Lineage 〜薔薇の末裔〜

Released in 2017 to coincide with their 10th-anniversary performance at the Nippon Budokan, Lineage 〜薔薇の末裔〜 serves as a definitive statement of Versailles' return following their hiatus. The EP distills their 'Philharmonic Quintet' philosophy into five tracks, emphasizing the technical synergy between guitarists Hizaki and Teru. Unlike their earlier, more experimental works, Lineage focuses on a polished, high-fidelity production that highlights the clarity of the neo-classical arrangements. The title track, 'Lineage', acts as a thematic anchor, exploring the band's fictional lore of the 'descendants of the rose.' Critically, it was received as a return to form, bridging the gap between their power metal roots and the more melodic, symphonic elements of their later major-label era. It remains a crucial piece of their discography for its role in re-establishing their visual and sonic identity in the late 2010s.