OORT

OORT biography
Not to be confused with the Estonian band of the same name, this French outfit from Rennes was established in 1993, expanding to a six-piece line-up by early 94: Jean-Luc Spehner (vocals, flutes), Francois Albert (guitars), Pierre-Eric Coucharriere (guitars), Olivier Martin (keyboards), Frederic Miquelin (drums) and Jean-Michel Vautrin (bass). After a demo tape Miquelin's interest in Thrash Metal forced him to leave the band with Diego Guyard jumping in. But while the band's chances for live shows were constantly increasing, Guyard left in 1995 and Miquelin returned behind the drum kit.A second demo was recorded in 1996, after which bassist Jean-Michel Vautrin  quit, followed in September 97' by Miquelin's second and final departure.Arnaud Tizon was the new member and Oort kept producing music, while sharing the stage with important names of the French and international Prog scene: Xang, Priam, Osm'oz, Outside, Abraxas, XII Alfonso and After Crying. Pierre-Eric Coucharriere, who meanwhile had taken over the bass duties, was replaced by Gilles Roggia, who's career with the band would last only two years. In 2002 three new additions occur with Florian Motteau on guitar, Sundae on bass and Diego Guyard returning to the line-up after 7 years. Personnel struggles continues, as Sundae leaves soon and Arnaud Tizon joins again as the band's drummer. In 2003 one more demo was recorded and from this point on Oort focused on working hard to produce an official album. It was a very slow process, during which Yann Emery joined Oort on violin. After 7 years the time had come. Oort released their long-awaited debut in 2010, a dynamic mix of Neo Prog with heavy and Fusion elements, a bit simlar to 80's British act EDGE or Swiss group ZENIT.