SORTILÈGE - Heavy Metal from France Album Cover Gallery

A Brief history on SORTILÈGE and it's core band-members :

The evolution/history of the French Heavy Metal band "Sortilège" starts late 1980 when "Stéphane Dumont" and "Didier Demajean" (both are schoolmates) form the band "Blood Wave". Soon after they are joined by "Jean-Philippe Dumont" and in October 1981 "Daniel Lapp" joins them to make the "Blood Wave" band complete. In January 1983 the name of this band is changed into "Sortilège". "Sortilège" breaks up early 1987 and Stephane and Jean-Philippe Dumont continue in the band "Bouche de Vieille" followed by "Bliss" in 1992.

Christian "Zouille" Augustin was singer in Sortilège from 1981-1986. Before joining Sortilège in 1981, he was in a band called "Correspondance".

Didier "Dem" Demajean played guitars in Sortilège from 1981-1986.

Stéphane Dumont schoolfriend of Didier Demajean and together they formed the band "Blood Wave", this band became later "Sortilege". After Zouille left Sortilege, the band became "Bouche De Vieille". In 1992 "Stéphane Dumont" together with his partner "Carolyn Jones", started the band "Bliss".

Daniel "Lapin" Lapp started in the "Flagrant Delit" band , he joined "Blood Wave" in 1980 and followed "Stephane Dumont" and "Jean-Philippe Dumont" in the bands "Sortilege" and "Bliss".

Jean-Philippe "Bob" Dumont occasionally used the pseudonym "Bob Snake" and has played the drums in the French Heavy Metal/Cult band "Sortilège".

Jacques Hustinx a Dutch musician, producer and co-founder of Rave-On Records.

Jacques Hustinx, a Dutch musician, producer, and co-founder of Rave-On Records, played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of heavy metal music during the 1980s. Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 1965, Hustinx developed a deep passion for music at an early age. His love for the powerful and dynamic sound of heavy metal led him on a remarkable journey, collaborating with legendary bands and leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

Early Years and Musical Awakening
Growing up in a musically inclined family, Jacques Hustinx discovered his natural talent for music from an early age. Fascinated by the raw energy and intensity of heavy metal, he began honing his skills on the guitar, immersing himself in the distinctive sound that would shape his career. With an insatiable hunger for knowledge and a relentless drive to perfect his craft, Hustinx sought every opportunity to learn and grow as a musician.

Collaborations with Influential Bands
During the 1980s, Jacques Hustinx emerged as a prominent figure in the heavy metal scene, working closely with some of the era's most influential bands. His innovative production techniques and keen musical intuition elevated the sound of these bands, contributing to their iconic status and solidifying his own reputation as a sought-after producer.

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1. Mercyful Fate
One of Hustinx's most significant collaborations came with the Danish heavy metal band, Mercyful Fate. Recognized for their dark lyrical themes and theatrical stage presence, Mercyful Fate aimed to translate their intense live energy into recorded albums. Hustinx stepped in as the producer for their 1983 album "Melissa", expertly capturing the band's raw power and atmospheric sound. The album, with its intricate guitar work and haunting vocals, became a seminal release in the metal genre and solidified Mercyful Fate's status as a pioneering band.

2. Evil
Another notable collaboration during the 1980s was with the Danish band Evil. Known for their aggressive and uncompromising approach to thrash metal, Evil sought Hustinx's expertise to capture their intense live sound on record. Together, they released the album "Evil's Message" in 1984, which showcased the band's speed, precision, and unrelenting energy. The album received critical acclaim and cemented Evil's position as a force to be reckoned with in the thrash metal scene.

3. Sortilège
Hustinx's collaboration extended beyond Denmark to the French heavy metal band Sortilège. Recognized for their melodic and technical approach to metal, Sortilège sought Hustinx's guidance to create a polished and powerful sound. He produced their debut album "Sortilège" in 1983, which showcased the band's virtuosity and catchy songwriting. The album propelled Sortilège to the forefront of the French metal scene and garnered them a dedicated fan base.

Legacy and Rave-On Records
Jacques Hustinx's contributions to the metal music scene during the 1980s left an enduring legacy. His meticulous attention to detail, technical expertise, and ability to capture the essence of each band's sound set him apart as a visionary producer. Furthermore, his co-founding of Rave-On Records provided a platform for emerging metal bands to showcase their talent and reach a wider audience.

Beyond the 1980s, Jacques Hustinx continued to make significant contributions to the music industry. His dedication to producing exceptional music and nurturing talent have earned him a revered status among musicians and metal enthusiasts alike. Through his collaborations and tireless efforts, Hustinx has solidified his place as a pioneer in metal music production and an influential figure in shaping the sound of heavy metal.

Willem Steentjes the owner and sound engineer of Stonesound Studio, Roosendaal, NL.

Alex Mitram has been photographing for the albums of the French Heavy Metal band "Sortilege" which includes albums: Sortilege, Métamorphose and "Larmes de héros"

Sortilège: The Heavy Metal Legacy of Belgium's Finest Rockers from the 80s

Sortilège Band Description:

Sortilège was a heavy metal band that was active in the 1980s. Formed in 1981, the band quickly gained a following in France with their unique blend of heavy metal and hard rock.

The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist Christian Augustin, guitarists Daniel Lapp and Didier Demajean, bassist Bruno Ramos, and drummer Jean-Philippe Dumont. They released their debut album, self-titled "Sortilège," in 1983. The album was a hit in France, and the band soon became one of the most popular heavy metal acts in the country.

Sortilège's music was characterized by its heavy, riff-driven sound and Christian Augustin's powerful vocals. The band's lyrics often dealt with dark and mysterious themes, such as witchcraft, magic, and the occult. Their music was influenced by bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and AC/DC, as well as French heavy metal acts like H-Bomb and Satan Jokers.

In 1984, Sortilège released their second album, "Métamorphose," which further cemented their status as one of the top heavy metal bands in France. The album featured some of the band's most popular songs, including "Métamorphose" and "Amazone."

Sortilège's success continued with their third album, "Larmes de Héros," which was released in 1986. The album was well-received by fans and critics alike and featured some of the band's most complex and ambitious music.

Despite their success, Sortilège disbanded in 1987. The reasons for the breakup are unclear, but it is believed that the band's members wanted to pursue other musical projects.

Sortilège's influence on the French heavy metal scene cannot be overstated. The band paved the way for a new generation of French metal bands, many of whom cite Sortilège as a major influence. Bands like ADX, Blasphème, and Killers all emerged in the wake of Sortilège's success.

Sortilège's music continues to be celebrated by metal fans around the world. The band's albums have been reissued multiple times, and their music has been included on numerous compilations. Christian Augustin, the band's vocalist, has continued to perform and record music, both as a solo artist and as a member of various bands.  

SORTILÈGE - Hero's Tears ( Heavy Metal, France ) 12" LP
Thumbnail Of Sortilège - Hero's Tears ( Heavy Metal, France ) 12" LP album front cover

Steam Hammer SH 0036 , 1986 , Germany

  This album demonstrates that French musicians can produce Heavy Metal music. This album is surprisingly French sound metal with a German production team.

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SORTILÈGE - Metamorphose ( Heavy Metal, France ) 12" LP
Thumbnail Of SORTILÈGE - Metamorphose ( Heavy Metal, France ) 12" LP album front cover

Devil's Records DLS 584 , 1984 , Made in France

  This is the original 1984 Devils records release with all songs sung in French.

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SORTILÈGE - Self-Titled ( Heavy Metal, France ) 12" LP
Thumbnail Of SORTILÈGE - Self-Titled ( Heavy Metal, France ) 12" LP album front cover

Rave-On Records – RMLP-003 , 1983 , Netherlands

Sortilège by Sortilège is a 5-track extented play (EP) vinyl record and is the first official record by this French Heavy Metal band.

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