The World, NYC
April 16, 2002

This was one of the best shows I’ve been to in ages. The World is a fantastic place to see a concert with its three levels of standing room and its large TV monitors televising the stage all over the place. It can’t be beat, at least not in New York City. The venue must have had over 1000 rabid fans inside its walls. Everyone was outstandingly dressed and the crowd was more varied than I’d seen before. With the classification of electronic dance, VnV Nation and Haujobb are certainly crossover acts that have fans in every musical genre from Gothic to Trance.

Haujobb took the stage just as I walked in. Their sound was quite different from the last time around. One song (which I’m embarrassed to say I had no idea what it was) even sounded as though it would fit right in with any hard rock playlist today. I’m sure the song was from their new album, Penetration. I did not expect so much guitar work, perhaps because Haujobb is known for their samples. I was quite happy when Solutions for a Small Planet’s “Distance” was played. Of all the modern Industrial acts, I think Haujobb is the most creative and musically varied. They continue to evolve and grow with each album. Their set went fast and it was plain to see that the fans wanted VnV.

When VnV Nation (“Victory Not Vengeance”) took the stage, the intro track “Forward” from Futureperfect played. “This is your world, these are your people, you can live for yourself today or help build tomorrow for everyone.” Ronin Harris was in his usual enthusiastic mood. He really does play every show like he is in front of a stadium filled with 30,000 fans. Mark Jackson pounded his drums so hard he broke a cymbal.

The first memorable moment came when VnV played the vocal version of “Forsaken” from the Solitary EP. This was quite unusual; it is a passionate song about death and healing and I could see the audience was moved. The light show was blinding. The angelic white rays framed the stage beautifully and the colored lights added an air of mystery to the band. Lyrics were projected onto two screens during “Ascension”, which was another fine example of a moving song. “Epicenter” and “Solitary” were played among other great dance songs. The audience was really fired up. I saw grown men, who knew all the lyrics, singing along to the ballads. They packed the front row and Ronin interacted with them as much as he did with the fans up in the wings. It really was a magical night.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard New York scream that long and hard. “VnV, VnV, VnV”. That screaming produced three encores. The first encore was “Beloved”. I thought I was going to cry and fall over from exhaustion at the same time. “Get all those blinking glowing things up in the air” Ronin exclaimed. Back for a second encore Ronin and Mark played “Legion” off of Empires and then “Electronaut” off of the new album. By the third encore I thought the audience was going to lose it. “Holding on” and then “Possession” finished out the night. VnV Nation is surely one of the most passionate and intelligent electronic groups to ever come along. They lyrically as well as rhythmically inspire. I look forward to future shows!