Versailles

Gaxnela · 10 Jun 2008

I second what Bunshinsaba said! To anyone who went to the con, please tell us what happened!!!

RukaNightmare · 19 Jul 2008

Bunshinsaba · 19 Jul 2008

Thanks for the photobook scans. I was wondering what they looked like.
As for the V-thread being dead. Hmmm... I don't what it is but there has not been a lot of V chatter anywhere lately, despite the new album et el.

In my opinion, and this is probably shared by many V-fans, it is really time for the band to work on a new image, and I don't mean just some tinkering with the original outfits. Personally, I was hoping that with this new CD there would be a massive change in their outfits and image...but alas, not.

Personally, I would like to see the band take on a darker image - up the gothic factor with more black; more beautiful creepiness and horror. Hizaki and Jasmine especially need a complete re-vamp. Don't get me wrong.. their outfits are great but it's time to broaden their character - take on a new role and image if only for a tour or album. Alas this is not likely. I have watched Jasmine and Hizaki (lives) since their early days (Jasmine w/ Jakura, and Hizaki with Crackbrain, Schwardix Marvally etc) and their rarely alter their image. They just tweak it here and there.

Personally... I'd like to see Hizaki with black hair, and with a sleeker, leaner sexier outfit, with less material and more body and leg PLEASE!!!!. Like a strutting vampire queen. But that's just me.

As for the album... haven't heard it. A friend of mine and probably the most advanced Kamijo fan in the world (fan since the late 90s here in Nippon) said the album is just okay, suffering from the "too much sounds the same" syndrome. Hmmmmm.

RukaNightmare · 20 Jul 2008

Ah. I agree with you. Yeah. I'm perfectly fine with their new image but as u said, i think they can make themselves darker and more "aristocratic". The idea of Hizaki having more dark and gothic outfit is great. I too would like to see that since their concept are vampire-based.

Hmph, it's a great album. The only flaw is i feel that they are trying to release an album too soon. It's like they're rushing with the composition of the new songs and the songs are not that well-defined from each other compared to the songs in lyrical sympathy. That's just my opinion though xDD

Bunshinsaba · 20 Jul 2008

RukaNightmare said:
Hmph, it's a great album. The only flaw is i feel that they are trying to release an album too soon. It's like they're rushing with the composition of the new songs and the songs are not that well-defined from each other compared to the songs in lyrical sympathy. That's just my opinion though xDD

Actually the speed with which they have releasd this album seems pretty typical for VK bands. And judging by your comments, and those of my friend (you both basically agree) would the material sound any better if only half of it were released as a mini album? The problem may not be in putting out good albums; the problem may be in writing good songs.

My two schillings.. .

Hizaki should explore other ways of showing his guitar skills other than drilling his fingers up and down the keyboard at 200 mph. His solos and basic style have that WOW! factor, but it comes at the expense of any emotion generating factor. His playing doesn't exactly make you think, reflect, or feel anything other than WOW! How about trying to make us cry?

Song writing - up the fun factor and stop being so damn serious. Versailles is not a stage play; it's a rock band. Stage plays come and go in a year; rock bands (hopefully) do not. To endure, rock bands and concerts have to have a pronounced element of fun. Even Moi Dix Mois found this out. One of my favourite Moi Dix Mois songs is PAGEANT. It's light gothy pop hip & sway stuff... and everyone in the audience has (had) fun moving to it. I'm not suggesting Kamijo learn para-para (though that would be fun), but LIGHTEN UP and start being more of a rock singer than an actor.

Next... one must ask why the band needs such elaborate outfits when they really serve little purpose. Take Hizaki, for example. He has a very heavy, unique thematic image and not just the usual VK make-up and outfit. So we have this gorgeous blonde gothic drag queen and what does he do with it? Nothing; he JUST plays his guitar. What function does his image serve if there is no character to go with it. That's a problem. If you are going to put forth a character image, you'd better have a stage act of some kind to support it or there is no reason for it. I mean.. Hizaki does NOTHING with his image; he doesn't even give any fan service for **** sake. Whenever Kamijo goes over to Hizaki and wraps his arms about him... nothing! Not even a kiss. So I ask you... what is the point of being in "drag" if you do nothing with with it? The same can be said for Jasmine.

I could go on and and on... but my pancakes are ready and I am hungry!

haru_urara · 20 Jul 2008

I agree with Bunshinsaba... XD

La dix Croix · 23 Jul 2008

Jasmine kissed Juka in the Monsho (and remember the sexy dance when he touch his fake ...XD)
but..yeah..i agree with you..

thanks for the scans..("maaayonaka ni kawashita ..")
i ve only listned at the 2 songs on the myspace..and they were not that special..

Bunshinsaba · 25 Jul 2008

La dix Croix said:
i ve only listned at the 2 songs on the myspace..and they were not that special..

I heard the CD too and it's just okay. I am still debating whether to buy it.

Hmmmmm, seeing how we all agree more or less with each other and our views.... I wonder... does this mean that Versailles is in trouble already???:? I wonder if other Ver-fans agree with us and see trouble on the horizon if the band doesn't do something? There certainoly aren't that many fans on this thread.

dakkii · 27 Jul 2008

Bunshinsaba-- wow that's some nice analysis, i agree with almost everything you said; versailles should read this XD

what you said about rock star vs. actor was really interesting... to me, i don't mind if kamijo and co choose one way or the either, but i want them to choose and COMMIT... like you said, they need more character. they have these gorgeous costumes and the opportunity for some HIGH DRAMA in their performance, but they're not capitalizing on it like they could.

as far as the album, i first played Aristocrat's Symphony and that opening had me like screaming through the house saying "THIS IS AMAZING!! BEST ALBUM EVER!!" but then i realized sadly that first minute of the song was the best part of the album =/ like i said before, i love versailles for the DRAMA, and they need to bring it more to their songs, like bunshinsaba said, with emotion and arc. i love the speed metal aspect, but they need to bring more soul. i do love the songs-- overall, i think it's damn good album, but it's lacking that last push to make it something great and unforgettable, and i think versailles CAN become that, which is what makes noble frustrating. there is so much potential in this band to become really big, but i feel like there's some last piece the band hasn't gotten yet

edit: oh and bunshinsaba, if you decide not to buy it, would you like me to at least upload it for you?

Bunshinsaba · 27 Jul 2008

dakkii said:
edit: oh and bunshinsaba, if you decide not to buy it, would you like me to at least upload it for you?

Thanks, but I have a friend here in Tokyo (we're going to the August two-day Versailles / Chariots / Moran +++ event) and she could always "burn" a CD-R for me.

Right now (as I am sitting and typing ) ... my biggest Versailles issue is one that I usually do not say of visual kei bands, and that is... it is high time for a NEW look!!!

As an elaboration on what I said in previous posts, my friend here in Tokyo went to some Versailles event late last year and saw Hizaki in this gothic white wedding dress type of outfit and said... "You would have died if you saw it!"

And then there was the Versailles calendar with Hizaki in white. So where's that image gone??

It got me thinking. What a great tour it would be to have Jasmine and Hizaki alternating between shows (one dressed in white - one in black) as good and evil gothic brides battling for Kamijo.

Their stage performance could be cool - trying to impressive Kamijo by battling with their bass vs guitar solos, their body language, and even trying to get the crowd involved etc. Then choose on song, and mid-song the lights go out and we get a ten minute drama segment where Jasmine and Hizaki come out onto the stage alone and face off with dirty looks, body language, some faux face slaps and hair pulling etc. No dialogue, just all motion / acting to dramatic classical music.

It wouldn't be the WHOLE show... just a small portion to add spice here and there. Other sorts of drama would be added to, with Kamijo and Teru in roles. Maybe in an entire show, the drama element would be maybe 15 minutes - the rest would be the music.... but played with the band "in character". This would be especially effective with Hizaki who alomst has NO character live aside from "serious guitar player". Seeing him in-character playing it "evil" or "virginal princess" would be awesome. Do you think he can act?

OKay.... maybe it's too goofy but it sure would be fun to watch, and show a different side to the guys. And correct me if I am wrong... but the sight of Jasmine battling Hizaki (imagine Snow White and the wicked queen)) would go over very well with the fans.

dakkii · 27 Jul 2008

^ahhh i would pay for a flight to japan just to watch that!!!! i agree 100% with everything else too

also, way jealous of your versailles/chariots/moran... be sure to review it for us! do you live in tokyo, or do you travel there for lives? (and how to i get your life?)

La dix Croix · 27 Jul 2008

..ahh..i d like what you say..i should work for them XD
i think that jasmine loves to do fanservice and co, but Hizaki is only a guitarist..-.- what a pity, with their beauty and wonderful autfits..

Bunshinsaba · 28 Jul 2008

dakkii said:
^ahhh i would pay for a flight to japan just to watch that!!!! i agree 100% with everything else too

also, way jealous of your versailles/chariots/moran... be sure to review it for us! do you live in tokyo, or do you travel there for lives? (and how to i get your life?)

Actually I use to do TONS of reviews back in 2000 - 2004 (and with LIVE photos) when I had my VK website, Glamjapan. The site still exists, but now it is devoted to Korean horror.

I think I was one of the first (if not the FIRST) foreigner to have a VK website that broadly reviewed all types of VK bands from around Japan, not just one. My friend Jennifer started her site before mine, but it was exclusively a Lareine site. I stopped doing GlamJapan when VK sites became super popular around 2005.

Anyway... to answer your question (and as you may have already guessed..) I live in Tokyo and have been here since 1998. Alas... and sadly... I will be returning to Canada this December. Just as well really... the J-girls just giggle to themselves when they see me at lives these days. I'm too old!!

La dix Croix said:
..ahh..i d like what you say..i should work for them XD
i think that jasmine loves to do fanservice and co, but Hizaki is only a guitarist..-.- what a pity, with their beauty and wonderful autfits..

Good observation; and you are right. I have seen Hizaki play since 2000 whe he was in Crackbrain. He is many things... an actor he is not!! His performance was the SAME in Crackbrain, Schwardix marvally, Hizaki Grace, etc. My big question is, if he is not interested in performance and fanservice. . . WHY DOES HE DRESS IN DRAG ??

La dix Croix · 28 Jul 2008

he says that he want to feel beautiful..i don t know..>_>

Amita · 29 Jul 2008

Bunshinsaba said:
Their stage performance could be cool - trying to impressive Kamijo by battling with their bass vs guitar solos, their body language, and even trying to get the crowd involved etc. Then choose on song, and mid-song the lights go out and we get a ten minute drama segment where Jasmine and Hizaki come out onto the stage alone and face off with dirty looks, body language, some faux face slaps and hair pulling etc. No dialogue, just all motion / acting to dramatic classical music.
It wouldn't be the WHOLE show... just a small portion to add spice here and there. Other sorts of drama would be added to, with Kamijo and Teru in roles. Maybe in an entire show, the drama element would be maybe 15 minutes - the rest would be the music.... but played with the band "in character". This would be especially effective with Hizaki who alomst has NO character live aside from "serious guitar player". Seeing him in-character playing it "evil" or "virginal princess" would be awesome. Do you think he can act?
OKay.... maybe it's too goofy but it sure would be fun to watch, and show a different side to the guys. And correct me if I am wrong... but the sight of Jasmine battling Hizaki (imagine Snow White and the wicked queen)) would go over very well with the fans.

That would be seriously cool!

I must say, I REALLY like the scans for NOBLE! Kamijo really pulls off the vampire thing, even more than usual!
I was a tad disappointed with the album though... Alot of the songs sounded sorta the same to me. The only one that really stood out to me was EPISODE. It might be because I love really sad songs, but I found it so emotional when I listened to it.

dakkii · 29 Jul 2008

bunshinsaba-- wow o_o thats amazing!! i guess you learn new stuff every day XD but seriously thats too cool... like everyone i know would be jealous

amita-- yeah i forgot to thank rukanightmare for the scans!! theyre so beautiful... i love them! and this is kind of weird to say, but Kamijo almost looks white o_o like... he doesn't look real

Harinezumi · 30 Jul 2008

Hello guys, I'm sad to say that, but I agree with you. I bought the new CD and was deasapointed. More because I love them and cause they'll be in my mag soon...
So I took all you said and I'll send it to Versailles manager, so she'll no what the fans think. And I'll tell her when I'll see her for the pics for my mag that you're not the only ones who think like that, cause you're not. I've contact with many other fans and they think the same.
I do hope that she'll listen, I love this band and I whish them the best.

By the way, Bushinsaba, where do you live in Tokyo, cause I live there too. ^^
maybe we can meet some day before you come back to Canada. ^__^

Bunshinsaba · 10 Aug 2008

Harinezumi said:
By the way, Bushinsaba, where do you live in Tokyo, cause I live there too. ^^
maybe we can meet some day before you come back to Canada. ^__^

Sorry for the late response... this site didn't drop me a line in my email INBOX letting me know there had been recent responses on this thread.

Yes, I live in Tokyo - since 1998.

I'd be happy to meet, though we may have seen each other or maybe met before. I will be going to the Versailles Chariots Moran show at the O-East.

Glad to hear you have sent word to Versailles management. But as for them listening? I'll believe it when Hizaki comes out on stage in spiked stiletto heels, leg-hugging tights, black gothic blouse, and cracking a whip like a female pirate from the Caribbean. There isn't a V-fan in the world who wouldn't like Hizaki to show alittle more in the way of dark sex appeal.

Moon Princess · 12 Aug 2008

Well...i listened the new album, but im sad cuz i cant say i really loved it though when i listened prelude first, i get excited! but after it, the songs started to sound same to me... except for episode and windress, i loved these songs...
@Bunshinsaba, i agree with your observations. though this album is a vampire based concept, i couldnt see any vampires, i mean, i didnt get any vampire vibe!! is it just me:? i wish it was darker and more gothic, then i could see some vampires... their outfits are too colourful me thinks. they are nice, but could be nicer if they were mainly focused on black and white, less exaggerated more elegant, but this is just my opinion... and hizaki looks beautiful and i have to admit he is a great guitarist! but just this!! he plays his guitar so seriously that he contradicts with his outfit... i think we are all waiting from hizaki to show us some action, a change!! wish he did and prove us wrong!!

Bunshinsaba · 12 Aug 2008

Moon Princess said:
Well...i listened the new album, but im sad cuz i cant say i really loved it though when i listened prelude first, i get excited! but after it, the songs started to sound same to me... i mean, i didnt get any vampire vibe!! is it just me:?... their outfits are too colourful me thinks. they are nice, but could be nicer if they were mainly focused on black and white, less exaggerated more elegant, but this is just my opinion... and hizaki looks beautiful and i have to admit he is a great guitarist! but just this!! he plays his guitar so seriously that he contradicts with his outfit... i think we are all waiting from hizaki to show us some action, a change!! wish he did and prove us wrong!!

Your opinion is unfortunately felt by many Versailles fans I feel. Versailles has put so much effort into their image and promotion, that they have forgotten about one thing: the music.

Concept albums are not exactly a tough thing either. Until Mana lost Juka and replaced him with Seiji, everything that Moi Dix Mois put out was fantastic; Dix infernal and Nocturnal Opera are classics. But then he f**ked everything up with the crappy Beyond the Gate (real drummer...please!!!)

But getting back to Versailles, I seriously doubt anything will change. I've seen Hizaki play in every band he's been in from Crackbrain to Schwardix Marvally, to Sulfuric Acid etc. And his image and stage play has not changed AT ALL in more than 8 years!!!!!!! So don't hold out hope that Hizaki be coming out next tour as a black princess; that is to say...black as in fabric, not skin color

BUt the REAL ISSUE is not their fashion... it's their music.

Bunshinsaba · 17 Aug 2008

Saw Versailles last night at the O-East concert hall in Shibuya, Tokyo. It was the first of a two-night event pairing Versailles and Chariots with various other acts.

The show was really good and quite enjoyable. The turn out was good and the band in their usual royal form. Can't remember how many songs they played - maybe 9 - 10?

Of course the reason that it was so fun probably had something to do with the fact that every tune except for one or two was pre-Noble. Hmmmm....????? And that is all there s to say about that. The math isn't hard to figure on this one.

Finally a gentle word of advice to foreign guests coming to Japan to see lives. BE CONSIDERATE!!!

There was a pack of French fans (mid-20s and old enough to know better) just back from the front of the stage who, at the beginning of the Versailles set, held up three or four A4-sized pieces of paper (flyers / ankets) onto which they had written messages and the name of their country!! The initially stupidity of their act soon led to sheer bloody ignorance and rudeness when the France-jins KEPT HOLDING UP THE PAPERS well into the first chorus of the first song.... thus blocking the view of Japanese fans, some of whom - due to their height - have a hard enough time seeing over heads on any given night without a bunch rowdy foreigners holding up paper signs.

At one point a Japanese girl finally moved up to them from behind, caught their attention and they dropped the sign waving. Several Japanese fans near me quietly applauded the move. Alas.. the signs disappeared only temporarily.

While not as intrusive as their initial attack, the French fans held their signs in the air again at other times throughout the show at 15 - 20 second intervals whenever they felt like it.

Sad.

haru_urara · 17 Aug 2008

(O_____________O) OMG, they did that?! =O

How rude!!!! I hate it when people do this ><;;

RukaNightmare · 18 Aug 2008

Oh, that's really rude and inconsiderate. And isn't it common sense not to wave your boards around during concerts?! It's just plain stupidity...

Bunshinsaba · 18 Aug 2008

RukaNightmare said:
Oh, that's really rude and inconsiderate. And isn't it common sense not to wave your boards around during concerts?! It's just plain stupidity...

Thankfully the French fans wrote the word FRANCE on one of the pieces of paper, otherwise most of the Japanese would've just assumed the rudeness to be that of Americans. Then again... J-fans in the back.. probably weren't close enough to see the transparency of the signs and be able to read them.

Tsukiko-chan · 18 Aug 2008

I don't know if people here have heard already.. ,But Versailles has to change their name

Versailles

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天使の翅

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天使の翅

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If I am unforgivable...

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you should really run...

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you should really run...

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you should really run...

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Obsessed

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If I am unforgivable...

天使の翅

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