Biography
In 1980, the artist embarked on his first musical journey by forming his initial band. By 1982, he established the first lineup known as THE CRAZY KILLERS, exploring a sound that blended hard rock and independent progressive rock.
In 1983, he secured a rehearsal space in a community hall designated for youth, which enabled THE CRAZY KILLERS to commence their activities. Shortly thereafter, a musician from another band called STRIPES approached him about sharing the space for rehearsals. After obtaining permission, both groups formed a collaborative relationship, allowing them to alternate performances and share equipment, such as drums and amplifiers. This partnership would lead to the opportunity to attend the recording of STRIPES' first demo, utilizing a 24-track mixing console with their own resources.
In 1992, he engaged in a second experimental endeavor, focused on independent rock and hard rock, rehearsing intensively for six months. From 1993 to 1995, he joined a band called GOOD AND BAD from Haute-Saône (70), whose musical style drew from hard rock, French independent rock, and committed punk rock. During this period, GOOD AND BAD recorded a promotional demo tape at STUDIO DATA in Héricourt (70) and participated in a televised interview on Télé SUD in Beaucourt (90), followed by a live radio interview on France BLEU in Belfort (90). The band also performed several concerts and festivals throughout the Franche-Comté region.
In 1994, he temporarily assisted the band HORDH, which played melodic thrash, stepping in as their bassist from February 6 to March 13 due to the absence of their regular bassist. This experience allowed him to expand his skills and musicality on the bass guitar.
In 1995, he initiated a new project with DAME BLANCHE on October 28, exploring a markedly different musical style that combined melodic progressive rock, French independent rock, and French alternative rock. They recorded a demo tape in 1996 using a Fostex analog tape recorder, with the help of Mr. Robert DEFER, a former guitarist for the bands ANGE, HYBRID, AUROCH, RICTUS, and BONIFACE, whom he acknowledges for his support in arranging and mixing. Following a lineup change that significantly altered the identity of DAME BLANCHE, he decided to leave the band in February 1998 after the drummer's departure.
On May 1, 1999, he formed the group MANDRAGORE, drawing musicians from diverse backgrounds and drawing inspiration from the medieval tales and legends of his region, Franche-Comté, laying the groundwork for a new genre he termed "Rock Féodal." He dedicated five months to rehearsing in a basement provided by the B.I.J of Delle (90), working on six initial songs. Subsequently, he posted advertisements to recruit musicians, which led to auditions and the formation of the band.
However, the band soon recognized a lack of motivation and commitment from their singer, Christian Taillard, who eventually left. The remaining members encouraged Laurent Boron to take on both vocal and bass duties, culminating in their first performance on June 21, 2000, during the Fête de la Musique in Delle (90), followed by a concert on July 1, 2000, in Réchésy (90). Acknowledging the need for a dedicated vocalist, they held auditions on September 22, 2000, resulting in the integration of singer Vincent Sekula, who quickly adapted to the band's sound and contributed to their musical direction.
MANDRAGORE soon aimed to record their first demo CD titled "Les Racines de ma terre," which was recorded at the Caveau à Jazz in Delle (90) with sound engineer Mr. Etienne Marchand over two days. The recording benefited from the unique acoustics of the medieval venue, creating a promising sound. The band continued to perform, reminiscent of troubadours, sharing their music and reviving ancient legends in local cafes.
After the departure of guitarist Sébastien Taillard for personal reasons, the remaining members decided to continue as a quartet, enhancing their musical maturity and performance skills. They played at venues like MEMPHIS in Giromagny (90) and collaborated musically with the group Mista-Pawa. On November 5, 2002, they recorded their second album titled "Sur les pas du diable" at Musique & Comédie in Baumes Les Dames, with final mixing done by the band.
In 2004 and 2005, Laurent Boron initiated the organization of two rock festivals called "Au caveau des remparts" in Delle (90) to benefit the Téléthon. These events successfully brought together various rock bands willing to perform for charity, showcasing groups such as SOULMAKER, The SHOEPOLISHERS, MISTA PAWA, ARCAJADE, and EDGE alongside MANDRAGORE. Each festival attracted around 80 spectators, marking a success for the venue and its technical team, including sound engineer Mr. Serge GODET.
Following these events, the band appeared on Radio France Bleu Belfort on 106.8 FM to promote their upcoming concerts and the release of a new album. They continued to perform alongside HOLLYWOOD-PARTY, whom they met during performances at the Belfort (90) festival.
In 2005, MANDRAGORE reached a significant milestone by recording a CD titled "Au travers du temps" in Paris, marking a successful evolution in their sound as a "Rock Féodal" group.
MANDRAGORE disbanded in 2007, concluding their journey. The artist remains committed to the arts, continuing to express his creativity through painting, sculpture, and various other artistic endeavors, reflecting on the connections that bind us through time and shared experiences.
