“Lyrical Sympathy” gives off an aura of sentimental despair. While the feelings of being shrouded in despair are consistently evident throughout the album, Versailles does not limit themselves to one style of delivery. The natural flow of melody, from intensity to calm and back again, presents an appropriate flow, and the variation on the album makes for a success.
The introduction to the album is simple but foreboding. It suffices to lead into “The Love From a Dead Orchestra” but here, the flow does feel somewhat interrupted, though only for a brief moment. The song itself a lengthy one, one that begins with tortured discord notes before settling into a steady melody that changes various times as the emotions described evolve and grow. This song also sets the precedent for the rest of the tracks on the album with a mostly energetic melody that tapers off and then powers back up again over time.
The two softer tracks placed in between the metal pieces are “Forgotten Gate” and “Sympathia”, which closes the album gently. Both bring to light the sorrow and despair in a calmer sense. The other tracks, and especially “Beast of Desire” present a sordid, almost lustful passion to contrast and connect these songs together as part of the emotional journey for the tortured soul.
“The Red Carpet Day” becomes almost legendary after its debut in “Lyrical Sympathy”. It serves as a prologue to the beautifully woven tale told in “Noble”, and KAMIJO calls attention to this track multiple times. The song is extremely tense and fast-paced, establishing the feeling of a horrific nightmare. TERU and HIZAKI’s chords play like a racing heartbeat, as is YUKI’s drumming, and the violence in the lyrics completes the mental image to be created in one’s mind. Because of the intensity of this song, “Sympathia” proves to be a fitting choice to end the album as it settles the nerves before drawing the story to a close.
Versailles has succeeded in making the darkness of fear romantic and beautiful with this release. All of their songs breathe life, and those on “Lyrical Sympathy” are no exception to this. Overall, it is sure to enchant.
Release information
Are you interested in supporting the band by getting your own copy of the release? Here is something to get you started:
 | 01. Intro 02. The Love From A Dead Orchestra 03. Shout & Bites 04. Beast Of Desire 05. Forbidden Gate 06. The Red Carpet Day 07. Sympathia |
Artist: Versailles
Release: Lyrical Sympathy
Release date: October 31, 2007
CD number: SASCD-027
Extra information
You’ve probably noticed that the writing style of this review is different than some of the other reviews on the magazine. This is because this review was written by Khalia S, one of the guest-writers for Arlequin Magazine.
A Dutch translation of this review was made by 雪 (Yuki), to ensure that Dutch readers are also able to read Khalia’s work.
Khalia S
Khalia is a longtime fan of Japanese rock and metal, and sometimes likes to write about it.