Masters of Chant cover

Masters of Chant

Gregorian · 2000

71 min · 14 tracks · new age music

A haunting blend of Gregorian chant and modern rock classics, merging sacred tones with contemporary melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Brothers in Arms — This track serves as a powerful opener, transforming the somber themes of the original into a solemn chant that evokes deep emotional resonance.
  • →
    Nothing Else Matters — The reinterpretation of this Metallica classic showcases Gregorian's ability to merge heavy rock sentiment with ethereal vocal harmonies, creating a breathtaking contrast.
  • →
    Tears in Heaven — This poignant cover turns Eric Clapton's heartfelt ballad into a reverent homage, highlighting the group's range from sorrow to serenity through chant.
  • →
    The Sound of Silence — Transforming Simon & Garfunkel's classic into a meditative piece enhances its introspective nature, exemplifying Gregorian's skill in blending past and present.
  • →
    Still I’m Sad — Originally by The Yardbirds, this track captures a sense of melancholy while presenting it through a lush choral arrangement that elevates its emotive power.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album effectively merges chant with rock classics, creating a unique sound that resonates well but may not deeply reward repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • Vocals are predominantly male, layered in harmonies that create a rich, ethereal soundscape throughout the record.
  • Each track maintains a consistent tempo and mood, with transitions between songs that emphasize the haunting quality of the chants.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • ethereal harmonies for peaceful moments
  • dynamic flow with emotional peaks
  • reflective listening during quiet times
  • transcendent soundscapes for introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, high-energy tracks
  • seek immediate, catchy choruses

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established Gregorian's reputation and introduced their unique sound to a wider audience.
Career context
Upon its release in 2000, 'Masters of Chant' marked Gregorian's debut album, establishing their unique fusion of choral music and popular songs. This project introduced the group to a wider audience, showcasing their innovative approach to reinterpreting iconic tracks through a meditative lens.
Stylistic neighbors
Enigma· Era· Lustmord

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Brothers in Arms 5:56
  • 2 Scarborough Fair 4:51
  • 3 Tears in Heaven 5:33
  • 4 Still I’m Sad 4:58
  • 5 When a Man Loves a Woman 4:54
  • 6 Nothing Else Matters 6:15
  • 7 Fade to Grey 4:19
  • 8 Losing My Religion 5:52
  • 9 Vienna 5:03
  • 10 The Sound of Silence 4:16
  • 11 Sebastian 3:41
  • 12 Don’t Give Up 6:27
  • 13 I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For (radio edit) 4:54
  • 14 Save a Prayer 4:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata