That’s how it was with VNV NATION

Automatic translation. Improvements are constantly being worked on.

Report from March 14, 2025, Cologne, Carlswerk Victoria
Photos from March 16, 2025, Hamburg, Sporthalle

Spring is all about VNV Nation. While they are on the road with their “Construct // Destruct – Live Tour 2025”, fans are also eagerly awaiting the release of “Construct” – the first part of a two-part album project that deals with light and hope on the one hand and the flip side of darkness on the other (“Destruct”). It has now been announced that the release has been delayed for production reasons: Instead of March 28, the first album will now be released on May 9, 2025, with the second following a few months later. So fans will have to wait a little longer. Live, however, they can already look forward to a first glimpse, as Ronan Harris has presented the first songs from “Construct” to his audience at previous concerts. On this evening, the tour made a stop at the completely sold-out Carlswerk Victoria in Cologne. 1,600 fans could look forward to an electronic evening in a class of its own.

Quentin Tarantino’s protégé

Straight Razor performed as support for VNV Nation punctually at 20:00. Omar Doom’s project is dedicated to a dark, electronic sound. Doom, who is not only a musician but also an actor, was cast as a close friend of Quentin Tarantino in “Inglourious Basterds” as one of the eight Basterds. On stage, he staged his music with an imposing aesthetic: his keyboard player hid his face behind a red mask, while Omar himself made an impressive appearance in black leather gloves and a trench coat. The musician accompanied pompous organ sounds with theatrical gestures. The US-American then presented six tracks from his new album “Casualty”. The sound was dark, energetic and haunting. “It’s my first time in this city. Came here from Los Angeles, California. I’m very happy to be here.”

Defining end-time mood

For the track “Suffering”, Doom stomped his mic stand firmly on the floor and deliberately let his index finger wander over the crowd – a gesture that made his presence seem even more impressive. Heavy, pulsating beats met deep synthesizer lines. His repeated eye contact with the left side of the audience, from which he received visible support, was striking – no wonder he particularly enjoyed being close to his fans. A highlight of the set was definitely the song “The End”, which stood out from the setlist with more variance. Despite the end-time theme, the track proved to be particularly catchy and was accompanied by clapping from the audience. “Thank you so much. You guys were amazing. My name is Omar Doom and we were Straight Razor“, the frontman said goodbye after half an hour and released the stage for the headliner.

Suddenly in the spotlight

During the 20-minute changeover break, the fans’ anticipation grew considerably. Around me were a few repeat offenders who had already been to many of the concerts on the current tour. When the lights went out, there was loud applause. Right at the beginning we were allowed to listen to one of three brand new songs: “Save Me”. Only an orange spotlight was directed at Ronan Harris from the background. The singer raised his soulful voice to a sober synth sound. But the special moment was unfortunately rudely interrupted. When someone in the audience wanted to record a cell phone video, he accidentally switched on the bright beam of light from the flashlight, which was now aimed directly at the frontman. Torn from his emotion, Ronan replied: “We have our own lighting system, but thank you.” The concertgoer was visibly uncomfortable with his faux pas – but it was not intentional. While Gabriel on keys visibly enjoyed the soothing melodies from the start, it soon became clear that “Save Me” quickly sounded familiar in an unexpected way.

Light spectacle

With a now joyful tone in his voice, Ronan greeted us: “Thank you. Have a wonderful evening, Cologne. “This is ‘Only Satellites’. Are you in a good mood? The weekend starts here.” An impressive light show took its course. Various graphic elements were projected onto five opulent LED screens in vibrant colors. Color-coordinated bar lights lit up between the walls. And the audience was in a celebratory mood – the fans danced and moved to the driving electro sounds. “My goodness! Here comes something new. Some of you already know the next song. This will be the first single. It’s called ‘Silence Speaks’. Do you feel like dancing?” The brand new song was received with clapping. No leg was left unturned – and even Ronan couldn’t escape the rousing sound. He also let his movements flow with exuberance. Virtual banknotes, currency signs and the word “Justice” fluttered across the video screens in the strobe light to the EBM-heavy hit “Nemesis”. The song line “Judgement Day’s not coming” echoed powerfully through the room as Ronan and his fans shouted it energetically in turn.

Goosebumps instead of cell phones

When the singer announced “Legion”, the touching classic from 1999, he clasped his hands and gave reverent thanks in all directions. The sound of gentle strings merged with Ronan’s emotional voice. The result was a majestic, almost hymnic atmosphere that got under your skin. Drummer Yannik was also captivated by the song, lost in thought as he sang along to the familiar lyrics. It brought back memories for me – after all, the band has been with me for 25 years. The show continued at a fast pace with the popular club hit “When Is the Future”. Although the fans were clearly enjoying the concert, the cell phones kept going off. It was important to Ronan that no one’s concert experience was spoiled: “Please keep your cell phones in front of your own eyes. Put your cell phones down. We’re not Swifties – thank God.” He also had a surprise in store for us and told us that the concert would be recorded in Cologne. Over the course of the year, a deluxe box set will be released, including a live album. Perhaps one or two recordings from the Carlswerk Victoria will also be included.

Close encounter

While the studio version of “Tomorrow Never Comes” is rather gentle and atmospheric, the song gained in volume and intensity live. During his short breaks, Gabriel held on to his keyboard while dancing and gazed happily into the celebrating crowd. Ronan was also blissfully happy: “As they say, this is a perfect audience! Don’t be shy. Shout even louder if you want.” And the fans didn’t need to be told twice. They joined in again, cheering. With a broad chest, the Irishman announced the next track with determination: “I Hate War!!!” “Honour” from 2003 unfolds a rousing, almost militant energy. The driving beat, Ronan’s haunting vocals and the epic light show enhanced the anthemic effect. The audience accompanied the song with loud fan chants and raised fists. Suddenly, the frontman took aim at some wheelchair users at the side of the stage. In the middle of the song “The Farthest Star”, he left the stage to join them and have an affectionate chat with them.

Connectedness

The stage was bathed in green light for “Carbon”. Ronan stood firmly at his microphone and captivated us with his intense, even penetrating vocals. The mixture of dark, introspective moments and energetic passages gave the song an almost palpable tension that made you hold your breath for a moment. “Ok, time to move your ass a bit. Are you ready?” “Retaliate” was followed by the characteristic alarm signal of the song “The Lights Go Out”. Together with his fans, Ronan sang a battle against the encroaching darkness, which is a metaphor for the loss of orientation or hope. Defying adversity and believing in oneself and in a better future is ultimately the healthier path for the tender salvation of the soul. Speaking of salvation – what was particularly noticeable this time was that the chemistry between Ronan and his fellow musicians was visibly right with the current line-up. Time and again, the four of them – Ronan included – exchanged meaningful glances and small gestures with each other. It was truly enchanting to watch.

Dance command

“As a representative of the Gen X generation, I can recommend something. The concert looks 100 million times better with your eyes than on a cell phone screen. Live in the moment! I want you to be here – all of you. That we celebrate, sing and enjoy a party together. And honestly? You’ll have memories tomorrow. The feeling that you danced, that you sang, that you experienced something. It’s the best feeling! And I mean that in a nice way. Let’s move on! Are you sure? Shall we play something quiet?” With vehemence, the crowd gave Ronan a collective “No!”. The Irishman laughed: “It’s like school. What is this? Man!” So we had to wait a little longer for the next ballad. Instead, the driving banger “Control” fired us up. And Ronan couldn’t get enough: “Dear people, I want to hear you. Louder! With passion! Come on, you sexy motherfuckers.” It wasn’t until the atmosphere was almost boiling over, the fans were dueling vocally with the frontman and the hall was jumping that the singer was visibly satisfied: “We’re having a dance party!” And the crowd simply continued to sing euphorically when it was no longer their turn. Wonderful! In between, I paused briefly in the surging crowd to write down my impressions in keywords. Ronan noticed this and asked with a grin whether I was writing in shorthand. Yes, his direct announcements catch one or two concertgoers by surprise.

Infectious joie de vivre

“Dear people, are you still having fun? Ok, This song is called ‘Resolution’. Are you ready? Goooo!” Everyone’s arms swayed back and forth to the rhythm of the music. The VNV Nation crew also joined in. Ronan felt a little pranked: “They’re all making fun of me!” – Never! “Perpetual” heralded the fans’ ever-popular “Dödödödödödödödödö”. Ronan had long been familiar with the game and goaded the crowd even further: “In time with the music, please!” In time or out of time – the main thing was to be loud. Everyone had fun. Especially when Yannik accompanied the fan singing on the drums and continuously increased the tempo. Ronan introduced his fellow musicians: Gabriel and Yanik from Hamburg and Gregory from the USA, who has previously supported VNV live on keys during tours on the other side of the pond. Together, VNV Nation suddenly left their venue.

Kölsch, emotions and a feeling of elation

After loudly demanding encores, the quartet returned. Ronan took the floor: “Are you having fun? Dear people, honestly. This is the third last concert on this tour in Germany. I know it’s incredible that we’ve come this far. I’m very happy to be celebrating with you tonight. We’ve had a lot of fun, but today is especially good. Thank you very, very much for that. I don’t know what you were drinking before the show, but I’d love to have two bottles of it. I guess it’s a secret – it’s Kölsch! A Cologne secret.” With the song “The Game”, VNV Nation reached our hearts once again. The combination of the euphoric melody, anthemic melancholy and Ronan’s charismatic performance triggered feelings of happiness. An interplay of hope, nostalgia and a spirit of optimism sparked this very special VNV emotionality that is second to none. Ronan himself was also touched: “Thank you for guiding me. I am in your debt.” His voice cracked slightly, but he quickly regained his composure when he then presented us with “Close to Heaven” – the third new song from the album “Construct”. He also gave us the meaning of the title: it’s all about having fun. VNV Nation also instilled this feeling in us with this newcomer. With its seven-minute playing time, the song offered enough space for exuberant ecstasy, which the audience savored to the fullest.

Endorphins for everyone

After another short break, the last encore block followed. Shouts of “Dödödö” amused Ronan once again: “Can we play something else? No? I have to ask someone else something. I was joking about the steno writing earlier, in case there was a misunderstanding. I did an interview with her this afternoon. She wrote her report in the middle of ‘Control’ – sensible. But it’s also like an MOT report! Did you have fun? Yes? Good, that makes me really happy. Dear people, are you still having fun? Do you feel like singing? But you don’t know what to sing. Okay, it’s something good. Don’t worry. This is YOUR song! It’s your song! DJ, do it!” And Ronan didn’t promise too much: “Illusion” always unfolds its touching effect live. The gentle melody and Ronan’s calm, emotional voice created a fragile, almost fragile atmosphere. Comforting warmth flowed through the entire body. When the singer invited us to sing and tear the roof off, the entire hall joined in, visibly moved. Bliss led to glistening eyes. And in these moments, there was only VNV Nation and their fans – united in the magic of this song.

Iconic finale

To “Nova”, Ronan encouraged the crowd to switch on their cell phone flashlights. “Let’s build a sea of lights.” A fan handed him an Irish flag, which he proudly draped around his shoulders. He sang his hit passionately and with a lot of heart, while the stage was lit up in the most beautiful lights. Finale with “All Our Sins”. As at the beginning, the stage was plunged into darkness. Only two white spotlights shone behind Ronan. Jannik drummed standing up on large, acoustic toms – pure drama! Live, the song picked up on the dark, almost cathartic atmosphere of the studio recording and infused it with a sense of hope and liberation. When Ronan really turned up his vocals in the choruses, this masterpiece sent shivers down my spine. Live, this track is always an absolute experience that grabs you intensely. As the last notes faded out, it was time to say goodbye.

The heart in the right place

For ten minutes, there was unending applause, including cheers and joyful whistles. All four musicians hugged each other warmly and let these moments sink in. “Did you like it? Dear people, dear friends, many, many, many thanks. Thank you for coming and thank you for the sold out show. Great concert!” Yannik wanted to hand Ronan his drumsticks, but he had other plans for them. “That’s nice of you, but I’m a keyboard player!” He sent his drummer back to his fans, who were sitting in wheelchairs, and instructed him to give the sticks to a selected fan. Ronan explained the situation: “For me, I’m sorry but everyone else here, you are third in my list. First – anybody with a disability comes first in my concerts, always! Second – anybody who brings their children. That’s the next fucking generation. And then it’s all of you wonderful sexy people. It was so much fun with you. Thank you for your strength and support. If you’re surprised by the flag – I’m originally from Ireland and have lived in Hamburg for 25 years. But I’ll be Irish forever, sorry. It’s in my blood. Although I’ve become very German. When you celebrate with friends, you have to toast.” The Irishman raised his cup and said a few words to us in his native language alongside his name. “Take good care of each other. We only have each other. In this life, we only have each other. Maybe we’ll see each other at the Amphi Festival. I love you guys very much, honestly! Good night, get home safely. I love you – see you next time.”

Consolation plaster

At the end of the two-and-a-half-hour show, the title of the new VNV Nation album appeared on the video wall, with the letters forming a whole in three rows. Even though the release date is not due until May 9th, the memories of this rousing evening and the singles that will soon be released will allow us to keep the anticipation of “Construct” alive until we can finally experience the album in its full glory and fall under its VNV spell.

Setlist STRAIGHT RAZOR:
“Casualty” – “Black Smoke Rising” – “Suffering” – “Misery” – “The End” – “Black Elixir” – “The Curse”

Setlist VNV NATION:
“Save Me” – “Only Satellites” – “Silence Speaks” – “Nemesis” – “Legion” – “When is the Future?” – “Space & Time” – “Tomorrow Never Comes” – “Honour” – “The Farthest Star” – “Carbon” – “Retaliate” – “Lights Go Out” – “Control” – “Prophet ” – “Resolution” – “Perpetual” — “The Game” – “Gratitude” – “Close to Heaven” — “Illusion” – “Nova” – “All Our Sins”

Text: Nadine Kloppert
Photos: Thomas Friedel Fuhrmann

Take a look at our picture gallery with photos from March 16, 2025, Hamburg, Sporthalle: