great time. It was like Disneyland every day.”

Conclusion

The story of Necromandus serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of the music industry. Despite their talent and early promise, a series of unfortunate events prevented them from attaining the success they deserved during their prime. However, their legacy continues to thrive through dedicated fans and a new generation of musicians inspired by their work.

FAQs

What genre of music did Necromandus play?

Necromandus blended elements of heavy metal and progressive rock, creating a unique sound that was ahead of its time.

Why did Baz Dunnery leave Necromandus?

Dunnery left the band due to personal issues, including anxiety about touring and the pressures of their lifestyle at the time.

What happened to Necromandus’ debut album?

The album was recorded but delayed for release by Vertigo Records, ultimately leading to the band’s breakup before it could be officially launched.

Did Necromandus ever achieve fame?

While they were highly regarded locally and had the support of Tony Iommi, Necromandus did not achieve widespread fame during their initial run. Their music gained a cult following years later.

Is Necromandus still active today?

Yes, a new lineup of Necromandus was formed in 2016, and they released a self-titled album in 2017, allowing them to perform again and continue their legacy.