Sortilège (band)

Sortilège
Background information
OriginParis, France
GenresHeavy metal
Years active1981–1986, 2019–present
LabelsSteamhammer/SPV
MembersChristian Augustin
Olivier Spitzer
Bruno Ramos
Sébastien Bonnet
Clément Rouxel
Past membersDidier Demajean
Stéphane Dumont
Daniel Lapp
Bob Dumont
Nicklaus Bergen
Websitesortilege.website

Sortilège is a French heavy metal band from Paris, regarded as a cult band of the French scene. The group ceased to exist in 1986 but reformed in 2019.

Biography

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The band was formed in 1981[1] with Christian Augustin on vocals, Daniel Lapp on bass, Jean-Philippe (Bob) Dumont on drums and Stephane Dumont and Didier Demajean on guitars. Originally, the band's name was Bloodwave.[2]

The following year, the quality of their repertoire and their concerts in France improved so they were hired as an opening act for Def Leppard on their tour in France. Since none of the French record labels wanted to offer them a recording contract, they signed for the Netherlands label Rave-On Records.[2][3] A few months later, the band recorded an EP titled Sortilège which was successful. With this initial success, the band signed to the French record label, Madrigal. A few weeks later, the band went to Germany to record their first album Métamorphose.[2] This was again a success, mainly in France and Germany. However, it also reached the United States, as Sortilège became Chuck Schuldiner’s favorite band and therefore a main influence for death metal pioneers Death (particularly the song “Amazone” included in that first EP).[4][5]

With the success of Métamorphose, the band played in many international festivals and became popular in Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and France. Feeling that their French may harm global sales, the band decided to re-record their album Metamorphose in English.[2] However, the English version of the record sold poorly everywhere except in Japan.[2]

In 1986, Sortilège released their last album, Larmes de Héros.[2] Like the previous album, it was recorded in Germany. At the same time they recorded an English version, which again sold badly. Tired of the lack of public support, and difficulties encountered in relation to record companies, Sortilège decided to split up in 1986.[2]

The band reunited in 2019, without guitarist Stéphane Dumont, for a festival appearance in Germany.[6] In April 2021, Sortilège announced their return with a new band lineup, helmed by original vocalist Christian Augustin, on their Instagram page.[7] Later that year, the band released Phoenix, an album consisting of primarily re-recorded tracks from past albums, as well as two new songs.[8] As of June 2021, Augustin is currently the only member remaining from the band's original lineup.

In January 2023, the band announced their new album, Apocalypso, would be released on 3 March. It is the band's first album of original material in 37 years.[9]

Other media exposure

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The song "Le Cyclope De l'Etang", released in 1984 on the album Métamorphose is on the compilation album Metal Warriors (released by Ebony Records).

Christian Augustin appeared as a guest on the album by Furious Zoo. Stephane Dumont works as a sound engineer in the United States. Didier Demajean is director of a computer company, and Jean-Philippe Dumont is noticeable for his attempt to reform Sortilège in the early 2000s.[10]

Members

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Current members

  • Christian Augustin known as "Zouille" – vocals (1981–1986, 2019–present)
  • Olivier Spitzer – guitar (2021–present)
  • Bruno Ramos – guitar (2021–present)
  • Sébastien Bonnet – bass (2021–present)
  • Clément Rouxel – drums (2021–present)

Former members

  • Nicklaus Bergen – lead guitar
  • Stéphane Dumont known as "L'Anguille" – lead guitar
  • Didier Demajean known as "Dem" – rhythm guitar
  • Daniel Lapp known as "Lapin" – bass
  • Jean-Philippe Dumont known as "Bob Snake" – drums

Discography

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References

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  1. ^ "Sortilège Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. pp. 333/4. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
  3. ^ Grandfils, Dominique (17 February 2017). "Section 34". Anthologie du rock français : de 1956 à 2017 (in French). Rosières-en-Haye: Camion blanc. ISBN 978-2-35779-926-4. OCLC 981947159.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  4. ^ Blabbermouth (12 June 2021). "Classic French Heavy Metal Band SORTILÈGE Is Back With New Lineup, Album Of Re-Recorded Songs". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  5. ^ "Sortilège - Trivia". Metal Storm. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  6. ^ "SORTILÈGE Reunion At Germany's KEEP IT TRUE Festival (Video)". Blabbermouth.net. 5 May 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  7. ^ Sortilege [@sortilege_band] (7 April 2021). "Sortilège revient en force avec sa voix originelle et un tout nouveau line-up !" (in French). Retrieved 25 July 2022 – via Instagram.
  8. ^ "Classic French Heavy Metal Band SORTILÈGE Is Back With New Lineup, Album Of Re-Recorded Songs". Blabbermouth.net. 12 June 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  9. ^ "Sortilège – Releasing First Full Length In 37 Years". Metal Storm. 11 January 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  10. ^ "Sortilège – Rock Made In France". Rockmadeinfrance.canalblog.com. 27 February 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2019.
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