We are in 1984 and SORTILÈGE release their first LP, “Métamorphose”, which followed the self-titled debut EP. It was very important back then for a band to have a very good first full-length album if it had long-term plans to stay on the scene.
SORTILÈGE did everything right in “Métamorphose”, taking its heavy metal sound at least two levels higher compared to the EP. The guitar work in the album is astonishing and became the bands’ trademark that lasts until now. Amazing riffs and crystal-sharp solos which helped to define and to characterize the legendary and epic nature of heavy metal the years that followed. If we add to the guitar pandemonium, the unbelievable vocals of Christian Augustin, then it is more than clear why “Métamorphose” is one of the best heavy metal albums of all time.
The reissue we present here, is a good chance for the younger audience to learn about this historic release, as well as for the older fans to obtain something that they perhaps have missed. The CD has both the remastered and the initial mix, and the fans won’t believe how fresh the band sounds in both versions. SORTILÈGE is always a great choice for those who appreciate the nostalgic sound of the 80s heavy metal and this release reminds us the majesty behind that era.
SORTILÈGE – “Metamorphosis”
For those who remember, almost the same time with “Métamorphose”, the band released the same album but in English, called “Metamorphosis” mostly for the German audience. Everything is the same, the music is exactly the same, but even back then, a slight difference was observed with regards to the vocals. Even though Christian Augustin’s singing style was the same, something sounded different, as if the English language wasn’t fitting in as well. Perhaps of course, the reason for that is that most fans listened to the French version and got used to it, so the English version sounded a little different afterwards.
In any case, High Roller Records is reissuing separately the English version as well, so that everyone is happy, no matter what language preference they have. After all, history is already written and whether you call it “Métamorphose” or “Metamorphosis”, we are always talking about one of the highlights in the history of heavy metal.
Check the discussion about the French version of the album in our forum pages here and the English version here.
