Sortilège (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Christian Augustin, Daniel Lapp, Jean-Philippe (Bob) Dumont, Stéphane Dumont, Didier Demajean |
| Defunct | 1986 (initial period) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 1986; reunited in 2019 |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
Area served | France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, United States, Japan |
Key people | Christian Augustin (lead vocals) |
| Products | Heavy metal music albums and EPs |
Number of employees | 5 (current lineup) |
Sortilège is a heavy metal group hailing from Paris, France, esteemed as a legendary figure within the French metal community. Initially active between 1981 and 1986, the band made a comeback in 2019.
Biography
Established in 1981, the founding members consisted of Christian Augustin (vocals), Daniel Lapp (bass), Jean-Philippe (Bob) Dumont (drums), along with guitarists Stephane Dumont and Didier Demajean. The band was originally called Bloodwave but quickly gained momentum through enhanced live shows and secured the opportunity to open for Def Leppard during their French tour. After encountering hesitance from French record companies, Sortilège signed a deal with the Dutch label Rave-On Records.
Their first EP, Sortilège, was well-received, paving the way for a contract with the French label Madrigal. Soon after, they recorded their debut album, Métamorphose, in Germany. This release enjoyed success in both France and Germany and also garnered recognition in the United States, influencing early death metal acts like Death.
Following Métamorphose, Sortilège increased their visibility by performing at international festivals and cultivated a fan base across Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and their home country of France. To appeal to a wider audience, they produced an English-language version of Métamorphose, but sales outside Japan were underwhelming.
In 1986, Sortilège issued Larmes de Héros, again recorded in Germany along with an English edition that faced similar commercial challenges. Due to limited industry backing and difficulties with their label, the group disbanded that same year.
The band reunited in 2019 for a performance at a German festival without guitarist Stéphane Dumont. In April 2021, Sortilège revealed a revamped lineup led by original vocalist Christian Augustin through Instagram. Later that year, they released Phoenix, an album primarily composed of re-recorded tracks complemented by two new songs. As of mid-2021, Augustin remains the only founding member still active in the band.
In January 2023, Sortilège announced Apocalypso, marking their first album of entirely new material in 37 years, scheduled for release on March 3.
Additional media appearances
The track "Le Cyclope De l'Etang" from the 1984 release Métamorphose is included in the Ebony Records compilation titled Metal Warriors.
Christian Augustin contributed as a guest vocalist on Furious Zoo's record. Stephane Dumont has established himself as a sound engineer based in the United States, Didier Demajean is at the helm of a technology firm, and Jean-Philippe Dumont made a significant effort to revive Sortilège during the early 2000s.
Band members
Current lineup
- Christian Augustin ("Zouille") – lead vocals (1981–1986, 2019–present)
- Olivier Spitzer – guitar (2021–present)
- Bruno Ramos – guitar (2021–present)
- Sébastien Bonnet – bass guitar (2021–present)
- Clément Rouxel – drums (2021–present)
Past members
- Nicklaus Bergen – lead guitarist
- Stéphane Dumont ("L'Anguille") – lead guitar
- Didier Demajean ("Dem") – rhythm guitarist
- Daniel Lapp ("Lapin") – bassist
- Jean-Philippe Dumont ("Bob Snake") – drummer
Releases
- 1983: Sortilège (EP)
- 1984: Métamorphose
- 1984: Live Breaking Sound Festival (bootleg recording)
- 1986: Larmes de Héros
- 2021: Phoenix (compilation album)
- 2023: Apocalypso
- 2023: Coram Populo (live album)
- 2025: Le Poids de l’Âme