Versailles

Here's an article I did for this band's latest album in my school newspaper (Since I live in the Southern US along the Bible Belt I might get lynched for this. But seriously! What's wrong with being different? NOTHING!):

Versailles debut album, Noble, released on July 16th of 2008 is among the most anticipated releases both in the American and Japanese music scenes. The unique sound of Versailles is sure to please anyone that enjoys a modern rock/metal sound with a twist of classical progressivism.



Noble begins with “Prelude,” a heart-stopping integration of symphonic choir and minor chord progression that builds into “Aristocrat’s Symphony,” the first introduction of Versailles characteristic heavy metal style, not to mention the beautifully articulate intonations of the vocalist. The next composition, “Antique in the Future,” is an incorporation of classic rock progressions with the smooth inner transitions of a minor chorus. Then comes “Second Fear, Another Descendant,” the first presentation of Versailles upbeat speed and dexterity. The song “Zombi” adds a refreshingly jazzy swing feel in contrast to “After Cloudia,” a high ranged and technical dual guitar composition that flows with transitions leading into “Windress,” the soft, yet invigorating vocal interlude of the album. This all points towards the climatic entry of “The Revenant Choir,” a stunningly arranged combination of the aristocratic verses modern day feel that so accurately defines the style of Versailles. The album then begins its immersion into “To the Chaos Inside” and “Suzerain,” both equally comprised of a purely heavy metal drive defined by ear splicing guitar shredding and the thrash of an unrelenting one-man percussive army. The sudden following of “History of the Other Side” begins the chilling descent from the power driven force of the albums prior songs into a more melodically driven combination of classically inspired melodies finally landing in a truly breathtaking portion of harmony between vocals and piano presented in the final song of the album: “Episode.”




It is very difficult for me to describe how much I truly enjoy listening to the music of this band. Their sound is everything you could ever want in a heavy metal band, minus the screaming, and quadrupaling the complexity. I also appreciate the classical feel that is present in all of their songs. It gives them culture and, moreover, greater respectability in my book. Classical training is the way to go!

Another very noticable feature of this band is that they are a true to definition visual kei style. Unlike the turn that many J-rock groups are making to escape the flamboyant femenin look of the past era, Versailles is stepping forward to bring it back. Their aristocratic inspirations bring back memories of Malice Mizer and other groups of the like. I currently have no money to buy their Noble album, but the second I do, I'm ordering it. Considering that I haven't been able to order an J-rock CD's in the past, this may sound empty, but I really think I might be for real this time.

Here are some pictures:














Kamijo (Vocals)

Recent Band: Lareine




Hizaki (Guitar)

Recent Band: Sulfuric Acid





Teru (Guitar)

Recent Band: Aikaryu



Jasmine You (Bass)

Recent Band: Jakura



Yuki (Drums)

Recent Band: Sugar Trip