Jesusfreakhideout.com: Roland Dale Benedict, "Gregorian Rock" Review

JFH Indie Review

Roland Dale Benedict
Gregorian Rock

Street Date: September 2013
Style: Rock / Gregorian Chant
Buy It: GregorianRock.com

Art is a subjective topic. What one person may find as beautiful, another individual may see as disdainful. In regards to Roland Dale Benedict's Gregorian Rock - it's very subjective art. It features aggressive rock elements such as heavy distorted guitars, grooving bass, slamming drums, but then adds vocals in the fashion of ancient Gregorian chants. Songs like "Sanctus," "Trusting," "Soli Deo Gloria," show off some great instrumentation, but with the addition of the unique vocals, it deflates the depth of the tracks. However, on songs like "Saeculum" and "Victoria," the vocals make sense and even add something special to the tracks but would make much more sense if sandwiched between less-Gregorian-themed songs. The most approachable of their tracks would be "Agnus Dei," which embraces a blend of late 80's hip-hop synth and mid-90's gospel. Now let me be very clear, the talent is most definitely present; the problem isn't in the quality of the musicianship. Unfortunately, what Gregorian Rock offers is only for a select market of people and many listeners may be confused by the art rather than inspired. Regardless, for ancient music enthusiasts or folks desiring something very different from the norm, you'll find something unique for your ears on Gregorian Rock.

- Review date: 10/21/13, written by Ryan Barbee of Jesusfreakhideout.com