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
Sentinal
VNV Nation Lyrics
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Our hands are bound and voices silent
I'm sure it's not a dream
I am awake, my eyes are open
I can't accept and won't concede
In aftermath we find redemption
The causes that are seized
Quell the rage that deeply seethes
The extremes of these devotions
Dismantle the machine
The device of their creation
I can't accept and won't concede
That this is who we are
The conflict that is seized
And disguised as greater notions
To the songs that sing of glory and the brave
Are we dreaming there are better days to come
When will the banners and the victory parades
Celebrate the day a better world was won
On the day, the storm has just begun
I will still hope there are
Better days to come
In the face of what I say
My words will turn to anger
Malevolence in need
Cannot provide direction
I won't accept this thought
That this is who we are
Positions never change
Losing all forward motion
All of that which deeply seethes
Temper your devotion
Dismantle the machine
The device of your convictions
I can't accept and won't concede
That this is who we are
The conflict that is seized
And disguised as greater notions
To the songs that sing of glory and the brave
Are we dreaming there are better days to come
When will the banners and the victory parades
Celebrate the day a better world was won
To the songs that sing of glory and the brave
Are we dreaming there are better days to come
When will the banners and the victory parades
Celebrate the day a better world was won
On the day the storm has just begun
I will still hope there are
Better days to come
On the day the storm has just begun
I will still hope there are
Better days to come
The lyrics to "Sentinel" by VNV Nation present a message of hope in the midst of struggle and conflict. The first verse describes a sense of entrapment, where although we may feel bound and silenced, we must recognize that this is not a dream and we must awaken to the reality of our situation. The second verse suggests that even in the aftermath of conflict, there is an opportunity for redemption as long as we don't concede defeat. The chorus speaks to a desire for a better world, where the dreams of glory and freedom are achieved and celebrated.
The bridge of the song speaks to the frustration and anger that can come with the realization that change may not happen as quickly or easily as desired. However, the lyrics remind us that malevolence and anger cannot provide direction, and we must choose a different path. The final verse echoes the sentiment of the first verse, where we are encouraged to dismantle the system that perpetuates our struggles and convictions. The song ends with a reaffirmation of hope, where even in the midst of a storm, we can believe that better days are still to come.
Line by Line Meaning
Can we say that we are free
Questioning the extent of our freedom
Our hands are bound and voices silent
Feeling restricted and unable to speak out
I'm sure it's not a dream
Feeling that current reality is not ideal and hoping for change
I am awake, my eyes are open
Being aware and conscious of the present situation
I can't accept and won't concede
Being unwilling to give in and accept the current state
In aftermath we find redemption
Believing that positive change can come after difficult times
The causes that are seized
Taking hold of the reasons for change
And disguised as revolution
Masking the true intentions as revolutionary
Quell the rage that deeply seethes
Suppressing the intense anger that exists
The extremes of these devotions
The intense feelings and loyalties taken to extreme levels
Dismantle the machine
Taking apart the system that created the current situation
The device of their creation
The tools and structures that were used to create the current situation
That this is who we are
Refusing to believe that the current state is unchangeable
And disguised as greater notions
Masking the true motives as grander ideas
To the songs that sing of glory and the brave
Acknowledging the messages of hope and courage found in music
Are we dreaming there are better days to come
Questioning whether improvement is possible
When will the banners and the victory parades
Wondering when success will be celebrated
Celebrate the day a better world was won
Looking forward to the day that a better world is achieved
On the day, the storm has just begun
Knowing that the beginning is often the hardest part
I will still hope there are
Maintaining a sense of optimism and hope
Better days to come
Believing that the future can be better than the present
In the face of what I say
Despite my words
My words will turn to anger
My frustration will become evident
Malevolence in need
Malice and ill will are not helpful
Cannot provide direction
These negative emotions do not offer guidance
Positions never change
Believing that the current state is unchanging
Losing all forward motion
Feeling stuck and unable to progress
Temper your devotion
Moderate your extreme feelings
The device of your convictions
The structures and ideas that create your convictions
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind