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
Sentinel
VNV Nation Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
And disguised as revolution
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 return 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
Harbour 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 the 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
In VNV Nation's song "Sentinel," the lyrics seem to reflect on the current state of the world, questioning whether or not we can truly say we are free. The hands being bound and voices being silenced suggest a lack of agency and control, and the need to wake up to the reality of the situation. The singer refuses to accept the status quo, arguing that redemption can be found in aftermath, and that the causes for change are often disguised as revolution. The call to "quell the rage" and "dismantle the machine" speaks to a desire to take down the oppressive systems that keep us bound.
The chorus of the song explores the idea of dreaming of better days to come, in a world where songs of glory and victory parades celebrate a better world. Despite the storm that has just begun, the singer still holds onto hope for a better future.
Overall, "Sentinel" seems to be a call to action, urging listeners to open their eyes to the current state of the world and take steps to dismantle the systems of oppression that keep us bound. It acknowledges the difficulty of this task, but also emphasizes the hope and potential for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Can we say that we are free?
Despite claiming to have freedom, our actions indicate otherwise.
Our hands are bound and voices silent
We feel powerless to change anything and our thoughts are not heard or acknowledged.
I'm sure it's not a dream
This is a harsh reality we are living in and can't simply be ignored or dismissed.
I am awake my eyes are open
I am not ignorant to the reality around me and remain vigilant to it.
I can't accept and won't concede
I outright refuse to accept the injustice and oppression that I see.
In aftermath we find redemption
Sometimes we can only find redemption after chaos and disaster strike.
The causes that are seized
Causes that are claimed to be fought for may actually be disguised for the purpose of personal gain.
And disguised as revolution
Thus, a revolution may appear to be righteous, but it's actually a means of manipulation and control.
Quell the rage that deeply seethes
It's important to control our emotions and not let anger or hate take over completely.
The extremes of these devotions
Excessive devotion can lead to extremes and potential harm.
Dismantle the machine
The system or device which perpetuates oppressive and unfair practices must be dismantled.
The device of their creation
This oppressive system was created by those who benefit from it.
That this is who we are
We don't have to accept the current situation as our reality or identity.
And disguised as greater notions
The real motives for certain ideas or movements may not be as noble as they appear.
To the songs that sing of glory and the brave
We have been conditioned to be inspired and in awe of the glory of war and conquest.
Are we dreaming there are better days to come?
Is it possible that a better future exists, or is this just a desperate wish?
When will the banners and the victory parades
The traditional celebrations of war and victory should instead celebrate peaceful accomplishments and progress.
Celebrate the day a better world was won?
We should strive for a better world, one where freedom, equality and justice prevail.
On the day The storm has just begun
Although this is a new beginning, it is also the beginning of the struggle ahead.
I will still hope There are better days to come
Despite everything, we still hold onto hope for a brighter future.
Contributed by Zoe F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
LadyClose
Can we say that we are free
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
And disguised as revolution
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
Bakerman4you
I am so incredibly moved by this song and lyrics. Magic song
PyroMaximal
fck antifa
LadyClose
Can we say that we are free
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
And disguised as revolution
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
your tears are wine to me
👏
AndyRetorcido
Thanks for putting the lyrics of the song, I'm from Chile and I don't know English but I like this group, now I could know the meaning of the song thanks to you for putting the lyrics 😊😊
Fantomas
Die gute hat Geschmack
777PrayingforPeace777
Die Oma ?😂
annabel Penin
beautiful song !
Yaas Gurl
Nur hier wegen diesem Meme
Philip Core
BRIGITTEEE 😂