Arik Roper

   Posted by Arik Roper

I recently licensed some art for the cover of Rise Above's release of this lost classic by Necromandus. The release will be given the usual high quality treatment by Rise Above on vinyl and CD.
If you don't know this one here's a little info:

Orexis of Death is a true lost treasure of British underground progressive hard rock. The skills of musicianship and structure were very progressive for the time, especially in the jazz-influenced guitar technique of Barry (Baz) Dunnery. Apparently even Steve Howe scratched his head when he witnessed some Dunnery wizardry.

In 1968 two West Cumbrian bands, Jug and Heaven, broke up. Members from both bands, Barry "Baz" 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 before settling on Necromandus after a radio show asked their audience for name suggestions. In 1972, after extensive gigging and a failure to release a record, they caught the eye of Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, who began managing the group.

In early 1973 Necromandus, under Iommi's guidance, recorded the album Orexis of Death at London's Morgan Studio. Iommi also added some guitar to the title track. A deal was arranged with Vertigo and the band began opening for Sabbath as well as Tony Kaye's Badger. Dunnery left the band in 1973, and as a result the album was shelved by Vertigo.[3] Necromandus continued to receive praise and support, with Ozzy Osbourne initially wanting them for his Blizzard of Ozz project.[citation needed]

Dunnery and Hall founded the cover band Nerves, with Dunnery leaving to join the ELO offshoot Violinski in 1976.[4] Hall and Dunnery also played together in the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal band Hammerhead, although Dunnery's stint was very brief.

The only surviving member of Necromandus is Frank Hall, as Dennis McCarten died in 2004 and Barry Dunnery (the elder brother of Francis Dunnery) died in 2008. The date of Bill Branch's death is currently unknown.More Info: Rise Above   Posted by Arik Roper

Thrill Jockey has compiled an impressive collection of material from musicians who have dedicated material to a six hour piece of music in memory of Jack Rose. Due to the length, it's only available as a download, so check it out in the link below. All proceeds from the sale of Honest Strings go directly to Jack Rose's estate.

You can also read more about it in the second link.More Info: Fina  & Pitchfork Posted by Arik Roper

Arthur has these in stock again.More Info: Arthur   Posted by Arik Roper

More Info: Secret Serpents   Posted by Arik Roper

Gatefold cover for Sycamore by David Daniel and Doulgas McCombs. released by Thrill Jockey.More Info: Check it out.   Posted by Arik Roper

Starting This Friday March 26th at 12pm EST, Shirts & Destroy will be selling two prints of the latest High on Fire album art. Each is 15"x15" and printed on high quality acid free archival paper. Both are limited to 100 prints and are going for $40. Check out S&D for more details.More Info: Shirts and Destroy   Posted by Arik Roper

I made this for the Alamo Drafthouse, based on Jason and the Argonauts. It's now available from Mondo Tees in an edition of 70. They also have a t-shirt version.More Info: Mondo   Posted by Arik Roper

Another piece from my show. Medium: watercolor and gouache.   Posted by Arik Roper

More Info: Mushroom Magick   Posted by Arik Roper

   Posted by Arik Roper