Gregorian – Masters of Chant: Chapter VII (2009)
Artist: Gregorian
Album: Masters of Chant: Chapter VII
Released: 2009
Label: Edel Records
Genre: Gregorian chant, Classical crossover, New Age
Producer: Frank Peterson
Overview
Released in 2009, Masters of Chant: Chapter VII marked the seventh installment in Gregorian’s flagship series. The album continued the signature formula of male Gregorian-style choir interpretations of popular rock, pop, and alternative songs, combining atmospheric choral arrangements with cinematic production.
Chapter VII reflects a mature stage in Gregorian’s career, with polished orchestration and a blend of classic rock and modern hits, appealing both to longtime fans and new audiences.
Album Credits
Core Team
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Frank Peterson – producer, arranger, concept
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Jan-Eric Kohrs – co-producer, engineering
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Gregorian Choir – male vocal ensemble
Production
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Produced in Germany
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Released via Edel Records
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Orchestration, programming, and mixing handled by Peterson’s team
Tracklist
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Nothing Else Matters (Metallica cover – updated version)
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Boulevard of Broken Dreams (Green Day cover – updated version)
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Run to the Hills (Iron Maiden cover)
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Angels (Robbie Williams cover – new arrangement)
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Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd cover – updated version)
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Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin cover – alternate version)
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Bring Me to Life (Evanescence cover – updated version)
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Hurt (Nine Inch Nails / Johnny Cash cover – alternate version)
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Fix You (Coldplay cover – updated version)
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The Power of Love (Frankie Goes to Hollywood cover – updated version)
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Time to Say Goodbye (Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli-inspired arrangement)
(Tracklists may vary slightly depending on region and edition.)
Musical Style & Sound
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Deep male Gregorian-style choir harmonies
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Epic, cinematic orchestration with ambient textures
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Blend of classic rock, alternative, and modern pop ballads
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Slower, reflective pacing emphasizing emotional impact
Compared to earlier chapters, Chapter VII features more polished production and slight updates to previously covered material, giving familiar tracks a refreshed, modern feel.
Key Highlights
🎵 Run to the Hills
Iron Maiden’s classic metal anthem is transformed into a haunting, solemn choral arrangement.
🎵 Nothing Else Matters
Updated orchestration adds deeper atmosphere and choral layers to the Metallica classic.
🎵 Time to Say Goodbye
Inspired by the Sarah Brightman / Andrea Bocelli classic, adding a powerful and cinematic close to the album.
🎵 Bring Me to Life
Evanescence’s hit remains a fan favorite, updated with dramatic Gregorian harmonies.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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This chapter continued the trend of updating older covers with new arrangements to keep the series fresh.
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Iron Maiden’s Run to the Hills was a surprising addition, showing Gregorian could adapt heavier metal material.
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Live performances from this era featured expanded orchestration and larger choir ensembles.
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The album further cemented Gregorian’s position in the classical crossover and rock reinterpretation market.
Did You Know?
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Gregorian’s updated versions often include subtle electronic and orchestral enhancements not present in earlier chapters.
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The Masters of Chant series had by 2009 sold millions of copies worldwide.
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Fans often compare the 2009 arrangements to the 2000s live concerts for a more immersive experience.
Commercial Performance
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Strong chart presence in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
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Supported by tours across Europe
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Continued Gold-level sales in multiple territories
Critical Reception
Praised for:
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High production quality
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Creative reinterpretation of heavy and alternative rock tracks
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Consistency in mood and atmosphere
Criticism:
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Formulaic feel due to repeated updates of prior material
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Some critics felt heavy metal covers were an unusual fit for Gregorian’s style
Legacy
Masters of Chant: Chapter VII demonstrates Gregorian’s ability to refresh classic material while maintaining their trademark sacred and cinematic sound. It solidified their longevity in the classical crossover genre and influenced subsequent chapters in terms of song selection and orchestration.
Album Rating
⭐ 7.5/10
A strong and polished installment in the series. While not revolutionary, it successfully updates the Gregorian formula with heavier rock material and cinematic enhancements, appealing to both old and new listeners.
Download Gregorian Albums from Amazon Music
More Albums:
Gregorian - Masters of Chant: Chapter I (2000)
Gregorian - Masters of Chant Chapter II (2001)
Gregorian - Masters of Chant: Chapter III (2002)
Gregorian - Masters of Chant: Chapter IV (2003)
Gregorian - The Dark Side (2004)
Gregorian - The Masterpieces (Best of CD and Live DVD) (2005)
Gregorian - Christmas Chants & Visions (2008)
