How about an 80s classic Heavy Metal album reissued in 2023? Veteran cult band Sortilège has reworked one of their most iconic sounds that has turned 40.
It is much appreciated that Sortilège has reimagined their anthems in French, the original language. Also, they kindly published bonus materials such as English versions of their famous tracks “The Amazone Warriors”, “Gladiator” and “Blade Killer”, as well as the demos recorded in 1981, the same year that the French formed the band.
It is a shame that no label wanted to take the risk of signing these young musicians back in the 80s. So, they took their chances overseas and that’s why we can still hear them today, 4 decades after its original release.
“The songs are raw, the sound is direct, and the alchemy between Stéphane’s compositions and Christian’s melodies and lyrics have touched the hearts of teenagers of our generation. The vocals, the riffs, the solos and the way of playing on this album, have anchored our musical identity in the public mind,” described Didier Demajean, the founding guitarist of Sortilège.
With a high-pitched voice of Christian “Zouille” Augustin that still roars today, and as Demajean said, Sortilège were forging an amalgam of true heavy metal with influences of blues rock, punk rock and progressive rock.
In this self-titled album, you will hear a classic Heavy Metal sound fuelled by young musicians ready to conquer the world. If you do not know this band, this is a perfect way to be introduced to Sortilège.
Sortilège: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: High Roller Records
Category: Album
Country: France
Reviewed by Taiki
