AMG Review of Empires

Kenyon Hopkin
All Music Guide

If you only hear the instrumental techno-blast of "Saviour" from Empires, it would be easy to dismiss this London duo as a faceless electronic act. But nothing could be further from the truth at VNV Nation's performances, exemplified on their third full-length. Not only have they put together a solid album from beginning to end, they've mastered a gloomy and intense approach to contemporary dance music with melodies that are able to extend songs to five or six minutes without getting dull. Judging by its motto that "one should strive to achieve, not sit in bitter regret," it's clear that VNV Nation practices what it preaches. The lyrics are ripe with despair and end of the world scenarios, but that's what makes Empires so powerful.