the name

One of the most frequently asked questions is what the letters VNV stand for. They stand for "Victory not Vengeance". The meaning behind this stylised motto is  that one should strive to achieve, not sit in bitter regret.

members

VNV Nation are Ronan Harris (electronics, lyrics, vocals) and Mark Jackson (drums).

word and sound

VNV Nation´s inspiration was originally the clash of modern and classical Europe cultures, where mythology and technology live in an uneasy fusion but this has broadened to encompass a world view. The music ranges in style from electronic dance music to ballads and classical inspired music. Inspirations are taken from a wide range of styles including contemporary underground club culture, industrial and classical music. The lyrics draw on philosophy, literature, art, politics and different forms of symbolism. VNV Nation does not advocate any ideology. It is a metaphor for expression.

history

1990-93 : VNV NATION was formed in London, England by Ronan Harris. Originally it comprised a collage of orchestral, electronic dance and soundtrack inspired pieces. This resulted in two limited edition vinyl releases. These were; "Body Pulse", a self produced 2 Track 12" (May 90) and "Strength of Youth", selkf produced 4 Track 12" (Nov 90). Ronan moved to Toronto late in 1990 where he continued working on the project.

1994 -95 : In late 1994 Ronan returned to Europe to complete new and reworked material. Exclusive tracks were released on samplers and in July 1995 VNV NATION signed with German label Discordia and releases the first full length CD "ADVANCE & FOLLOW". Around the same time Mark Jacksoin joined the band as live drummer and later as a member.

1998 : In January 98 VNV NATION signed with German label Off-Beat and released the full-length album "Praise the Fallen" (02.06.98) and the "Solitary EP" (14.09.98). VNV Nation do their first headline tour of Germany in September 98.

1999 - 00 : Early in 99 VNV NATION and 3 other artists leave Off-Beat to start Dependent Records along with Off-Beat's A&R. Three albums resulted. The first, "Empires", stayed at No.1 in the DAC (German Alternative Charts) for 7 weeks winning DAC album of the year '99. The album produced 2 singles- "Darkangel" topped the DAC for 5 weeks. In early 2000 the follow-up single "Standing" stayed at no.1 for 8 weeks (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 entitled "Burning Empires" followed containing alternate versions of tracks from "Empires". This remains one of the most sought after VNV rarities.

2001 - 02 : In March of 2001 the first ever VNV Nation album was remastered and released as "Advance and Follow v2". In September of the same year the single "Genesis" was released. It spent 4 weeks in the German Media Control Charts reaching no.67 as well as again topping the DAC. In October 2001 VNV Nation embark on the highly successful "Futureperfect" tour of Europe and North America. The 4th full length CD "Futureperfect" was released in January 2002 and reached no.25 in the German Album Charts. This was followed by a second single "Beloved" which again reached the high 60's in the German Singles Chart. Following the release of "Beloved" VNV Nation leave Dependent. In April 2002 VNV Nation go on a second tour of the US. Despite being 4-5 months after the previous tour of North America it is an even bigger success.

2003 : VNV Nation form their own label "Anachron Sounds" to exclusively handle all future releases by VNV Nation.

discography

Advance and Follow (CD) - 1995
Praise the Fallen (CD).- 1998
Solitary EP (EP) - 1998
Darkangel (CDS) - 1999
Empires (CD) - 1999
Standing (CDS) - 2000
Standing / Burning Empires (Limited 2xCD with remixes) - 2000
Advance and Follow (v2) (extended / remastered CD) - 2001
Genesis 1 (CDS)  - 2001
Genesis 2 (Limited CDS) - 2001
Futureperfect (CD) - 2002
Beloved 1 (CDS) - 2002
Beloved 2 (Limited CDS) - 2002
Beloved 3 (12" vinyl) - 2002
Honour 2003 (CDS) - 2003
Pastperfect (DVD) - 2004 (special and regular editions)