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
The Great Divide
VNV Nation Lyrics
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The expanses far and wide that still confine
The simple facts that yet lay waiting to be found
As lost as some forgotten promised land
Consider reasons through long goodbyes
Looking back for one last time
As you stand and look across the great divide
Remember well the things that you will leave behind
As you set out to cross the vast and great divide
Guard and defend when forces hinder and collide
Solemn intentions both blessed and divine
You still pulled victory from shattered hope
Count your doubts with broken smiles
Covered your hurt in your pride
No need for reasons
None to confide
Look back and bid farewell for one last time
Just for a second look into your heart
As you stand and look across the great divide
Remember well the things that you will leave behind
As you set out to cross the vast and great divide
Just for a second look into your heart
As you stand and look across the great divide
Remember well the things that you will leave behind
As you set out to cross the vast and great divide
Just for a second look into my eyes
As you stand and look across the great divide
As you let go of tears for what you leave behind
While looking back again to say farewell for one last time
Before looking back again to say farewell for one last time
Before looking back again to say farewell for one last time
The lyrics to "The Great Divide" by VNV Nation speak to the feelings of longing and striving that exist deep within the heart. The song expresses a sense of restlessness, as though the expanses of the world are still not enough to fulfill the desires within us. Despite this urge to explore, there are still simple facts waiting to be discovered, much like a promised land that has been forgotten.
The lyrics also speak to the process of saying goodbye and leaving things behind. The singer encourages the listener to look back for one last time, to remember the things that they will leave behind as they set out to cross the great divide. The lyrics suggest that this journey will not be easy, as forces may hinder and collide. However, one's intentions must remain solemn and blessed, and even shattered hope can lead to victory.
The song ultimately encourages listeners to take a moment and look deep within their hearts before crossing the great divide. It is a call to remember what is truly important and to let go of the things that no longer serve us. The repetition of the phrase "just for a second look" reinforces the idea that taking a brief pause to reflect can have a powerful impact on our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Deep is the longing in the heart that ever strives
There is a deep longing in the heart that is always trying to achieve more.
The expanses far and wide that still confine
Even though there are vast possibilities, there is still the feeling of being constrained.
The simple facts that yet lay waiting to be found
There are straightforward truths that have not been discovered yet.
As lost as some forgotten promised land
These truths are as elusive as a land promised long ago that was forgotten.
Consider reasons through long goodbyes
Reflect on the reasons why goodbyes take so long.
Looking back for one last time
Taking one final glance at what is being left behind.
Just for a second look into your heart
Take a brief moment to examine one's own feelings.
As you stand and look across the great divide
As one prepares to cross a significant divide.
Remember well the things that you will leave behind
Recall and appreciate what will be lost in the process of moving forward.
As you set out to cross the vast and great divide
As one ventures forth to cross the enormous division.
Guard and defend when forces hinder and collide
Protect oneself when external forces are met with conflict.
Solemn intentions both blessed and divine
Serious and meaningful motivations inspired by a higher power.
You still pulled victory from shattered hope
Despite hope being broken, a win was still achieved.
Count your doubts with broken smiles
Keep a record of the doubts that remain despite smiling.
Covered your hurt in your pride
Masking pain with self-respect.
No need for reasons
There is no requirement for justification.
None to confide
No one to talk to in detail.
Just for a second look into my eyes
Take a moment to glance directly into my eyes.
As you let go of tears for what you leave behind
As one allows themselves to grieve for what is being lost.
While looking back again to say farewell for one last time
Taking one final look before saying goodbye.
Before looking back again to say farewell for one last time
Prior to taking one last glance to say goodbye.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RONAN HARRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Emyoco1983
I stumbled across their concert once when I was 19. It's been almost 20 years and I have loved them for all this time. And will continue till I die. Music and words for every emotion and period of your life. In my eyes. There is no better band
@MaxkwGisKaas
Reminds me of another lyric " its hard to imagine the freedom we find, from the things we leave behind".
Just found this band today.
WOW.
Perfect timing.
@battlefox86
Das war Hamburg 2009. Ein Konzert dass ich so schnell nicht vergessen werde. VNV sind großartig!
@synthbitch
guys, the messege in your songsalways helps me to think about a lot of stuff around my life thanks for your music
@user-yk3vv2ye2v
Ich liebe den Song sooooo sehr❤
@oproenca40
A super sound and a mesmerizing voice... What a perfect connection!
@That_Smiling_Face
Always great emotions! Thanks!
@traciepearce1888
Never heard of NVN Nation,untill I joined YouTube and can't understand why. But all I can say is what a great band they are and what great songs they have done,why cant Britain have groups like this. Only ones I have known is The Petshop Boys, OMD, Kraftwerk and Depeche mode.
@gonzap.3246
Beautiful music 😍😍😍😍😍😍
@sonnymannheim
VNV forever !!!!