Review Summary: VNV Nation's magnum opus, and one of the best futurepop albums ever made...
After A&F, and PTF, Vnv Nation really hit their creative stride with their 1999 album Empires. It is widely revered among fans and it completely deserves the respect. So without further ado, lets get to it.
The intro "Firstlight" is not the strongest intro track that VNV has made, but is still a neat little song that does settle you into the idea of the album pretty well. Not much more to say, but pretty good.
The album really ramps up once "Kingdom" starts. One of my favorite VNV songs, "Kingdom" starts off with this awesome medieval-like setting (which makes sense), and kicks off with an eargasmic synth melody, as well as lyrics that (at least to me anyway) detail the singer's desire to create a better kingdom for all, and that this kingdom will be won, no matter the cost. To me, this song embodies VNV's name, Victory Not Vengeance. Simply an awesome song.
"Rubicon" is also another favorite. Starting with a well-developed melody, mixed with lyrics detailing how the singer knows there is no point of return, but is unsure of what to do next after the kingdom has been won. At least thats my interpretation. Rubicon is a beautiful "continuation" of the Empires's story arc if you will. Well done, VNV, well done.
"Saviour" is one of the best instrumentals VNV has made. Kicking off with a sexy, bombastic sound-scape, mixed with a feeling of war and urgency. Even w/o lyrics, Saviour gets the point across, and fits magnificently with the entire album. Simply amazing.
"Fragments", seems to have some people split. I however adore this song a good amount. To me, the song details sort of a propaganda piece trying to expose the emperors (not saying VNV is spreading propaganda, but that its a reference to propaganda), and hope for greater things to come. The sounds with the constant thumping of the beat, along with the harsh, EBM sound, really create not only a powerful song, but also a very danceable one too.
"Distant (Rubicon II)" is a very underrated ballad. The lyrics sort of speak to me as a message of regret, and that although the battle is won or over, the pain is not erased. The overall tone of the song also really captures my interpretation (to me). Very good indeed.
"Standing" is very special to me, but before we get to the lyrics, lets talk about the music itself. The beautiful synth melodies, combined with this sense of grandiose (hope thats the right word), really elevate the song's awesomeness. The lyrical content (to me) details how we should cherish life, and stay in the moment. It is very important especially as I suffer with an anxiety disorder. Overall, Standing is a beautiful song.
"Legion" is another fantastic track. The heavy, urgent sound-scape, filled with some eargasmic synth melody, accompany the lyrical content of (again my interpretation here) the intolerance of uncertainty. Plus, it had two great remixes. Overall, Legion is a badass and yet scary track.
"Darkangel" contains one of VNV's most lovely melodies. Despite its dark, almost ethereal nature, the song conveys this idea of a person's ignorance towards their lack of fit within society. It makes more sense, once you really read the lyrics more. Overall, Darkangel is an essential VNV song.
The last track "Arclight" starts with the same sound as "Firstlight", but then expands into this message of just incredible positivity and hopefulness, after a whole album with a more somber, darker outlook. Its a great "closing chapter" of the Empires's "story arc". You can't get a near-perfect ending like that anymore.
Overall, Empires is just a fantastic experience from start to finish, and will definitely bring you more insight and understanding to the world around you. Not much more to say, but for any new futurepop fan, Empires is an essential album to listen to. You won't regret it.
