Sortilège (band)

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

This article is about a musical group. For other uses, see Sortilege.
Sortilège
Background information
OriginParis, France
GenresHeavy metal
Years active1981–1986; 2019–present
LabelsSteamhammer/SPV
Past membersChristian Augustin
Didier Demajean
Stéphane Dumont
Daniel Lapp
Bob Dumont

Biography

The band was formed in 1981 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.[1]

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.[1] 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.[1] This was again a success, mainly in France and Germany.

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.[1] However, the English version of the record sold poorly everywhere except in Japan.[1]

In 1986, Sortilège released their last album, Larmes de Héros.[1] 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.[1]

The band reunited in 2019, and have announced a tour and a new album.

Other media exposure

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.[2]

Chuck Schuldiner, founder of Death, was repeatedly photographed wearing a Sortilège T-shirt, and once he cited them as his favourite band.

Discography

Members
  • Christian Augustin known as "Zouille" - vocals
  • 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

References
  1. Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who’s Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. pp. 333/4. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
  2. "Sortilège - Rock Made In France". Rockmadeinfrance.canalblog.com. February 27, 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2019.
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