Gregorian – Masters of Chant X: The Final Chapter (2015)
Artist: Gregorian
Album: Masters of Chant X: The Final Chapter
Released: 2015
Label: Edel Records
Genre: Gregorian chant, Classical crossover, New Age
Producer: Frank Peterson
Overview
Released in 2015, Masters of Chant X: The Final Chapter marks the tenth and final numbered installment in Gregorian’s iconic Masters of Chant series. The album concludes the long-running franchise with a blend of updated fan favorites and new covers, maintaining the group’s signature male Gregorian-style choir interpretations of rock, pop, and alternative songs.
This installment emphasizes polished orchestration, cinematic arrangements, and the emotional depth that has defined the series over two decades. It also serves as a celebration of the Masters of Chant legacy, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a comprehensive finale.
Album Credits
Core Team
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Frank Peterson – producer, arranger, concept
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Jan-Eric Kohrs – co-producer, engineer
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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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Full orchestration, programming, and mixing handled by Peterson’s team
Tracklist
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Nothing Else Matters (Metallica cover – updated arrangement)
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Hurt (Nine Inch Nails / Johnny Cash cover – updated arrangement)
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Bring Me to Life (Evanescence cover – updated arrangement)
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Boulevard of Broken Dreams (Green Day cover – updated arrangement)
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Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin cover – updated arrangement)
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Angels (Robbie Williams cover – updated arrangement)
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Fix You (Coldplay cover – updated arrangement)
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In the Air Tonight (Phil Collins cover – updated arrangement)
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Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd cover – updated arrangement)
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My Immortal (Evanescence cover – updated arrangement)
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Time to Say Goodbye (Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli-inspired arrangement)
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One (U2 cover – new arrangement)
Tracklists may vary depending on region or edition.
Musical Style & Sound
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Deep male Gregorian-style choir harmonies
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Epic, cinematic orchestration with emotional dynamics
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Blend of classic rock, modern pop, and alternative hits
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Slow-to-mid-tempo arrangements emphasizing solemnity and dramatic effect
Chapter X continues the series’ polished approach, updating familiar tracks while adding a few new interpretations to provide a fitting conclusion.
Key Highlights
🎵 Nothing Else Matters
Metallica’s classic is given a grand, cinematic finale treatment, showcasing Gregorian’s trademark sound.
🎵 Bring Me to Life
Evanescence’s hit remains a centerpiece, enhanced with orchestral and choral depth.
🎵 Time to Say Goodbye
A dramatic, emotional closer inspired by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli.
🎵 One
U2’s anthem is reimagined with solemnity and cinematic textures, adding to the album’s reflective mood.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Chapter X was intentionally marketed as the “Final Chapter” of the series, signaling the end of a two-decade run of numbered albums.
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The album features both updated versions of fan favorites and a few fresh arrangements to give a sense of closure.
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The live tour following this release emphasized grand cathedral staging and theatrical lighting, reflecting the album’s epic tone.
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The Masters of Chant series, spanning 10 chapters, became one of the most enduring classical crossover projects in Europe.
Did You Know?
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Gregorian’s “Final Chapter” includes both old and new arrangements, creating a sense of nostalgia while offering a polished, contemporary sound.
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The album is often considered a capstone for the choir’s live and studio work, summarizing over 20 years of the project’s evolution.
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Fans often consider tracks like Nothing Else Matters and Bring Me to Life as definitive highlights of the series.
Commercial Performance
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Charted in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
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Supported by European tours emphasizing the series’ conclusion
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Sold steadily due to its legacy status and fan anticipation
Critical Reception
Praised for:
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Polished production and emotional arrangements
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Strong selection of fan-favorite tracks
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Provides a fitting finale to the long-running series
Criticism:
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Largely repackaged material with few entirely new tracks
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Some critics felt the formula was now fully predictable
Legacy
Masters of Chant X: The Final Chapter represents the culmination of Gregorian’s flagship series, showcasing two decades of musical innovation and crossover appeal. It serves as a celebratory capstone, highlighting the choir’s ability to transform rock, pop, and alternative songs into epic, atmospheric Gregorian-style masterpieces.
Album Rating
⭐ 8/10
A strong and fitting conclusion to the Masters of Chant series. While not radically innovative, it combines nostalgia, epic arrangements, and polished production, making it a must-have for longtime fans and a definitive collection for newcomers.
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)
