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
Solitude
VNV Nation Lyrics
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Away, you wretched world of tethers.
Through the endless night and day
I have never wanted more.
I Always thought that I would stand
Before the faceless name of justice.
Like some law unto myself,
Like a child of God again.
And if rain brings winds of change
Then let it rain on us forever.
I have no doubt from what I've seen
I have never wanted more.
With this line I'll mark the past
As a symbol of beginning.
I have no doubt from what I've seen
I have never wanted more.
With this line I'll mark the past
As my symbol of beginning.
I have no doubt from what I've seen
That I have never wanted more.
The lyrics of VNV Nation’s song “Solitude” convey a powerful sense of longing for freedom, liberation from the constraints of the world, and a desire for personal sovereignty. The verses depict a speaker who feels trapped and bound by the world’s limitations, held back by the “wretched world of tethers” that keep him tethered to a life that he has never wanted. He longs to break free and find a new beginning, one where he is a “law unto himself” and a “child of God again.”
The chorus of the song brings a sense of empowerment, even amidst the darkness and fear of the unknown. The singer is willing to set himself ablaze, to burn the past and any ties that hold him back from realizing his true potential. He welcomes change, even if it comes in the form of rain and turmoil, as long as it means he can break free from his past and start anew. He is ready to take a stand and make a mark on his own terms, with a newfound sense of agency and purpose.
Overall, “Solitude” is a powerful call to break free from the chains that bind us and embrace the unknown. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most frightening and uncertain paths can lead to the greatest growth and liberation.
Line by Line Meaning
Set me aflame and cast me free.
Ignite me and release me from the chains of this world.
Away, you wretched world of tethers.
I reject the constraints and bonds that hold me in this world.
Through the endless night and day I have never wanted more.
Even in my darkest hours, my desire for freedom remains steadfast.
I Always thought that I would stand before the faceless name of justice.
I believed I would face a system of objective morality and accountability.
Like some law unto myself, Like a child of God again.
I aspire to be my own moral compass, empowered and guided by a divine force.
And if rain brings winds of change Then let it rain on us forever.
I embrace even the tumultuous and uncertain times, as they offer the promise of transformation.
With this line I'll mark the past As a symbol of beginning.
I choose to leave behind my previous self and start anew, using this moment as a catalyst for change.
I have no doubt from what I've seen I have never wanted more.
I am certain that my desire for freedom and personal growth is unwavering, based on my experiences.
With this line I'll mark the past As my symbol of beginning.
I will use my past struggles as a source of strength and inspiration for my future journey.
I have no doubt from what I've seen That I have never wanted more.
My conviction towards my path of self-discovery and liberation remains steadfast and unshakable.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, EDDIE DE LANGE, IRVING MILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind