The Great Commission | “In Our Live’s Be Lifted High”
Written By: Jeremy Seick

With a name like The Great Commission there is no hiding what you are about. Which is exactly the way that these guys …and girl want it. Their recent release of Heavy Worship explores areas formerly uncharted by the band. We caught up with Angela Razo who talked to us a bit about these seas, the direction of this new album and a little more.

The first thing I noticed about Heavy Worship were the clean vocals, which are definitely a new element for you guys. Talk to us about your decision to add those in…

Angela Razo: The Great Commission has always been about diversity. We did not want to be bound to just one genre. In fact we wanted to create a new genre, this genre is called “Heavy Worship.” A lot of us in the band are very influenced by groups like Hillsong United, David Crowder and Phil Wickham. We wanted to mix that influence with our traditional heavy sound.

If I am getting my history correct you guys and Sleeping Giant used to make up most of xDEATHSTARx correct? How does it feel to be able to share a label home with those guys?

AR: Both myself (Angela) and Justin (Vocalist) were in xDeathstarx with most of the members from SG. In fact Ryan Nelson our Record Label Owner was also in xDeathstarx. We’ve have known SG for years and we are stoked to be working/on the same label with them.

ANGRecords is very new to our scene, but what has your experience been thus far?

AR: We feel like ANGR Records is the perfect fit for us. Ministry and vision, all of us are on the same page. It’s been a great experience thus far and we are looking forward to the future.

So it goes without saying that your music is very driven and this album is packed with meaning and hope and encouragement, I could go on. But take a minute to share your heart for this album. What do you hope listeners will take away from it?

AR: If our fans could take one thing from our new album it would be to be encouraged. To know that there is power in this style of worship and this generation has been called to be bold in our faith. Also that you are not going to Hell for having tattoos or piercings or listening to this style of heavy music.

The album starts off with “Don’t Go To Church, Be The Church.” Can you expand on the meaning of that song?

AR: Too often we think of church being a building, instead of a concept of fellowship and growth. Jesus said where two or three are gathered, I am there. The real church is the body of Christ, “His People.” This song is based on the concept that we can have church anywhere and at anytime whether that be in a venue or on a street corner.

Take a second and think about what is weighing most heavy on your heart right now. If you could fit it into about five sentences what would you say to those reading this interview?

AR: For anyone battling with depression, suicide, or anxiety…you are not alone. This may be random in the interview but honestly those are issues that the youth of this generation are struggling with. Those feelings are not of the kingdom of God. You can be delivered through Jesus and truly live in the destiny that you were meant for.

Where can we see you in the next few months?

AR: We will be touring all summer on the Scream The Prayer tour. You can check out all the dates on our Facebook (www.Facebook.com/TheGreatCommish). We will also be playing some big Festivals in the Fall, keep an eye out for the new dates! Follow us on Twitter to see what we are up to, (Twitter.com/TheGreatCommish) ,we will be announcing new tours soon! See you on the road!