VNV Nation's inspiration was originally the clash of the modern and classical European cultures, where mythology and technology live in an uneasy fusion, but this has since broadened to encompass a world view. The music ranges from electronic dance music to ballads and classically inspired music. Inspirations are taken from a wide range of styles including contemporary underground club culture, industrial, trance and classical music. The lyrics draw on philosophy, religion, literature, art, politics and different forms of symbolism, although VNV Nation does not advocate any ideology. It is a metaphor for expression. The letters VNV stand for "Victory Not Vengeance". The meaning behind this stylised motto is that one should strive to achieve, not sit in bitter regret.
VNV Nation's first releases were in 1990 with two self produced vinyl releases, "Body Pulse" and "Strength of Youth" (which are now long deleted with Ronan Harris himself not having a copy). After working on some VNV Nation tracks and supporting Nitzer Ebb on tour whilst living in Toronto, Canada, Ronan returned to London and released some tracks on sampler CDs. This caught the interest of German label Discordia and in July 1995, "Advance and Follow" was released. At around about the same time, Mark Jackson joined the band.
In January 1998, VNV Nation signed with the German label, Off Beat Records, releasing their second album "Praise the Fallen" in June 1998 and the EP "Solitary EP" in September 1998. With VNV Nation increasing in popularity, they began their first headline tour in Germany in September 1998.
In 1999, the Off Beat label collapsed, leading to VNV Nation (along with other artists such as Covenant, Suicide Commando and Velvet Acid Christ) collaborating with Stefan Herwig (a former A&R manager with Off Beat) to create Dependent Records. In late 1999, the album "Empires" was released, staying at number 1 in the German Alternative Chart (DAC) for seven weeks, and winning the award for DAC Album of the Year.
From "Empires" two singles were released "Darkangel", which tops the DAC for 5 weeks in mid 1999 and "Standing", which stays at no.1 in the DAC for 8 weeks in early 2000 (the maximum a single can remain in the DAC) winning a German Alternative Music Award for most successful single of 2000 and sharing the place for most successful single in the DAC's history with the Chemical Brothers. A limited edition of the "Standing" single was also released entitled "Standing / Burning Empires" which contained alternate versions and remixes by VNV Nation of tracks from "Empires". This remains one of the most sought after VNV rarities, fetching large sums on auction sites, although it has recently been released on iTunes to allow casual listeners to purchase it.
In March 2001, "Advance and Follow v2" was released as a limited edition, which was a remastered and partially re-recorded version of the original 1995 album "Advance and Follow". The band were never particularly happy with the first album due to it being recorded in less than a week, so the release was seen by the band as a way to put that right.
In October 2001, VNV Nation embarked on their "Futureperfect" tour of Europe and North America, promoting the album "Futureperfect" which was released in January 2002. It reached number 25 in the full German Album Charts, with the single "Beloved" reaching number 60 in the full German Singles Chart. Following the release of "Beloved", VNV Nation part ways with Dependant and create their own label "Anachron Records".
In June 2003, the Honour 2003 EP is released, promoting the "Pastperfect" live DVD, which following many delays and problems was finally released in May 2004. Following this the rest of 2004 and beginning of 2005 was spent producing the album "Matter and Form", which was released in April 2005. Preceeding the album release, one of the tracks "Chrome" was sold in March 2005 as a download on the VNV Nation website, as well as iTunes.
In April 2007, the album "Judgement" was released, and an extensive world tour in support of the album followed. In January 2009, VNV Nation published their plans for 2009 on their website, indicating that the long delayed "Reformation" EP would be available, but now as a full "CD Pack". Also due for release in 2009 is the new album entitled "Of Faith, Power and Glory".
In November 2017 Mark Jackson left the band to "pursue other paths in life".
To read more about Ronan Harris and his motivations behind the band and 2009's "Of Faith, Power and Glory," please visit http://www.dieselpunks.org/profiles/blogs/interview-ronan-harris-of-vnv
Resolution
VNV Nation Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No parades to line your way
Though your hands may bleed, and your body may lie broken
Every storm must soon give away
Raise your head up high
Raise your head up high
So the heavens hear you cry
From the highest mountain
So the whole world knows
That your spirit can't be broken
The rage you feel will consume you and destroy you
Let this rage inside you die
One day, you'll find the signs in every motion
Close your eyes so you might see
I will hold you still, every second of every hour
Let your actions speak your will
Raise your head up high
Raise your head up high
So the heavens hear you cry
Light the brightest fire
From the highest mountain
So the whole world knows
That your spirit can't be broken
Give up your fear
These senseless longings
Let this pain inside you die
Raise your head up high
Raise your head up high
So the heavens hear you cry
Light the brightest fire
From the highest mountain
So the whole world knows
That your spirit can't be broken
The lyrics of VNV Nation's song "Resolution" convey a message of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. The opening lines suggest that the singer has no pride in their current situation, with "no waiting country" and "no parades" to celebrate their achievements. However, they acknowledge that their struggle may cause physical harm but they trust that every storm comes to an end.
The verses that follow encourage the listener to remain strong and to hold their head up high, to cry out to the heavens, and to light a fire so that the entire world knows that their spirit cannot be broken. The second verse acknowledges that the anger we feel can consume us and destroy us, but it also suggests that one day we will learn to find the signs in every motion if we close our eyes to see. The final verse urges the listener to give up fear and senseless longings, to let the pain die, and to speak their will through their actions.
Overall, the lyrics of "Resolution" encourage the listener to remain steadfast in their beliefs and to keep fighting no matter the challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
No pride to feel, no waiting country
There is no patriotism or sense of pride that you feel for a nation. It doesn't matter which country you belong to.
No parades to line your way
There are no parades or celebrations that will make your journey easier or more comfortable.
Though your hands may bleed, and your body may lie broken
You may go through tough times where you may physically suffer and endure wounds and pain.
Every storm must soon give away
Every difficult situation will pass, and things will eventually get better.
Raise your head up high
Lift your head and don't look down in despair, but be hopeful in facing new opportunities and challenges.
So the heavens hear you cry
Whenever you need help or feel lost, look up at the sky, and express yourself as the divine will always listen and respond.
Light the brightest fire
Show the world your inner flame; let it shine so brightly that it inspires others.
From the highest mountain
Let your goals be grand and bigger than what you have ever imagined. Look beyond your existing limitations.
So the whole world knows that your spirit can't be broken
With your indomitable spirit, let the Universe know that no matter what happens, you keep moving forward.
The rage you feel will consume you and destroy you
Holding onto anger and resentment will only harm oneself and their well-being in the end
Let this rage inside you die
Learn to let go of the negative emotions and not let them consume one's being.
One day, you'll find the signs in every motion
Someday, you will discover that there is a meaning to every move and every event that happens in life.
Close your eyes so you might see
Sometimes, to access greater insight, it is necessary to shut the external noise and look within oneself.
I will hold you still, every second of every hour
I will always be there for you, and I will support you through thick and thin.
Let your actions speak your will
Your actions should reflect your innermost convictions, and they should show the world who you genuinely are.
Give up your fear, these senseless longings, let this pain inside you die
Letting go of the past pains and irrational fears is essential to unlock one's potential, and progress in life.
Contributed by Sophie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
The Raven
Lyrics
No pride to feel, no waiting country.
No parades to line your way
Though your hands may bleed, and your body may lie broken
Every storm must soon give away.
Raise your head up high
Raise your head up high
So the heavens hear you cry
light the brightest fire
from the highest mountain
so the whole world knows, that your spirit can't be broken.
The rage you feel, will consume you and destroy you
let this rage inside you die.
One day, you'll find the signs in every motion
close your eyes so you might see
I will hold you still, every second of every hour.
Let your actions speak your will.
Raise your head up high
Raise your head up high
So the heavens hear you cry
light the brightest fire
from the highest mountain
so the whole world knows, that your spirit can't be broken.
Give up your fear,
these senseless longings.
Let this pain inside you die.
Raise your head up high
Raise your head up high
So the heavens hear you cry
light the brightest fire
from the highest mountain
so the whole world knows, that your spirit can't be broken.
Leszek Luberda
Bez powodów do dumy, bez czekającej ojczyzny,
Żadnej parady na Twojej drodze,
Chociaż twoje ręce mogą krwawić, a ciało może być połamane,
Każda burza musi kiedyś ustąpić,
Unieś głowę wysoko,
Unieś głowę wysoko,
Niech niebiosa usłyszą twój płacz,
Rozpal najjaśniejszy ogień,
Na najwyższej górze,
Niech cały świat się dowie,
Że twój duch nie może zostać pokonany,
Wściekłość, którą czujesz, pochłonie cię i zniszczy,
Niech ta wściekłość w tobie zginie,
Pewnego dnia odnajdziesz znak w każdym czynie,
Zamknij oczy, żebyś mógł to ujrzeć,
Zatrzymam Cię w każdej sekundzie każdej godziny,
Niech twoje czyny wyrażają twoją wolę,
Unieś głowę wysoko,
Unieś głowę wysoko,
Niech niebiosa usłyszą twój płacz,
Rozpal najjaśniejszy ogień,
Na najwyższej górze,
Niech cały świat się dowie,
Że twój duch nie może zostać pokonany,
Porzuć ten strach, te bezsensowne tęsknoty,
Niech ten ból w tobie zginie,
Unieś głowę wysoko,
Unieś głowę wysoko,
Niech niebiosa usłyszą twój płacz,
Rozpal najjaśniejszy ogień,
Na najwyższej górze,
Niech cały świat się dowie,
Że twój duch nie może zostać pokonany.
Sethrael the Bard
For all those wounded souls that VNV nation has saved from depression and despair, know that you are not alone. They saved us too. Survive. Persevere. Live and achieve. Every darkness yields to a new dawn.
Brian Atherton
This is true for me as well <3
The Raven
Lyrics
No pride to feel, no waiting country.
No parades to line your way
Though your hands may bleed, and your body may lie broken
Every storm must soon give away.
Raise your head up high
Raise your head up high
So the heavens hear you cry
light the brightest fire
from the highest mountain
so the whole world knows, that your spirit can't be broken.
The rage you feel, will consume you and destroy you
let this rage inside you die.
One day, you'll find the signs in every motion
close your eyes so you might see
I will hold you still, every second of every hour.
Let your actions speak your will.
Raise your head up high
Raise your head up high
So the heavens hear you cry
light the brightest fire
from the highest mountain
so the whole world knows, that your spirit can't be broken.
Give up your fear,
these senseless longings.
Let this pain inside you die.
Raise your head up high
Raise your head up high
So the heavens hear you cry
light the brightest fire
from the highest mountain
so the whole world knows, that your spirit can't be broken.
Snowpine
The vibes from this song are overwhelming. 🙌
Bruce Burton
This , of all Ronan's songs speaks to me. Let's turn Resolution into Revolution. Because our spirit cannot be broken.
Rhiannon Morningstar
I was in my lowest of low places and at my wits end when this song came on and stopped me in my tracks, literally. It's because of Ronan and his amazing music that I'm here right now to write this and seek the help I need and hadn't thought I deserved. The few times I've met him, he is truly an angel amongst us. I owe him a debt that could never be truly repaid. Left behind, Illusion, Nova, and Resolution keep me going through what feels like a never ending darkness.
I will be strong and my spirit will not be broken.
❤
Epic Trismegistos 369
Great song. Makes me feel happy.😌😇😁💜👍
Chellie
absolutely love this song... just saw vnv in seattle and it blew me away
Manuel C
this guys' music is so inspiring :D
Leszek Luberda
Bez powodów do dumy, bez czekającej ojczyzny,
Żadnej parady na Twojej drodze,
Chociaż twoje ręce mogą krwawić, a ciało może być połamane,
Każda burza musi kiedyś ustąpić,
Unieś głowę wysoko,
Unieś głowę wysoko,
Niech niebiosa usłyszą twój płacz,
Rozpal najjaśniejszy ogień,
Na najwyższej górze,
Niech cały świat się dowie,
Że twój duch nie może zostać pokonany,
Wściekłość, którą czujesz, pochłonie cię i zniszczy,
Niech ta wściekłość w tobie zginie,
Pewnego dnia odnajdziesz znak w każdym czynie,
Zamknij oczy, żebyś mógł to ujrzeć,
Zatrzymam Cię w każdej sekundzie każdej godziny,
Niech twoje czyny wyrażają twoją wolę,
Unieś głowę wysoko,
Unieś głowę wysoko,
Niech niebiosa usłyszą twój płacz,
Rozpal najjaśniejszy ogień,
Na najwyższej górze,
Niech cały świat się dowie,
Że twój duch nie może zostać pokonany,
Porzuć ten strach, te bezsensowne tęsknoty,
Niech ten ból w tobie zginie,
Unieś głowę wysoko,
Unieś głowę wysoko,
Niech niebiosa usłyszą twój płacz,
Rozpal najjaśniejszy ogień,
Na najwyższej górze,
Niech cały świat się dowie,
Że twój duch nie może zostać pokonany.