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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
History
2007: Formation
In March 2007, Versailles was formed by Kamijo (ex-Lareine), Hizaki (ex-Sulfuric Acid), and Jasmine You (Yuu, ex-Jakura). 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.[4] 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'.
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.[5] Versailles was later invited by Tainted Reality to perform 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.[6] The Project A-Kon concert pulled in more than 3,000 people and the latter sold out completely.[7][8]
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.
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".[9] 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.[9] On September 14, 2008 the band announced on their website that their new name for the US was to be "Versailles -Philharmonic Quintet-", whilst keeping their original name in Japan and countries other than America.[10] "Prince" is the title of their first single released under the new name and it was available as a free digital download.
2009: Going Major
Kamijo announced at the December 23rd C.C.Lemon Hall oneman that Versailles would be going major in June 2009, both in Japan and internationally on Warner Music Japan. Their major debut single, "Ascendead Master", was released on June 24, 2009.
Versailles played their last nationwide tour as an independent band through March 26 to May 9, entitled "The Fragment Collectors". Further events such as the "Anthology of Revolution" marked their final concerts, finishing with five consecutive nights at Meguro Rock May Kan. Their final independent live took place on June 21, 2009.
Versailles announced that they would not be performing any more lives or releasing new content until their next untitled album. This was due to be released on September 16, 2009 under two flavours: a vanilla CD and a limited edition CD+DVD combo in a tri-fold digipak case with a special booklet.
The Passing of Jasmine You
On August 3, it was announced that Jasmine You would temporarily suspend all musical activities due to unknown circumstances regarding his health and to recover. It had been announced that Versailles' new album was in the final stages of production and the bass tracks were being recorded. In the early hours of August 9 2009, it was reported on the official site that Jasmine You had passed away. The translated announcement reads as follows:
2009.8.9 「Versailles」 Urgent Announcement: Though Jasmine You had taken time off in order to rest because of poor physical condition, we received a report that early in the morning on August 9, he died. Because of the extreme abruptness of this news, the members and staff are all dumbfounded and trying hard to accept this it. As soon as his family has been notified and updated as to the details and we receive their permission, we will further report to all of the fans. Moreover, with the current announcement, in regards to activity, please allow us to postpone it.
Present
After a cancelled performance, Versailles performed at V-Rock Festival '09 on the 25 October. You of Matenrou Opera played as their support bassist. It was also announced that their upcoming album entitled Jubilee will be released on 20 January 2010. It is now in stores. The album contains 12 tracks. This is their first major international album release. They have also announced an upcoming world tour starting 28th Feb 2010 in Yokohama. No finishing date announced yet, however they have announced dates for Latin America and Europe bringing them up to the end of July.
Members
As with other Japanese bands, the members of Versailles are credited with their stage name.
Current members
Kamijo – vocals
Real name: Yuuji Kamijou, Date of birth: July 19th, 1975 (33), Birthplace: Setagaya, Tokyo, Bloodtype: O
Hizaki – guitar
Real name: Unknown, Date of birth: February 17th, 1979, Birthplace: Kyoto, Kansai, Bloodtype: AB, Years Active: 1998 - present
Teru – guitar
Real name: Unknown, Aliases: てる & wait-A-minutes, Date of birth: April 10th, Birthplace: Kyoto, Kansai, Bloodtype: O
Yuki – drums
Real name: Unknown, Date of birth: February 18th, Birthplace: Unknown, Bloodtype: A
Former members
Jasmine You (deceased) - bass
Real name: Unknown, alias Yuu/Jasmine You, Date of birth: March 8th, Aichi Prefecture, Date of death: August 9th 2009, Tokyo, Bloodtype: B, Years active: 1998 - 2009
Discography
Albums
Noble (July 9, 2008), Sherow/CLJ/Maru
Jubilee (January 20, 2010), Warner Japan
EPs
Lyrical Sympathy (October 31, 2007), Sherow/CLJ
Singles
The Revenant Choir (June 23, 2007), Sherow – sold at concerts only
A Noble Was Born In Chaos (March 19, 2008), Sherow – sold at concerts only
Prince (September 13, 2008) – free mp3 download
Prince & Princess (December 10, 2008), Sherow
Ascendead Master (June 24, 2009), Warner Japan (This title may be related to Ascended Masters, enlightened beings in the Ascended Master Teachings)
Compilations
Tokyo Rock City (November 9, 2007), Sony BMG
Cupia Vol.1 (November 14, 2007)
Cross Gate 2008 -Chaotic Sorrow- (March 26, 2008), Sherow/Under Code
The Art of Propaganda (September 13, 2008), Sherow/Under Code - distributed at concerts only
Photobooks
Versailles -Philharmonic Quintet- (October 22, 2008)
DVDs
The Revenant Choir (June 23, 2007)
Aesthetic Violence (December 12, 2007)
Urakizoku (裏貴族 (December 24, 2007)
Chateau de Versailles (May 20, 2009)
History of the Other Side (May 20, 2009)
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