Vermilion-D Alice Syndrome (VDAS), a symphonic metal doujin circle led by composer Setsuna, featuring vocalist Rib:Yuhki from Imperial Circus Dead Decadence, reached a bittersweet end earlier this month. As announced on April 1 on X (formerly Twitter), Setsuna decided to formally conclude the VDAS project while releasing the first new song in about seven years.

The new and final song, “Tenjo Tenge” (天上天下), follows the same majestic symphonic metal style that VDAS is known for, while retaining the dark, unsettling, and corrupted atmosphere. It explores themes of existential struggle and the search for transcendence, with the title translating to “Heaven and Earth”. Rib:Yuhki not only performed the vocals, but also created the CD artwork that depicts a divine-like being overlooking a dark landscape.

Vermilion-D Alice Syndrome - 天上天下

Watch this video on YouTube

In the announcement, Setsuna explained that the decision to conclude VDAS and the “Kokuyasou” (黒夜葬) project as a whole, was simply because they had already expressed everything they set out to through these projects. Setsuna also shared that as long as their work remains in the hearts and souls of the listeners, it will continue to live on.

As an early fan of VDAS, I was ecstatic when Tenjo Tenge appeared as a new release, but the announcement that followed turned it to a bittersweet farewell instead. After listening to the song for the past month, and longing for a new release for years, I’ve reached the point where I just feel grateful to hear one last track from Setsuna—something so authentically VDAS. I hope Setsuna finds inspiration to create more music in this vein in the future, as VDAS is a truly unique gem that has scratched an itch no other project has been able to for me.

If you want to explore more of VDAS’ discography, the official YouTube channel is a great start. Please note that some early works are not available on music streaming and download platforms.

The 2013 album “Koukatsu naru Konton no Ko to Shigoku taru Reimei no Gekishi” (狡猾なる混沌の仔と至極たる黎明に捧ぐ葬斂の劇詩) was re-released in 2019 as “-F- / Anastasis” redefinition edition—a highly recommended work. You will also find that other older releases have been remastered too.

Another detail to note is that Vermilion-D Alice Syndrome previously spelled “Vermillion” with two L’s instead of one.

Vermilion-D Alice Syndrome - '-F-/Anastasis' [Album Preview]