SORTILEGE - Self-Titled 12" Vinyl EP

- Album Front cover with RED BORDERS

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

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.

 

High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "SORTILEGE - Self-Titled "

Sortilège: A Hex on Heavy Metal's Heart
Album Description:

In the world of heavy metal, few bands embody the raw, untamed spirit of the genre quite like France's Sortilège. Their self-titled 12" vinyl EP, framed by its iconic red borders, stands as a testament to a time when metal was still forging its identity, a time when boundaries were meant to be shattered, not revered.

Gallic Metal's Gauntlet

Emerging from the vibrant Parisian metal scene of the early 1980s, Sortilège faced a unique challenge. While their British counterparts were already carving their names into the granite of metal history, the French scene was still finding its footing. Sortilège, however, refused to be relegated to the sidelines. They embraced the NWOBHM's fiery energy, infusing it with a distinctly Gallic flair. The result was a sound that was both familiar and refreshingly foreign, a potent blend of Iron Maiden's galloping rhythms, Judas Priest's soaring vocals, and a touch of Parisian panache.

Musical Alchemy

Sortilège's self-titled EP is a masterclass in heavy metal's elemental power. From the opening salvo of "Sortilège," with its thunderous drums and Christian Augustin's searing vocals, to the epic closer "Bourreau," the band weaves a tapestry of sonic fury. Stéphane Dumont and Didier Demajean's twin guitar attack is a relentless force, their riffs intertwining and clashing with the precision of a well-oiled machine. Meanwhile, Bob Snake's thunderous basslines provide the bedrock upon which the band's sonic cathedral is built.

Studio Sorcery

Recorded at the legendary Aquarium Studio in Paris, the EP captures the raw energy of Sortilège's live performances. The production, helmed by the band themselves, is rough around the edges, but that only adds to the EP's charm. It's a testament to a time when metal was still a DIY affair, a time when bands weren't afraid to get their hands dirty in pursuit of their artistic vision.

Beyond the Borders

While Sortilège's self-titled EP may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their British counterparts, it remains a cult classic among metalheads worldwide. Its iconic red-bordered cover has become a symbol of the band's uncompromising spirit, a reminder that metal is not just a genre, but a way of life.

In a world where metal has become increasingly polished and commercialized, Sortilège's self-titled EP stands as a defiant reminder of the genre's roots.

Sortilège's Self-Titled EP: The Anthem that Echoes Through Time
"Le Cyclope de l'Etang" Song Description:

While every track on Sortilège's self-titled EP is a testament to the band's raw power and unyielding spirit, one song stands head and shoulders above the rest: "Le Cyclope de l'Etang." This epic track, clocking in at over seven minutes, is a masterclass in heavy metal storytelling.

From its haunting opening riff to its climactic guitar solo, "Le Cyclope de l'Etang" is a journey into the heart of darkness. Christian Augustin's vocals, delivered with a mix of desperation and defiance, paint a vivid picture of a monstrous creature lurking in the depths of a lake. The twin guitar attack of Stéphane Dumont and Didier Demajean is relentless, their riffs weaving a tapestry of sonic terror. Bob Snake's basslines, meanwhile, provide the ominous undercurrent that drives the song forward.

But it's not just the music that makes "Le Cyclope de l'Etang" so special. The lyrics, penned by Augustin, are a testament to the band's literary ambitions. They tell a tale of fear and fascination, of a creature that is both repulsive and alluring. It's a story that resonates with the human condition, exploring the darkness that lurks within us all.

"Le Cyclope de l'Etang" is more than just a song; it's an experience. It's a testament to the power of heavy metal to transport us to another world, to make us feel emotions we never knew we had. It's a reminder that metal is not just about loud guitars and pounding drums; it's about storytelling, about connecting with something deeper within ourselves.

Decades after its release, "Le Cyclope de l'Etang" remains Sortilège's most beloved and enduring song. It's the anthem that echoes through time, a reminder of a band that dared to dream big and create music that was both powerful and profound. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of Sortilège's self-titled EP, a record that continues to inspire and captivate metalheads around the world.

Sortilège - Cyclope de l'Etang (Studio Version) :

Collector's notes ( detailed background information on the persons working on this album)

Christian "Zouille" Augustin was singerin 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.

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"

Album Fact Sheet
Music Genre: Heavy Metal / Hard Rock
Album Production information:

The album: "SORTILEGE - Self-Titled " was produced by: Jacques Hustinx (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. Learn more about him

This album was recorded at: Stone Sound Studios, Netherlands, July 1983

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Willem Steentjes

Album cover design: Brigitte Dumont

Album cover photography: Alex Mitram

Collector notes:
JacquesJ Hustinx a Dutch musician, producer and co-founder of Rave-On Records.

Willem Steentjes the owner of Stonesound Studio, Roosendaal, NL.

Alex Mitram also was photographer on the follow-on albums: Métamorphose and "Larmes de héros"
Record Company & Catalog number:  Rave-On Records – RMLP-003

Record Format
12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
 Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:  1983 Netherlands
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SORTILEGE - Self-Titled
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Vocals : Christian Augustin (Christian "Zouille" Augustin was singer Sortilège from 1981-1986. Before joining Sortilège in 1981, he was in aDidier "Dem" Demajean played guitars in Sortilège from 1981-1986. band called "Correspondance".)
  • Guitars : Didier Demajean (Didier "Dem" Demajean played guitars in Sortilège from 1981-1986.)
  • Guitars : Stephane Dumont (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". )
  • Bass : Daniel Lapp (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". )
  • Drums : Bob Snake (Jean-Philippe "Bob" Dumont occasionally used the pseudonym "Bob Snake" and has played the drums in the French Heavy Metal/Cult band "Sortilège". )
  • Vic Vergaet - Synthesizer and piano (Vic Vergaet a Producer and musician during the 1980s he has been working bans like: Sortilège, Paganini,Zenith and others. )

Collector notes:
Daniel Lapp and Stephane Dumont joined later (1992) the BLISS Band.

Complete Track-listing of the album "SORTILEGE - Self-Titled "

The detailed tracklist of this record "SORTILEGE - Self-Titled " is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Amazone
  2. Progeniture
  3. Gladiateur
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. Sortilege
  2. Bourreau
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "SORTILEGE - Self-Titled "
Album Back Cover  Photo of "SORTILEGE - Self-Titled "
Album Back Cover  Photo of "SORTILEGE - Self-Titled "  
Photo of "SORTILEGE - Self-Titled " Rave-On Record Label
Photo of "SORTILEGE - Self-Titled " Rave-On Record Label  

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.

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

Steam Hammer SH 0036 , 1986 , Germany

Explore Sortilège's "Hero's Tears," a French metal gem with a surprising German touch. This iconic album, born in 1986, showcases the prowess of French musicians, breaking stereotypes with its dynamic sound. The web-page offers a visual delight with hi-res photos, making it a must-visit for metal aficionados.

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

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

Sortilège's "Métamorphose" is a groundbreaking symphonic power metal album that revolutionized the genre with its powerful vocals, soaring melodies, and innovative blend of classical and heavy metal instrumentation. The album's original French version, distinguished by its authentic and mystical atmosphere, has become the most beloved and cherished by fans. Its impact on the genre and the French metal scene is immeasurable, and the album will continue to inspire and delight fans for generations to come.

Metamorphose 12" Vinyl LP
SORTILÈGE - Self-Titled 12" Vinyl 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.

SORTILÈGE - Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP