{"id":8132,"date":"2022-08-07T17:59:26","date_gmt":"2022-08-07T21:59:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/?p=8132"},"modified":"2022-08-19T09:01:48","modified_gmt":"2022-08-19T13:01:48","slug":"thee-final-chaptre-so-let-it-be-done","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/index.php\/2022\/08\/07\/thee-final-chaptre-so-let-it-be-done\/","title":{"rendered":"THEE FINAL CHAPTRE: So Let It Be Done"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The History<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over the past few years, we have witnessed the re-formation and re-emergence of some great bands and artists from the 80\u2019s and 90\u2019s, many of them dropping new music either on par with or excelling beyond their back catalog. Galactic Cowboys (Long Way Back to the Moon<\/a><\/em>), Lovewar (Lovewar<\/a><\/em>), Eric Clayton\/Saviour Machine (A Thousan<\/em>d Scars<\/em><\/a>), Conception (State of Deception<\/em>), Flood (Pola<\/em>rized<\/em><\/a>) (with former members of Tourniquet), Detritus \u2013 (Myths<\/a><\/em>), Fear Not (Fields of Sorrow<\/a><\/em>), to name a few. While many of these are more well-known, there is one band from the early \u201890\u2019s that has climbed seemingly out of obscurity \u2013 New Orleans-based prog\/power metallers Thee Final Chaptre<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thee Final Chaptre, as with many bands back in the 80\u2019s, was born from the dissolution\/transformation of 2 different bands \u2013 Deus Vult (1982) and Divine Right (New Orleans based) (1986). Gary Wilson (guitars\/vocals\/founder) originally intended for these bands to have Christian-based themes and play original music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, due to the club scene demand for cover bands in the mid \u201880\u2019s, Deus Vult spent most of their time perfecting their showmanship, stage-sets and playing cover tunes from the likes of Maiden, Priest, Dio, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not surprisingly, the band split up due to differences in musical direction and in 1986 Wilson started his New Orleans version of Divine Right. Unfortunately, despite fielding a solid line-up of musicians and successfully producing a quality demo tape, Divine Right ended (without ever even stepping on a stage).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, in 1989, as an 11th<\/sup> hour attempt inspired by the Holy Spirit, Wilson eventually found 3 other musicians \u2013 David Osbourn (drums\/multi-instrumentalist), and after a few other change-ups Paul Starnes (bass) and Andrew \u201cTripp\u201d Whittington (vocals) \u2013 to solidify what would become the appropriately named Thee Final Chaptre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Demo (W.E.I. Records, 1991)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This \u201cfinal\u201d line-up of Thee Final Chaptre would go on to record one of the best underground tapes of the early \u201890\u2019s Christian melodic metal scene, It is Written.<\/em> In Heaven\u2019s Metal<\/em> #32 (Nov\/Dec 1991) editor Doug Van Pelt had this to say about the tape:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201c<\/em>Taking on a straight-ahead metal sound with lots of vocals, Final Chapter reminds me of early Stryper heavy metal. Aggression is the oil that lubricates this band, from drummer David Osbourn down to the wailing vocals of Tripp Andrews. Of all the progressive metal custom. tapes received lately, this one is the most impressive, from the well-written songs to the good sonics to the full-color packaging. The guitar leads of Gary Wilson seem well thought out and they sound good.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In addition to receiving much praise from fans and listeners around the nation, the 6-song demo succeeded in garnering interest from several labels, including Jaguar\/Polygram, and introduced the potential for more widespread touring, videos on MTV and even a new release with new songs. Unfortunately, despite the success the band was experiencing with the music, things eventually fell apart in 1992.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this wasn\u2019t \u201cthe final chapter\u201d for the band\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It Is Written (2016 Divebomb Records)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fast forward 25 years and Divebomb Records<\/a> released a fantastic tribute to Thee Final Chaptre with the Deluxe Edition CD (pictured) version of the EP. It features the original 6 tracks plus \u201cJust a Memory\u201d (studio 2016) plus 9 live tracks. In addition, the 20-page booklet includes an extensive interview by Olaf Becker with Gary Michael Wilson, full lyrics to the 6 EP songs and pictures of tour\/venue banners from the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The original songs, while digitally remastered, retain that warm analog sound with plenty of low-end push. Having these on digital format now just serves to highlight the professional quality of the original recording and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cJust a Memory\u201d is the bonus acoustic song from 2016 (more on this later). The live tracks showcase the band\u2019s skillful execution of their music in the real world. While the recording quality is fair to good (good vocal clarity, somewhat dynamic range and good separation of instruments in the mix), listeners can still appreciate what this band was able to deliver in a live setting and the tremendous potential they would have had if things had gone differently in their career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the reissue represented a tribute-sort-of-swansong for the band, this still wasn\u2019t \u201cthe final chapter\u201d \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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So Let It Be Done (2022 Divebomb Records)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I will be the first to admit I didn\u2019t see this coming \u2013 a reunion record (with new songs) from the four members who recorded a 6-song EP some 30 years ago, one which got them signed to a label (sort of) during an era when power metal\/traditional metal was on the wane (well, unless you are a die-hard fan!). From my perspective, I call that a testament to God\u2019s faithfulness and a band\u2019s dedication to their calling \u2026 and a wealth of patience to boot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not surprisingly, the execution\/performance is no less inspiring than the attempt\/reunion itself. I can just imagine all the discussions leading up to this, the anticipation, the questions, maybe even the doubt? However, I would surmise \u2013 given the level of musicianship and professionalism this band exhibited during their brief shine \u2013 that in those discussions there was a unanimous overarching \u201cwe aren\u2019t going to do this unless we do it right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the context of Thee Final Chaptre (the era in which they thrived, struggled and performed) what exactly constitutes \u201cdoing it right?\u201d How about something that is missing in so many studio releases these days \u2013 how about sounding like a band, like a bunch of musicians who love writing songs and playing live together. Check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How about a quality, highly credible, recording worthy of the listener\u2019s time and ears? Check. And how about a commitment to preserving the soundscape and lyrical vision of the original band? Check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would be remiss in this review if I didn\u2019t address the \u201celephant in the room\u201d \u2013 the album cover. Maybe just a bit familiar? Intentional or not, and similarities to Human Sacrifice <\/em>aside, the medicus in me observes they also take the \u201chand\u201d position to the crucifixion debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back on point and purpose, straight-up, this album is excellent. First, the sound quality of the recording is primo \u2013 rich, full and no treble fatigue. This is a first-rate release, period. The 8-page booklet isn\u2019t lush, but includes all the lyrics and credits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, the vocals \u2013 while not straying into those wailing operatic ranges as often (but tastefully so on \u201cDay After Day<\/strong>\u201d) \u2013 are powerful and clear. Tripp Andrews doesn\u2019t sound like he has aged 30 years, and all the guys in this band contribute vocals so there is plenty of diversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third, the guitars shred. The riffs, the melodies, the solos \u2013 sweet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth, the bass shreds, very prominent in the mix ala Maiden, Accept, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifth, the drums shred \u2026 ok well there is plenty of dynamic variation in the rhythms and a wonderful blend of prog and metal styles of drumming \u2013 an amalgam of speed, kick and punch. How\u2019s that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sixth, this release represents a nice mix of songs (all updated) from the \u201991 EP (\u201cThe Key,\u201d \u201cThe Hallowed Hymn\u201d<\/strong> and the aforementioned \u201cDay After Day\u201d<\/strong>), previously written but only performed live songs like \u201cWisdom\u2019s Call,\u201d \u201cEdge of Sadness,\u201d \u201cBlood in the Sand\u201d<\/strong> and \u201cWhisper to Scream,\u201d<\/strong> and newer material perhaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust a Memory\u201d<\/strong> was included on the 2016 reissue of It is Written<\/em>, and when I A\/B this version to the 2016 version there is a tremendous difference. On this newer version the acoustic intro guitar is less caustic and the vocals less falsetto. The pace feels pulled back just a hair as well. Beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Otherwise, I would assume songs like the intro instrumental \u201cRe-awakening\u201d<\/strong> and the title track are new. I have never previously heard of \u201cInto the Fire\u201d<\/strong> and \u201cTomb of Wrath\u201d <\/strong>but based on their style and lyrics feel completely consistent with everything the band has written to date that I\u2019ve heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this point I could talk about every song individually, but sometimes less is more. Suffice it to say, it\u2019s all good \u2013 mega excellent, to be more precise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the final chapter, this is a fantastic prog\/power metal release with inspiring and Christ-centric lyrics that will appeal to fans of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Scarlet Rayne, early Queensryche, Oblivion Myth, Crimson Glory, Barren Cross, Recon, Dio, Blind Guardian, Haven, Eden\u2019s Curse, Stryper, Jacobs Dream, Inner Wish, Diviner, Pyramaze, Angra, New Eden, Stairway, Theocracy, Primal Fear \u2026 you get the point!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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