| Musical Style: Rock | Produced By: Roland Dale Benedict |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2020 | Artist Website: Gregorian Rock |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 75% |
| Running Time: 37:25 |
Aptly entitled Gregorian Rock project benefits from exploring the previously uncharted waters of Gregorian chant and contemporary rock music, but it still struggles to depict the ‘Gregorian like baritone choir vocals arising from the monastery depths’ its namesake implies. Hence, the independently released December of 2020 fourth Gregorian Rock album Atmosphere. Not unlike predecessors 2 (from 2015) and Fire (2017), Atmosphere finds founding member and keyboardist/vocalist Roland Dale Benedict adding heavy layers of processing to vocal harmonies to achieve said Gregorian chanting in question.
Results are mixed. On one hand, Benedict is a solid performer with a rich and warm middle register vocal style that aligns with the melodic but subdued - the project is not called ‘Gregorian Hard Rock’ or “Gregorian Metal’ for a reason - Gregorian Rock sound. On the other, processed vocals can be distracting, and not just from the standpoint of not closely aligning with Gregorian chant but also impressing as overproduced and overdone.
That said, there is still a LOT to like here in that similar to 2 and Fire (both 75% Angelic Warlord reviewed), Atmosphere really shines in places. Album also places emphasis on keyboards, bass and acoustic guitar while relegating electronic guitars to the back end, although on several tracks rhythm guitars elevate to heavier rocking territory. Upshot is a sound that while rooted in a rock basis is also derivative of strong progressive and art rock influences in addition to occasional darker elements to hint of the Gothic.
Opener “Who Rides The Clouds” mirrors all that works well with Gregorian Rock: upbeat, catchy and melodic in lending a worshipful slant:
Sing to God
Sing in praise of His name
Extol Him who rides on the clouds
It otherwise proves a keyboard based rocker - Benedict does a choice job exhibiting his abilities in this regard - with an elevated bass sound to show off albums enhanced (and very finely done) production.
Guitars make their initial appearance on “Shine Like The Sky”, a mostly instrumental progressive based cut in which jam based excursions trade off with vocals, some English and others Latin:
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above
And those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever
Shine like the sky
“Caelum” bases upon narration from Genesis 1:8 (in English and Latin) in diving into two parts. First slowly drifts in atmospheric fashion to hovering guitars and streaming keyboards and second at the more forward tempo to another big bass driven low end. The ethereal lead guitar at the end attributes to Phil Keaggy!
“Who Then Is This”, two minutes of acapella vocal harmonies, gives way to “Rain”. Song slides smoothly forward from the start, scintillating with its crystalline piano but also keyed up from the jazzy bass to commend equally. Yes, this one is on the mellow side (no guitars present) but good all the same.
Instrumental “Spiritus Vehementis”, second of four songs to feature Keaggy, is one of this reviewer’s favorites. Pertains to how Keaggy turns it into a personal jam session, lending his wonderful soloing to a song trending the upbeat with an inspiring feel to align with the scripture reference from the liner notes (Acts 2:2):
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven
And filled the whole house where they were sitting
“Clouds Rise” is another choice track as one of albums heaviest. Vinnie Moreno’s resonant guitars push it into hard rock territory, with recurrent layered vocal melodies lending a calming touch to a song that otherwise comes across on the seething side. The mid-point instrumental jam sizzles.
“Wind” is only track I skip. Problem revolves around the overt keyboard mix, drowning the song in some techno to industrial nuances that comes across overdone to distraction. Not even Keaggy’s spiced up closing guitar solo is enough to save things.
“Earth And Sky Fled” is much better. With another grooving low end leading the way, song lightens up on keyboards (playing an accenting role instead) in trending the freely flowing as vocals (again) trend English and Latin. Give kudos to Keaggy for another wonderful lead guitar run (adorning the final minute). Lyrics draw upon Revelation 20:11:
Then I saw a Great White Throne - Him who was seated on it
From His presence earth and sky fled away
And no place was found for them
Closer “Ends Of The Earth” represents quintessential Gregorian Rock, with bass, piano and airy keyboards coalescing over an ethereal backdrop. Once more vocals, provided by guest Scott McCullor, trend English and Latin and allow a fitting medieval cathedral-like feel. Keyboards hold sway instrumentally.
Atmosphere adds up to another good Gregorian Rock album. I continue to appreciate a musical direction trending straight on rock territory in touching upon progressive and art rock sentiments, but rooted in medieval aesthetics. Bonus points for guest guitarist Phil Keaggy. Lone complaint revolves around too much processing added to vocals. I hate to keep harping on the matter but similar to its two predecessors, Atmosphere does not capture the monastery like feel associated with Gregorian chant. I do not know how difficult it is to realize in terms of studio techniques, but if it is not possible then my thought is to do away with processing and let each vocalist stand on their own merit. If you enjoy any of the previous Gregorian Rock albums or progressive music with a medieval flair, then Atmosphere comes with a solid recommendation.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Who Rides The Clouds” (3:01), “Shine Like The Sky” (4:53), “Caelum” (4:19), “Who Then Is This” (1:49), Rain” (4:37), “Spiritus Vehementis” (3:35), “Clouds Rise” (3:17), “Earth And Sky Fled” (4:13), “Ends Of The Earth” (3:56)
Musicians
Roland Dale Benedict - Lead Vocals, Keyboards Stick & Ewi
Scott McCullor - Lead Vocals
Phil Keaggy - Guitars
Vinnie Moreno - Guitars
Paul Neil - Guitars
Tony Levin – Bass & Stick
Paul Garretson - Drums
Suro Lopez - Drums
Jerry Marotta – Drums
