REVIEWS

Buy this album from iTunes

VNV Nation
Judgement

Metropolis Records

Posted: Friday, April 13, 2007
By: Ilker Yücel
Editor

Let's face it; VNV Nation is a band that should need no introduction to today's underground electro scene. From their beginnings in the EBM scene and further developing their sound to include elements of trance, synthpop, classical music, and other variations thereof, and combining their infectious danceable beats with emotional and thought-provoking lyrics, the duo of Ronan Harris and Mark Jackson have become heroes in the genre. Their previous album, Matter + Form presented a bit of a stylistic change, utilizing more organic tones through traditional analog synthesizers and drum sounds that gave certain songs an almost new wave indie rock vibe; perhaps this was a reflection of the growing trend of that particular genre with the likes of The Killers and Interpol. VNV's latest album, Judgement picks up where Matter + Form left off, but pushing the elements that defined that record further.

After the introductory "Prelude" track, which is quintessential VNV with its anthemic chord progression and neo-classical leanings, we begin with "The Farthest Star." Right from the onset, the track presents us with layers of synthesizers coupled with drumbeats that are rather simplistic but utterly irresistible to dance to. The chorus comes in with an uplifting melody and angelic synth tones, thus there can be no question; it is undoubtedly VNV Nation. Quickening the pace is the almost rabidly up-tempo "Testament," with a stuttering guitar-esque tone, landing us in the now familiar territory of the last album. The lyrics are of particular note in the chorus as Ronan belts out one of the most crushing bits of sheer poetry he's yet written, "We conquer paradise just to burn it to the ground / and we build a future to honor pasts we've left behind / we bring destruction, we bring war without an end / and then we hope that tomorrow never comes." These words resonate with such intensity and truth in these tumultuous times that it's almost heartbreaking. The same can be said for "Nemesis" as it races on with a seemingly nihilistic ferocity as Ronan shouts, "“Judgement day's not coming soon enough."

Things take a darker turn with "Descent" and "Momentum," with the former being a slow and dim instrumental backed by some rather malevolent sounding spoken word passages, while the latter is a mesmerizing trance track that speeds by with a sparse but almost sickly vocal coming into play midway through. Things go quiet again with the subtle majesty of "Secluded Spaces," which recalls "Airships" from Futureperfect, though with less percussion. Indeed, the track is almost reminiscent of Vangelis' instrumental work in the late '70s and early '80s. The lovely piano-driven ballad "Illusion" is nothing short of a tearjerker, displaying a romantic melancholy that will surely have many holding their loved ones in a passionate embrace. Aside from the lush and mournful ambience of the closing track, "As It Fades," "Carry You" gives us a last chance to dance before the end.

With a title like Judgement, and the lyrics of this album being what they are, it would be easy to take the album as an apocalyptic lament. The synthesizer melodies are as catchy as ever yet they possess an epic quality, summoning simultaneous images of devastation and salvation, true to all the things most people think of when they hear the word Judgement. Where Matter + Form was 50% instrumental, VNV Nation's strength has always been in their signature blend of instrumental melody, danceable beats, and provocative subject matter, carried by Ronan's authoritative voice, which has certainly taken on a new life with this album; these are some of the best vocals he's ever performed, showing just how much he has developed since their humble beginnings in the EBM scene. While it's debatable if this is VNV Nation's best album, the band's message and concept have always remained clear, making Judgement another powerful and excellent entry in their discography.