Hizaki has been on the top ten list of japanese metal guitarists for almost two decades now. And like so many have already commented, he's a he. This doesn't stop his fans calling him their "Hime", "princess". There's been a lot of suggestions for "Faith And Decision". That's pretty much as big and bold as it get's in all of it's glorious 16 minutes. Hizaki wrote it (with lyrics by Kamijo, their singer) in memory of his best friend, their first bassist Jasmine You who died regrettably young. There are several live versions to be found (Like Holy Grail Live Grand Final/Nippon Budokan) of which Nippon Budokan is the only one where Hizaki doesn't cry his eyes out. It is just as hard for the rest of the band. That being said, this song is a magnificent beast. I can't recommend it highly enough.

"The visual performance is as important as the music..." You got it. This is Visual Kei--it's a whole genre in Japan, a merger of metal, pop and Japanese theatrical traditions and lots of makeup and hair product!

Japanese metal scene is so underrated. They've many great metal band

When I saw these guys live about 10 years ago Hizaki (in white) tripped and fell during a solo but kept on shredding while on the floor. That speaks volumes for their talent.

I loved this band in my teens! They do magic things with those guitars.

The guitarist on the right is a man. His stage name is Hizaki :)

Chase's surprised look when he saw Hizaki's playing technique was irreplaceable! I liked how this song filled his heart so much at one point he was on the egde of melting! That's so nice

I see "Masquerade", I think "Vampire" ...at this point, it's a reflex.

Man, I don't normally beg, but please for the love of god do more Versailles! The Revenant Choir is a straight banger as well.

That guy has an awesome voice!!!! The bass line is deceptively simple and very effective. The whole song is superbly bass driven. THAT is a bass player.BOTH guitar players are excellant. Makes me wonder if there is a song of their's that features both guitarists doing interweaving lead line ( think the beginning of Lou Reed's "White line" or a lot of Baby Animals songs.).

It's been awhile since a new Versailles reaction... awesome to see them getting recognition again. Love the drama, love these musicians. Faith and Decision!!!

I've lost count how many times I've watched this, I just love watching you appreciate and enjoy the music and performance so much!! Versailles is one of my all time favorite visual kei bands and I've loved them for years, but it's hard to get people to really listen and appreciate the music because whenever I show anyone they just go "haha they dress funny" or "haha they sound weird" and completely ignore the rest of it. I can't even show or talk about it with my family/friends cause they're the same way, I actually usually avoid watching reactions videos about vk bands as well but happened to click on this one by chance and I'm so glad I did! It feels like I finally showed them to someone who is able to look past (or actually compliment and appreciate) the theatrics to really get into them, so I hope you more in the future I love watching your videos and thank you so much for your reaction!

maybe "Versailles - Faith & Decision" next? like 7-8min soloing? :D

I was literally listening aristocrats symphony by them the other day and thought hey if chase doing symphonic metal maybe he should do versailles. And here u are with a reaction to them😂

The feeling of nostalgia... can't wait for this one!

Versailles its one of the greatest bands in the world. Btw all members are men xD. They are very talented musicians. Hizaki is a beast with the guitar! And Masashi's bass... wonderful. Thanks for reacting to them. Greetings from Venezuela. PD: You should react to "D" (Yes, the letter "D") another Japanese band with incredible songs like 7th Rose, Night Ship D, Der Konig der Dunkelheit...

I just love versailles so much. Listened to them since 2007 and saw them live in Finland in 2012.. Thanks for reacting to them!! You should react to The Red Carpet Day :)

I haven't listened to this band in ages! It's cool to see some of my old favorites on this channel.

"Another banger straight out of Japan" - there's even more, believe me :D You should definitely check out Exist Trace. They're also from Japan and vocalist has a really nice voice!

I'm sorry I'm so late to commenting this, but ohhhh man thank you so much for reacting to Versailles!!! They are such a criminally underrated band outside of Japan and I've always thought that their musicianship and technical skillset were absolutely incredible. Masquerade is one of my favorite songs by them as well. Super excited to hear you picking out all of the things in the song that really stood out to me, but especially especially the bassist. Their visual spectacle is unrivaled and TERU and HIZAKI are some of my favorite guitarists ever. I think it would please you to know that the band made all their public appearances in their stage costumes as well and there's also a TV show of them... in costume.... going around and doing normal people things. Super meaningful to hear someone listening carefully to this band and it made me super super super happy to see you reacting so positively and joyously. Your reaction to Doll$boxx, which is another one of my favorite Japanese bands, made me really excited that you'd do more Japanese bands and I'm really glad you kept the hype up. It's so rare to see people reacting so carefully and genuinely to these Japanese bands I legit teared up when I saw you did Doll$boxx. I hope you do another one soon! Vampire, Aristocrat's Symphony, or Faith & Decision would be super great to see next.

Yes! You got to Versailles. Thank you so much. Also I just wanted to say, I really apreciate you and your content. It makes me happy and as a bonus I learn stuff;-)

I really admire how perceptive you are in your analyses. And how honest. You just immediately understood the basic, underlying foundations of the fusion of different kinds of artistic expression in visual kei. It's possible that I have run across some people who have trouble accepting dudes who wear make-up, but you just accepted it for what it is and then moved on. I'm really, really fond of this song, and not just because Masashi, who is my second-favorite bassist, kicks ass on it. During an adverse time in my life, Masquerade was one of the few things that would sometimes help me get any sleep at all. The structure is just predictable enough to mesmerize a tired mind into ebbing and flowing, while the musicianship is enough to hold one's sleepy attention until consciousness submerges.

One of the reasons why I like Japanese rock, especially visual rock bands like this, is because they really let the bass shine. I feel like tthere are more bass solos and it's just more prominent in the mix compared to most western bands. I've heard of Versailles before, but this is the first time I've properly listened to a song from them (more into Gazette and Girugamesh myself). Sounds awesome, gonna check them out!

The way japan operates with such honour and pride in everything they do is no doubt the reason they can knock out such quality talent. It’s like japan looks at what the rest of the world is doing and then perfects it, and ids rare for any of this perfection to escape japan

言葉は分かりませんが、versaillesを評価していただいているのがしっかりと伝わってきて、ファンとしてはめっちゃ嬉しいです！

Hizaki the main guitar is a genius, he and Syu from Galneryus are amazings.

Wow! Japanese Nightwish!!! :D probably never would have heard of them if it weren't for you, Chase, thanks a million! Impressive musicianship, such a theatrical performance, took me all the way to Château de Versailles! and agree with you there, no need to understand the lyrics, music knows no boundaries :)

Buck Tick is another legendary japanese band you should react to. Dress, Muma the Nightmare, Snow White and Coyote are all solid choices for a first reaction

I think you'd appreciate their song "Destiny -The Lovers" Just as epic, but a bit more driving

Glad to see the reunion of this iconic band!

Oh man, now I just have to binge their music again! XD Thank you for reminding me why I fell in love with this band! Your reactions always brighten my day. It's so wholesome to see you enjoy music so much :) some song recommendations: Ascendead Master, revenant choir, serenade (song for their former bassist who died very young), aristocrat's symphony, Catharsis, ayakashi, Faith & decision, Created beauty, Shout&Bites, Truth, Edge of the world..... wellllll..... and so many more XD

I've tried Versaille several times and never liked them, but this live performance was amazing I loved it. The Japanese music scene is the gift that keeps on giving.

Visual kei is a elite genre, and you have to be rich if u wanna takes this genre as your basic genre as a band player, because not just you have to buy the guitar, drum, etc, but you also have to buy that fancy dress and make-up..oh yeah, soft lens too.. :-)

this is what i feel when hear this song, amazing

Versailles!! Yes! looking forward for more

Versailles has seriously topnotch musicality, I think they are one of the most well-versed bands in their respective instruments I have ever seen and masquerade is definitely forever one of my fav live performances ever 👌👌

Most people reacts to Versailles visual style (especially Hizaki) being judgemental, but you showed us again how great of a person you are. I dream of a world where everyone could be so respectful as you are. You've reacted to Versailles and X-Japan, leaving the GazettE to complete my top 3 favorites japanese bands (with Gazetto being my #1 overall). They are way more versatile, bringing lots of different genres inside their own style, so my suggestions for you to grasp their identity would be Shiver or Filth in the Beauty. Pay attention to their bassist, it's worth. Cheers!

Where to go next? There are a LOT of really great japanese bands out there as mentioned in other comments here so wherever you go, you'll find good things. If you want to check out one of the oldest japanese metal bands, look at 人間椅子 (Ningen Isu). "Heartless Scat" is a great entry into this band and after that you'll want more :D If you would like to hear a band closer to Versailles, try 要請帝国 (Yousei Teikoku). One of their more known songs is called "Kuusou Mesorogiwi". Finally two personal favourites of mine: 9mm Parabellum Bullet (try their song "Wanderland") and GO!GO!7188 for the some of the greatest bass lines I've ever heard. Sadly GO!GO!7188 disbanded quite some time ago, so it's hard to find good quality stuff from them on KZfaq...

Omg yessss!!! I've been waiting for this! THANK YOU!!

Oh, man. I actually have the cheap version(still around $2k) of Hizakis (Right) guitar. Got it after I saw a live video of them performing Faith Decision. One of my favourite Power-metalish bands of all time. Amazing melodies, compositions, and skill all around. Japanese music has a lot of amazing stuff, it's a shame a lot of people refuse to listen to music with other languages. France has another great music culture.

Think I have a new favourite way to be introduced to new music :D being walked through all the highlights, it's like a treat for the ear on a treat for the ear. Chase et al, I thank thee :)

I also suggest Malice Mizer, another visual kei band from Japan! Although they're from the 90's.

Faith and Decison is the most tight long form composition of their's and is among the best to react to. For something shorter from their early days/Jasmin You's tenure (before his incredibly early and tragic death) would be Antique of the Future. Its the most straight homage they do to a singlar influence, in that song's case its X-Japan. Hizaki was channeling Hide hard and Yuki (Versailles drummer) made Yoshiki proud.

Wow awesome even though I don't know the language I was still invested in the song. Thanks Chase for introducing me to another fantastic band

Just wanted to say thank you for introducing me to another supergroup to listen to. I will be certainly looking for more to fuel my love for symphonic metal, wtg Chase and have a damn good day Mr pausanator 😉, love your in depth reactions 😀

Yup- they are going on my playlist too!!!

Yessss! Thanks for this react Chase! You rock

I love them all of them ! Visual Kei guys are not only hot but great musicians

Oh Versailles! Yes please!

I’ve taken several attempts at this band, but for some reason they never landed with me. I guess I like my Symphonic Metal with a little more Scandinavian flair.

Wow!! Never thought I would see a reaction to Versailles, this band is old but gold

Malice Mizer Beast of Blood is something to listen to!

Japanese definitely do their own thing when it comes to metal!

Wow. I recommended it, and here it is !!

You are the first I see enjoying visual rock, Versailles stands out for its impeccable melodies and great technique. I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as I did. I recommend “Memento Mori” by Kaya (Japanese singer, whose voice and aesthetics are beautiful).

Yes.... I very happy u reaction to versailles They'er a good band i'd ever see Pleace reaction to another song like "VAMPIRE", "FAITH N DESICION(holy grail)"

11:02 the “get out of here” 😂😂😂😂

Yesh!!! I'm looking forward to this one!!! Thanks in advance for doing the reaction ☺️. Another epic song suggestion would be Forbidden Gate by them as well.

Versailles is an amazing band indeed, reminds me of Malice Mizer back in the 90s

You should look at Kamijo's solo's performance. It's the singer. He composé this title and his solo his really good. I suggest you "Sang II" in the sang live, or Symphony of the Vampire.

u should react to almost of their songs... they are very talented musicians... they have wonderfull melodies and orchestra details... and love all of their work, so I can not tell one song now, cause they are all coming to my head... but I read somewhere in this coments, and I agree, u might like Destiny the Lovers., for me not the best, but a very good one also! one of my top 3 is GOD Palace, a wonderfull 10min masterpiece love your reactions btw

I already liked it before watching it, seeing you already reacted to my two great loves Nightwish and Versailles

As someone who's been into japanese music and especially visual kei and metal for almost longer than I can remember, your commentary is fantastic to watch! It's great to see someone so interested in the art itself and being open to many different kinds of metal, I feel like often many don't give bands like these a chance by the mere virtue of being foreign or doing things differently so it's super refreshing. And the way you explain what the music is actually doing throughout the songs in detail makes me enjoy the listening experience even more! Instant subscribe, definitely gonna check out what else you've done ❤️

Great reaction! Love the technical insights in your commentary and I am glad they gave you a good impression. In my opinion, Versailles is one of the best Visual Kei metal bands.

Thank you so much! It made my day seeing someone appreciate the music and performance of my fav bad so much!! 🌹🌹

I really love your reaction man. Keep up the good work!

You deserve more subscribers , your analyzation and musical knowledge are amazing , love your channel , huge respect

Oh man, happy to see more and more Japanese bands pop up in your reactions! Been living here 10 years, so great to see the stuff I know! If anyone wants more recommendations, I can give plenty from various genres. (I'm still waiting for Chase to react to Tricot, since the channel started! Lol.)

Wow, that was AWESOME!

I came across this band in the comments section some time ago, I think it was on one of your early videos :) happy they're on your channel Mr Chase :) Happy for the music lovers in the comments section too x

Yup! another interesting band out of Japan! Thanks

I love Versailles!! Their music just soars!

One of the few bands that I know of that has written a musical !!

Welcome to the Visual Key music world :D where the guys members are hotter than girls :P

Learning the bass piece for this song was quite a challange, but man was it worth it. Loved the reaction as always Chase!!

Versailles - Ascended Master next 🤘

Versailles is one of my favorite Japanese band. Too bad that the band has ended. Great video btw. You should check Yousei Teikoku too. It's a great Japanese band too. I recommend their song Astral Dogma

I think i like the woman on masquerade mv, i watch masquerade song since 2010 and until now i'm still watching this song, i was trap in versailles world 😵😵😵

This was awesome. I Japanese music has been a staple of my 2020 ever since I started listening to Band-Maid in January. It's great to see stuff like this that I had not seen yet. In addition to more Band-Maid, I hope we eventually get some Aldious, Bridear, Nemophila, and Galneryus on the channel. Great reaction!

Great reaction mate, takes me back to growing up in the 80s listening to thrash and metal from around the world and hearing Loudness and (especially) Earthskaker from Japan with their stunning techniques. If you like a show I would recommend more Devin live from some of his recent recorded shows such as “Retinal Circus”.

I love that you are reacting to Japanese bands and visual kei because they are so underrated. Love it!!

awesome❤️Japanese band is love‼️

Versailles are a great band, its awesome you finally got to hear them. I'm going to recommend the same song to you that I've recommended to Tank on his last few videos and that is : Tributo A Mago De Oz: Stay Oz: Saurom: "Molinos De Viento" I think it will be cool song to react to

I see a rare Versailles reaction and I click! That she on lead guitar is a he. Hizaki is probably the best Japanese guitarist. There are numerous technically gifted Japanese guitarists but what sets him apart is his talent in composing songs.

There's a lot of Versailles and Kamijo and Jupiter music to react for

Always a great reaction! X Japan - X (Last live) is definitely worth it IMHO if we're venturing into Japan territory!

There is this things.. in the scales, modes I dunno the "hope and despair" / "joyfull and sadness" which is really magic in japanese songs. Loved your reacion btw !

Hizaki jumped to the public in Argentina in 2011 :3

*Versailles* (known as Philharmonic Quintet in North America) is a Japanese visual kei symphonic power metal band formed in 2007 by vocalist Kamijo, guitarist Hizaki, bassist Jasmine You, drummer Yuki and guitarist Teru. The next song should be *_"Faith And Decision"_* kzfaq.info/get/bejne/d8qYmahnrrrKn4U.html

Bassist Jasmine You aka Yuu and guitarist Hizaki - pretty "girls" for boys!

What a lovely shirt!

Hey Chase! I always enjoy your reactions & your passion for the music. I love Japanese bands especially Crystal Lake is my absolute favourite but I also recommend the Japanese bands Crossfaith with their song "monolith (live at download festival)" and the band Coldrain with their song "mayday feat. Ryo from Crystal lake". I’m sure you’ll love it. :)

Japan bands: BAND-MAID [All their songs... really!], LOVEBITES [Raise some Hell, and all the other songs], MAXIMUM THE HORMONE [Yoshu Fukushu], CROSSFAITH [Catastrophe], SiM [Killing Me], NINGEN ISU [Heartless Scat], UNLUCKY MORPHEUS [Black Pentagram], YOUSEI TEIKOKU [Astral Dogma], COLDRAIN [Die tomorrow], CRYSTAL LAKE [The Circle], GIVEN BY THE FLAMES [Ronove], ANGRY FROG REBIRTH [2Step Syndrome], SILENTLY SHOOTING TRAITORS [Manipulate], ALDIOUS [Dominator], BRIDEAR [Light in the Dark], CINQ ELEMENT [Destiny], MARY'S BLOOD [Marionette], DOLL$BOXX [Take my Chance] , SOKONINAR [Tenohira De Odoru], HELLO SLEEPWALKERS [Flying Saucer], TELECiDE [Tied up Memories], SPIRITBOX [Belcarra], NEKO [Ghost on a Record], ROTTENGRAFFTY [Hallelujah], DIR EN GREY [Ningen wo Kaburu], X JAPAN [Kurenai], DAZZLE VISION [Second], GALNERYUS [Angel of Salvation], and many more...

Ayakashi is a song written by their bassist. It’s not the biggest in terms of composition but it integrates many traditional Japanese instruments that give it a whole different flavour. It’s my personal favourite of theirs.

After watching the DIR EN GREY "Vinushka" reaction video, I was going to suggest Versailles but it seems like you actually reviewed Versailles before DIR EN GREY and that you enjoyed them too which I'm glad to see!

Man. I love your reactions and analysis a lot. And now I'm watching your reaction to Versailles. Super exciting.

Dude, you need to listen to teir song "philia" and "serenade". This songs have the best dual solos that i heard. And by the way, hizaky , the "girl" that is playing the guittar, is actualy a dude. Yeap, was a suprise for me either.

Ah, your first "Visual Kei" band :D Where Theatrics meet Powermetal :D I was a Stagehand in 2004 when the band "Blood" was here in Germany at the Connichi. The whole thing was a nightmare for stagehands, security and facility. Security had to be turned to 11 as they had to take all phones, cameras and all recording equipment in addition to taking all the "accessories" from the crowd of fans, that might be harmful when in a moshpit. Stagehands had to put out a small electrical fire from selfmade wiring of the band during rehearsal. The baseplayer killed a few monitors by rehearsing at half volume and playing the gig at max volume. The singer drowned 3 monitors with a waterbottle and threw one of the Sennheiser Mics offstage when his grip slipped due to movie-blood. The drummer was a mini-disc-player and the Audio-Engineer had no prior information about this. Facility had to mop up litres of movie-blood from the stage and some real blood from the audience. Let's call it a memorable Saturday evening ;)

To me masquerade is much better live because of the drums, the song became more heavy live.