Review Summary: "Just for a second look into your heart
As you stand and look across the great divide
Remember all the things that you will leave behind
As you set out to cross the vast and great divide"
If there’s one thing that should be said about VNV Nation, it’s the fact they’ve remained a prominent Futurepop group over the years. While many, many other artists have seemingly vanished off the radar, these guys have been around for more than a decade, reaching out to fans and wrapping their emotions into music. I’m sure some people could just claim that this is just “another VNV Nation record”, but arguably,
Of Faith, Power, and Glory is one of their best and both musically and lyrically insightful.
Musically, this album is just about the same as any other VNV Nation record (sparkling arpeggios, danceable rhythms, and robust instrumentation), but lyrically a bit different; not vastly or anything, but rather hearable. There seems to be much more optimism with this record (many more upbeat themes like starting new chapters in your life, moving ahead, forgetting about the past, etc) than any other VNV Nation album I’ve listened to. Except for the heartbreakingly depressing track ‘From My Hands’ (which is a prime candidate for their most passionate song), everything on this record seems to be more positive and introspective rather than groggy or dismal.. (at least for me). VNV Nation’s tricks are on this record too, like their dazzling instrumentation, wholehearted synthesizer leads, and mind-blowingly brilliant lyrical passages; there’s much, much passion this record, and a definite statement for their music.
The album begins with a classical esque piece backed up by military percussion, leading its way into the incredibly uplifting ‘Sentinel’. The album’s optimism comes into action with ‘The Great Divide’, which is characterized by motivating lyrics (themes about moving ahead and starting new chapters in your life aka unquestionably relatable on some aspect) and an amazingly catchy chorus. ‘Verum ternus’ has that catchy vibe to it and a keen sense of melody, only this time longer and more exuberated.
Aforementioned, ‘From my Hands’ is arguably one of their most tearjerking, heart-crushing song they’ve written. Starting off with delicate yet beautiful piano keys, a wispy air of ambience comes into play, igniting the song. With nothing but a few piano keys, the lead vocalists’ resilient voice, and absolutely soul numbing lyrics, this song is a definite contender for feeling. You can really
feel his heartache in the song; every word he quietly pronounces feels quivered and heart-stricken. If anyone has lost someone special or just needs some “downtime”, this song is essential for that period, without a doubt.
Thankfully, the album’s mood takes a complete 180 with the finale song called ‘Where there is Light’. Road mapped by an elevating, sparkling chorus and infuriatingly catchy synthesizer leads, the song is very positive and definitely sanguine for the album’s mood. This is a prime example of VNV Nation at their best and most astounding.
While this album isn’t much different from any other album they’ve made, the mood feels a lot different and many songs are powerful and fun to sing along to. Every song is extremely easy on the ears and nothing intimidating sticks out at all; it fits every mood and scene. This is, in my humble opinion, VNV Nation at their most brilliant and shocking.
Standout tracks:
Sentinel
Tomorrow Never Comes
The Great Divide
Art of Conflict
From my Hands
Where there is Light
…..every song really
