VNV Nation Of Faith, Power and Glory: A review

Courtesy of VNV Nation

On June 23, VNV Nation released their new album, Of Faith, Power and Glory. I received a review copy, which I listened to the moment I downloaded it. To be honest, I’ve never been a huge VNV Nation fan so I only gave it half a listen because I figured if they were courteous enough to send it to me, I would be courteous enough to listen. Don’t get me wrong, I loved “Beloved.” In fact, I have a homemade CD from a friend with every version of the song available. But other than a few mixes from Mighty Mike Saga CDs like the Icon of Coil “Genesis” remix and a VNV remix of Das Ich’s “Destillat,” I can’t say I love or am even that familiar with the music. As you may remember, I like the angry and stompy, of which VNV is not.

I’ve heard mixed reviews of this CD from the biggest of VNV Nation fans. Only a couple of them said that this is the best one yet. For the most part, I heard that it was more of the same. Good, but nothing completely new. This is pretty much what I had decided before reading the reviews. One DJ I know went as far to say that it sounded like VNV Nation trying to do a VNV Nation album.

Of Faith, Power and Glory is a good album. There’s a excellent mix of dance tracks and sentimental tracks, although if you listen closely, the dance tracks are sentimental themselves. While this is no surprise, for me the lyrics are a little bit too soul searching and preachy. There would have been a time in my life that this was quite welcome, and I have no doubt that it is for many many fans; this is their strong connection to the group, especially to Ronan Harris.

I did find a couple of the tracks interesting. The drum beat kicking off “Pro Victoria” was a riveting build to somewhat eerie keyboards, which overtake the drums and then just cut out completely—so much so that I didn’t realize it was over. “Art of Conflict” is more of a trance style, and probably my favorite song on the CD. “Sentinel” has a great dance beat, but after a few minutes, it’s nothing new. Same with “Where the Light is,” which I think goes on too long once the futurepop part ends. I wonder if DJs mix another song in before this part in clubs so that the dancers on the floor aren't left with that awkward few minutes of not really knowing what to do while the music winds down.

Not long after I received the CD, VNV came around to the area. I would have liked to see them live; I had heard only good reviews, but had a schedule conflict. It would have been especially nice because each area show included a meet and greet. I will say that VNV Nation does appreciate their fans, there is no question about that. And their fans appreciate them just as much. A bunch of my friends went to the show in Hartford or Boston, and everyone has a fantastic time.

So while Of Faith, Power and Glory may not be one of my favorite albums, I am going to chalk it up to it just not being my type of music. So please don’t allow my impression to influence yours. Go pick up VNV Nation’s newest release and listen to it for yourself. Come up with your own opinion and then leave me a comment letting me know what you think. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.