Versailles (Japanesse band)

Versailles (known as Versailles -Philharmonic Quintet- in the United States) is a Japanese metal band formed in 2007. It is composed of several notable figures in the visual kei scene. Versailles' key characteristics are their renaissance-esque costumes, dueling guitar sounds and heavy but melodic arrangements.

2007: Formation

In March 2007, Versailles was formed by Kamijo (ex-Lareine), Hizaki (ex-Sulfuric Acid), and Jasmine You (ex-Jyakura). Later, Teru (ex-Aikaryu) and Yuki (ex-Sugar Trip), who were recommended by the Rock May Kan venue in Tokyo joined the band.

Kamijo and Hizaki created the concept of Versailles in the autumn of 2006 and spent six months gathering members to express it. Their band concept is “the absolute youshikibi (beauty of form) sound and extremes of aestheticism”. In March 2007 the details of the band were announced. They released promotional material through the Internet, set up an English language page on MySpace, and had several interviews with foreign press.

Versailles made their first appearance with a showcase on June 23, followed by their first performance on June 24. On these dates they also distributed their first single and DVD single, The Revenant Choir.

The band signed a contract with the German CLJ Records label and released its first album, Lyrical Sympathy on October 31, both in Japan and Europe.[1] Their song "The Love From A Dead Orchestra" also appears on a compilation album released by Sony BMG in Germany on November 9, called Tokyo Rock City.

[edit] 2008: Noble

In 2008, Versailles made their first appearances in Europe and United States. In March and April, the band performed cooperatively with Matenrou Opera across Europe.[2] Versailles was later invited to perform by Tainted Reality later performed shows on May 30 at Project A-Kon in Dallas, Texas and on June 3 at the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles, California as their American debut.[3] Teru stated in the band's official blog that the concert at Project A-Kon pulled in more than 3,000 people and the Knitting Factory show sold out completely.[4][5]

On July 9, 2008, Versailles digitally released their first full album, Noble, exclusively on international iTunes Music Stores. This was followed by its general Japanese CD release on July 16 and its international CD release on July 30.

Following the release of Noble, Versailles' Japanese record label announced on August 19, 2008 that they received notice of a musician in the United States already using the name "Versailles".[6] The Japanese band was compelled to create a new promotional name in order to proceed with their plans to tour in the United States again, so they called upon their fans to send in ideas.[6] On September 14, 2008 the band announced on their website that their new name for the U.S. was to be "Versailles -Philharmonic Quintet-", but that they planned to continue using their original name in Japan and elsewhere outside of the America.[7] "Prince" is the title of their first single released under the new name and it was available as a free digital download.

[edit] 2009: Going Major

Kamijo announced at the C.C.Lemon Hall oneman that Versailles will be going major in June 2009, both in Japan and internationally on Warner Japan. They will simulatenously be releasing their first major single, 'Ascendead Master' on June 24th.

Versailles' have announced their last indies' tour in Japan, with live dates from March till April. It has been entitled 「The Fragment Collectors」.