Versailles -Philharmonic Quintet- - Ascendead Master

For Versailles, 2009 was a difficult year. However, though the loss of bassist Jasmine You overshadowed much of the band’s success, the single Ascendead Master, their first major debut, can definitely be considered a testament to the overwhelming musical talent of the members. Released on June 24th, this sampling of three expertly crafted works truly embodies the theme of aesthetics around which Versailles was formed.

The title track opens theatrically, setting a vibrant and dangerous tone for the single. HIZAKI and TERU’s familiar and incredible guitar work is showcased nearly immediately, sounding even better than in previous songs. Layered together with Jasmine You’s bass and YUKI’s drums, they create a lush, but fast-paced and melodic background for KAMIJO’s vocals to enter. Considering the idea of the song and the images it evokes - vampires, roses, love, death - there is no one who could sing this song quite like him. Deep, urgent and thrilling, his voice calls forth the pain of the character he is playing while keeping you begging for more. The highlight of the song is halfway through, however, when HIZAKI and TERU’s guitars take over and sing a melody all their own. The two work beautifully together, taking the song to new, soaring heights.

Composed by HIZAKI and a definite departure from the Versailles of the past, Gekkakou tells a dark, violent, and positively epic story. If you were hoping for some respite after Ascendead Master, you will be sorely disappointed because this song begins with a bang and sucks you immediately into the world of Versailles without hope for escape. YUKI works overtime here, along with Jasmine You, whose bass is vital to the gothic and romantic feel underscoring each note. KAMIJO, still channeling his inner vampire, belts out his very best and, in a surprise twist, yells in Latin. This, combined with screeching guitar solos from both HIZAKI and TERU, make this song a unique experience for anyone, Versailles fan or not.

Lastly, the roughly two-minute long instrumental Descendant of the Rose finishes off the single in the same vein as the other two: haunting and sinister, if a little more bland and forgettable. The piece wouldn’t be out of place in a movie score, which is fitting - a short film featuring Versailles as vampires comes with the limited edition version of the single.

Showcasing both a new side of the band and their familiar symphonic metal style, the raw power of the single Ascendead Master allows Jasmine You’s legacy to live on. It is a wholly immersible experience that Versailles clearly wants us to take part in, and from the first drum beat to the last breath, it’s one you won’t soon forget.