Biography of the Band:
The HAUTEVILLE project emerged in the mid-1990s with the recording of a self-produced EP in Paris. Originating from the remnants of a regionally-focused group called NETWOR, HAUTEVILLE developed a reimagined rock style that defies simple categorization, blending elements of progressive rock, AOR, and hard rock. Their sound, situated in the midst of the post-grunge era, transcends mere artistic labeling, embodying a distinctive approach to music.
The band comprises six members: Cyril GRIMAUD on vocals, Lydie GOSSELIN providing background vocals, Laurent OBER on bass, Didier THERY on keyboards, Denis TURMEL on guitars, and Vincent TURMEL on drums. The EP, entirely self-produced, was recorded and mixed under the guidance of Didier THERY. HAUTEVILLE performed numerous gigs in small venues and festivals, occasionally collaborating with other artists. Despite the challenges in gaining recognition within the mainstream rock media and popular scenes, the band remained unfazed.
Continuing their artistic journey, HAUTEVILLE released their debut album in 1998 under the French label Brennus. The album garnered positive reviews from both French and international hard and progressive music press, showcasing the band’s evolved talent and confirming the potential recognized in their EP.
Press accolades included remarks such as:
"Hauteville is nothing but the reunion of tremendously talented Parisians, gifted with brainwaves." — Planète HARD (Fnac Store Chains Magazine), December 1998.
"This CD is a true delight, with very elaborated tunes and instrumental passages that could park a condemned to death's enthusiasm." — Rocktime, December 1998.
"Quality-wise, Hauteville is endowed with the innate gift of melodiousness, unchallenged inspiration, and a nice blend of male lead vocals & female background vocals, skillfully used keyboards, for a walk on AOR/progressive/hard rock land." — Hard Force, November 1998.
"A little bit of delicacy in a brute's world... Rush, Saga, & Yes are the first names that cross your mind while listening to the subtle & melodic hard rock of this band, who believes in mind over muscle." — Hard & Heavy, July 1998.
"Hauteville is of the sound polishers breed, and from the tunes stonecutters stock, often on a level playing field with Saga, Foreigner, or even Boston & Journey... Hauteville holds out the flag of French AOR, neither too heavy nor falsely self-claimed 'ProgRock', simply a magnificent wonder you can listen to, admiring such skill." — Harmony Mag, November 1998.
"If the influence of Yes, Rush, or Saga cannot be denied, the qualities of the band in its own right are obvious enough to allow them to carve out a place among the candidates for this repertoire's throne... With Hauteville, French AOR-ProgRock has probably found its standard bearer." — Guitar & Bass, November 1998.
Despite not achieving the anticipated sales of 500,000 albums, HAUTEVILLE did not fade away like many of their contemporaries. Their resilience is evident, particularly after the departure of a singer who sought quicker fame. With Lydie stepping into the lead vocals, the band gained a remarkable female voice.
Rather than chasing the trends of prominent hard and prog rock figures, HAUTEVILLE continues to evolve, digesting influences while refining their musical discourse, free from marketing constraints.
In 2006, nearly a decade later, they released a new album titled "Relief Data Incomplete." This period of intense dedication to composing, arranging, and producing has solidified HAUTEVILLE’s unique identity within the music landscape. Some might say that a decade is the requisite time to cultivate a fine Bordeaux or Burgundy wine; indeed, we are in France.
