Nightmare (French band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Grenoble , France |
| Products | Power metal music |
| Website | www |
Nightmare is a power metal group originating from Grenoble, France, drawing inspiration from the 1980s new wave of British heavy metal. Initially rooted in traditional heavy metal, their sound evolved to incorporate elements of death metal and thrash metal within the power metal genre.
Early career
Established in 1979, Nightmare first gained prominence by opening for Def Leppard at Grenoble's Alpexpo in 1983. Subsequently, they signed with Ebony Records, which released their album Waiting for the Twilight. This record achieved chart success in Japan and was also distributed in Greece through Virgin Records. After vocalist Christophe Houpert was succeeded by Jean-Marie Boix, the band produced Power of the Universe, later reissued by Dream Records due to Ebony's financial collapse. Boix departed because of health complications and was replaced by Scottish vocalist Tom Jackson (formerly of Praying Mantis) to enhance their appeal in the UK market. This formation created a demo and performed across France and England with moderate acclaim. However, disagreements about shifting towards an AOR style led to Nightmare disbanding in 1987, putting their activities on hold for more than ten years.
Reformation
Nightmare reassembled in 1999 with a revamped lineup. Former drummer Jo Amore transitioned to lead vocalist, while his younger brother David assumed drumming duties.
The band secured a contract with Adipocere Records and issued the mini-album Astral Deliverance, dedicated to Jean-Marie Boix. Their previous albums were re-released by Brennus Records. In addition, they put out Live Deliverance, a double-live album recorded during their 1999 reunion concert in Grenoble—the first double-live album released by a French metal act. In 2000, Nightmare appeared at the Artifacts festival in Strasbourg as well as the renowned Wacken Open Air Festival.
By the end of that year, Nightmare finalized an agreement with Napalm Records and commenced recording Cosmovision in June 2001 at Soundsuite Studio, marking a transition towards melodic power metal. The album was produced by Terje Refnes, notable for his work with bands such as Theatre of Tragedy and Enslaved, and featured guest guitarist Patrick Rondat on the track "Spirit of the Sunset". Following this release, the band toured briefly with Saxon across France and Italy and supported Grave Digger in Grenoble. Subsequently, guitarist Jean Stripolli departed alongside keyboardist Stephane Rabilloud and was replaced by Alex Hilbert. In 2002, Nightmare participated in the Metal Meltdown Festival in the United States alongside acts like Manowar and Saxon. Returning to Europe, they opened for Blind Guardian in Lyon and Paris and performed at multiple festivals including another appearance at Wacken Open Air.
In 2003, Nightmare returned to Soundsuite Studio to produce the concept album Silent Room. Early in 2004, they toured Europe—covering France, Spain, and Belgium—supporting bands such as After Forever and Dark Moor, while playing festivals like Rotunda and Raismes Fest. Later that year, they mutually parted ways with Napalm Records. Founding guitarist Nicolas De Dominicis exited the band and was succeeded by Franck Milleliri. Under contract with Regain Records, they recorded The Dominion Gate once again at Soundsuite with producer Terje Refnes. A comprehensive tour followed in 2006, supporting After Forever throughout France, Spain, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, plus a show in Tel Aviv. They also featured at major festivals including Hellfest Summer Open Air, where JC Jess filled in for absent guitarist Alex Hilbert. In August 2008, Hilbert left due to personal reasons after six years; JC Jess then became his permanent replacement.
Nightmare released their seventh studio album, Insurrection, through AFM Records in September 2009. This record showcased a heavier and more straightforward sound that garnered positive feedback from critics and fans alike. On October 31 of that year, they commemorated their 30th anniversary with a concert in Grenoble that was filmed for a DVD released in 2011. The band played again at the 2010 edition of the Wacken Open Air Festival and embarked on a South American tour later that year.
In July 2015, Jo and David Amore departed from Nightmare along with ending their collaboration with Yves Campion.
On August 30, 2022, Nightmare announced via Facebook that vocalist Madie had left following their 2020 album Aeternam. By October 2022, Barbara Mogore was introduced as their new lead singer.
On March 8, 2024, Nightmare revealed plans to release their forthcoming album Encrypted on June 7.
Studio albums
- Waiting for the Twilight (1984)
- Power of the Universe (1985)
- Cosmovision (2001)
- Silent Room (2003)
- The Dominion Gate (2005)
- Genetic Disorder (2007)
- Insurrection (2009)
- The Burden of God (2012)
- The Aftermath (2014)
- Dead Sun (2016)
- Aeternam (2020)
- Encrypted (2024)
EPs
- Astral Deliverance (1999)
- Divine Nemesis (2020)
Live albums
- Live Deliverance (2000)
- One Night of Insurrection (2011)
Current members
- Barbara Mogore – vocals
- Franck Milleliri – guitars
- Matt Asselbergs – guitars
- Yves Campion – bass
- Niels Quiais – drums