IoMP 131: Versailles Philharmonic Quintet - Are They Rock or Metal?
Sometimes… the debate is over before it begins.
And this episode? Yeah. This is one of those times.
Collin and Tom dive into the theatrical, over-the-top world of Versailles Philharmonic Quintet, a band that blends visual kei aesthetics with soaring, symphonic power metal. Think elaborate costumes, dramatic flair, and music that feels like it belongs in the final boss fight of an RPG you never finished—but definitely watched on YouTube.
From the first listen, one thing becomes painfully clear:
This is metal. Like… aggressively metal.
Which raises an important question: What happens when a “Rock or Metal?” episode has no actual debate?
Well, you get one of the most self-aware—and unintentionally hilarious—episodes of the series so far.
Collin compares Versailles unfavorably to giants like Galneryus, while Tom leans into the band’s unique charm, arguing that their sound captures a distinctly Japanese blend of power metal and anime soundtrack energy.
Is it groundbreaking? Not really. Is it fun? Depends who you ask. But that’s where the conversation gets interesting. Because even when the answer is obvious, the why still matters.
If nothing else, this episode might just introduce you to a band you’ve never heard before—and that’s always a win.
Listen now and decide for yourself: Are they worth your time… or just another case of “sounds like every anime intro ever”?
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