Review: The Great Commission - Heavy Worship (2011)

Band: The Great Commission

Release: Heavy Worship

Genre: Christian Hardcore

Members: Alonso, Justin, Angela, Robby, Victor, Solomon

Label: ANGR Records/Century Media Records

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheGreatCommish

Tracklist:

1. Don't Go To Church, Be The Church

2. The Walking Dead

3. When It Rains It Pours

4. Draw The Line

5. Preaching To The Choir

6. Weight Of The World

7. The Prodigal Son

8. Road To Damascus

9. The Juggernaut

10. Reap What You Sow

11. Came To My Rescue (Be Lifted High)

Review: 8.3/10

Crushing Christian hardcore/metal has been on the rise in the past decade or so. In 2000, this was pretty much unheard of and only a select few bands were preaching the bible in the hardcore/metal community. Around 2005, it really blew up and started getting very popular among the younger generation, with bands like Norma Jean, The Devil Wears Prada, Haste The Day and Demon Hunter gaining more ground. The Great Commission is a stand out band among the Christian music scene that has some of the most crushing breakdowns among all hardcore bands out there. The annual Scream The Prayer tour has established itself as one of the premier music festivals as well, proving once and for all Christian hardcore and metal is here to stay.

Sometimes, people really don’t know that a band is a Christian band unless they really read the lyrics or attend their live shows and hear what they have to say in between songs. With the new album Heavy Worship, there shouldn’t be any confusion with that at all. In a live setting, these guys really make the hardcore pits grow to enormous levels.   

The album opener “Don’t Go To Church, Be The Church” establishes the message that The Great Commission is putting out for their fans, which is to spread their beliefs to all people and those who question God. “I’m a walking revival,” the very first lyric line in the song, sums it up right there. The song itself is a song that will definitely get the crowd moving, with extra-heavy breakdowns and heavy metalcore verses that slow down and transform into drum driven singing. One of the most aggressive songs on the whole record.

I know of some people who have confused themselves with the next song and had the gall to call The Great Commission copycats of what The Devil Wears Prada has done with the Zombie EP. “The Walking Dead” actually does not reference to any sort of zombies, but actually references to Justin (vocalist) journey for Christ and giving up his own life to help the pain and suffering of all those around him. The intro for the song is a digitally enhanced hardcore that moves all around you (especially while listening to it in headphones). The drums and 3 guitars play off of each other so perfectly that it’s difficult to ignore. The transitions between breakdowns and verses really compliment their song writing ability, such as the one minute twenty second mark, where it goes into a slow and sludgy breakdown, then starts to pick up and transforms into a faster paced, pit worthy breakdown.

My personal favorite track on the album is “Draw The Line.” I love the breakdown that the song opens into, then the unique deathcore and metalcore mixed verse with shouting lyrics, then heading into heavy pop punk music with singing lyrics. The catchy guitars and light drums is why I point out a heavy pop punk influence. Then it heads into a brutal breakdown without any indication or warning. Justin’s lyrics are not very hard to make out the lyrics, but that may be because I’ve been listening to hardcore for years now.

Now I’m not a Christian myself, nor do I align myself to any religion at all, but that doesn’t mean I can’t listen to what there are trying to reach across to their audience and the message they stand for. The music is sex to my ears however, and when I saw them live it made me a fan. Try this album out and really give some thought into the overall song writing and execution. You won’t be disappointed.

Interview: Dylan of Born From The Sea

Interview @ 6/14/11

"Like" Born From The Sea here: http://www.facebook.com/bornfromthesea

Buy their newest EP Crowns on iTunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/born-from-the-sea/id435247046?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

I hit up Born From The Sea weeks ago for an interview, luckily they didn't forget all about it and sent it back :) They are a sick ass christian deathcore band from Arizona that are sure to leave a mark. They have exceptionally brutal vocals and crushing music fans of the scene would LOVE. To learn more about them, read on :)

Ridge: So what is the overall message you're trying to send with Born From The Sea? What's the meaning of the band name?

BFTS: We are here to spread a message of love and acceptance, no matter who you are/what you believe.  We hope we convey this message through our music, actions, and lyrics so that those who don’t believe in God can see that there are real people, real Christians out there.

R: Have any of you guys been in bands before BFTS? Are there any other projects you would like the fans to know about?

BFTS: Yes, Blake, Joey, and Ashur had a high school emo/post hardcore band for a couple years; they were called Victory Down.  Justin has had a few bands, and Tanner and I (Dylan) have been in a few cover projects playing at churches and events.

Ridge: What is your biggest inspiration to go out and play music everyday?

BFTS: We just really love all of the people in this scene, all of the people we come in contact with are awesome – the show goers, the promoters, and the other bands just make everything so rad.  And of course, we absolutely love playing heavy music.

Ridge: What are your musical idols?

BFTS: I (Dylan) am a huge Underoath fan.  Underoath, As I Lay Dying, and Haste the Day are the bands that first got me into this music.  We all love and have huge respect for the evangelical bands out there like For Today, Sleeping Giant, and Impending Doom as we share the same purpose.

Ridge: Is hard being a Christian band playing in a scene of mostly non-Christians? What has been your guys biggest challenge so far?

BFTS: Not really.  The scene has just as many Christian bands as there are non-Christian bands, and on top of that, most of the bands have enough respect for each other to not make a big deal about it.  Like I said, this scene is full of great people.   The biggest challenge I’d say was basically proving ourselves, working our way up the ladder.

Ridge: Are there any releases coming out soon? What is your discography? (Demos, EPs and albums)

BFTS: Our first recording was of Frogman Maui, and we released a clip of it when we launched our Myspace (lol.)  We hit JM studios after our first show and recorded Party Crasher, the first song we wrote as a full band.  We finished out 2010 playing shows and hit Hourglass Studios in Phoenix and recorded our debut EP Crowns that is now on Itunes.

Ridge: What decides that the time is right to go into the studio to record an album? Or is is an ongoing process?

BFTS: Having the funds is the most important thing.  Going out of pocket sucks so we usually make sure we have more than enough before hitting the studio.  Satisfaction with our songs is required before going in.  If one or two of us aren’t happy with a song or part, we tweak it until everyone is satisfied.

Ridge: What bands would you like to tour/play with in the future?

BFTS: We’d love to play some California and Tuscon dates.  As far as bands, we would love to play with For Today, Sleeping Giant, August Burns Red, Underoath.  I don’t know about the others but I love As I Lay Dying and I would love to play with them.

Ridge: If you guys had to give up music, what would you do to stay being creative? (I.E. hobbies and such)

BFTS: That would suck.  I would probably write some stories/poetry.

Ridge: Tell the fans about your upcoming shows and why we should be there?

BFTS: Our next show is July 15^th with Greeley Estates and the Plot in You.  We will be debuting some fresh new threads as well as some new tunes!

Ridge: Random Question - What are your guys favorite movies to sit back and watch over and over again?

BFTS: The Lion King, The Dark Knight, Inception, Coming in America, Jurassic Park, the Goonies

Ridge: Any shout outs you want to give?

BFTS: Shout out to all our homies!  Lost in Translation, I Everlasting, This My Vendetta, Loren Battle, Cadence for Kings, Truth of Fiction, our brothers in Redeemer, and to K and Z entertainment!  (sorry if I forgot a band <3)

Ridge: Any last words for your fans and people who haven't heard about you yet?

BFTS: Thanks a ton to anyone who has given us a chance.  We love you guys!

Interview: Miika of Only In Stories

From left to right: Jeremy- guitars, Mary- vocals, Miika- drums, Caleb- bass

Interview @ 4/11/2011

"Like" Only In Stories Here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Only-In-Stories/102831053093469

Follow Only In Stories on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/#!/oistories

When I first hit up Only In Stories, I knew that I was on to something good. With Mary Reeves vocals soaring over the music with uplifting lyrics and faith, there can only be good things coming for this band. I cannot wait till I can review their upcoming EP! I hit them up on Twitter and got a hold of Miika for this interview to find out their influences and a little about the history of Only In Stories.

RB: So how did Only In Stories first come together?

M: We met on eHarmony. The place of all good things. Haha. No, not for real. The three of us; Mary, Jeremy and Miika all played/play together for worship at our churches youth group. Mary knew Caleb from the school she used to go to and asked him if he wanted to play bass in our band. Not knowing Jeremy or Miika and listening to like one song he agreed. It's crazy though because he fits in and completes the band perfectly.

RB: What is the meaning behind the name Only In Stories?

M: The name; Only In Stories is based off of a simple thing that we believe. Us all being Christians, and this band being Christian we believe that the ultimate story is the Bible and the story of our savior Jesus Christ. So based off of that we came up with Only In Stories.

RB: What is the title of the upcoming full length?

M: We don't have a title yet. But it'll be good. haha

RB: What is the overall message you're trying to send out in your music?

M: The overall message that we're trying to send out is one of hope and that you're not alone. We just want everyone to know that no matter what you may be feeling or going through, that God is always there and that he loves you and cares for you no matter what and that He wants to know you and be your friend. It's just up to you whether or not you want the friendship. Also we want people to know that Christians, as a group of people are always here for you and only want to help and be a positive influence on people, through Christ. Basically we just want to be a positive influence on people, there's enough negativity, bitterness, hatred and hurt in the world as it is. We're not here to force anything on anyone. We just want people to know what God has done for us and what he wants to do for you.

RB: What songs do you like to play live? Any cover songs?

M: There's a song that will be on the EP re-release (which is coming up soon, can't say exactly when though, but either at the end of April or beginning of May.) that we've been performing for a bit called Dying to Be Alive that we really like playing.

RB: What are your biggest musical influences?

M: Well we all have pretty different musical influences. It's pretty wild, I don't know how we agree on stuff. Mary's biggest influences are Plumb and her big sister Sarah. Miika's biggest influences are; A Day To Remember, Four Year Strong, The Almost, Underoath, There For Tomorrow.. Jeremy's biggest influences are bands like; Underoath, There For Tomorrow and As Cities Burn. Caleb's influences are; As Cities Burn, and Emery. This question is ALWAYS a tough one to answer because in reality there are SO many different artists and musical styles that influence us individually and as a band. So the ones listed are just scraping the surface. It's safe to say that in reality anything that we hear and we like has influenced us, and continues to influence us musically.

RB: Are there any major tours or shows in the near future?

M: We do have some awesome stuff planned for this summer, but it hasn't been announced yet.

RB: So what comes first? the lyrics or the music?

M: When we're writing we always do the music first and then from the framework of the music we write the lyrics and the melodies. When we're writing the words and coming up with the melodies sometimes we tweak the music to better fit the lyrics. We always leave that option open. We want every song to be the best that it can be.

RB: Any shout outs you want to give?

M: First of all we thank Jesus for everything that He has done for us, and all of the blessings, gifts, talents, and opportunities that He has given us. We are thankful that He brought the four of us together to form this. Also we just want to thank all of our parents and families, because without them none of what we do would be possible. If it weren't for them none of us would probably being playing any instruments and we wouldn't be in this band with our best friends doing what we love. We also want to give a HUGE thank you to Ben Reeves for everything that he does for this band. Without him this band would not run, there would be no recorded music and there wouldn't ever be any shows. Finally, we'd like to thank anybody that has ever bought a cd, gone to any of our shows, listened to any of our music, watched any of our videos, talked to us online, followed our Twitter or liked us on Facebook, or told anyone else about us. We're talking about you guys, the fans, and we thank you. We couldn't do what we do without you guys giving us a chance.

RB: Any last words for your fans and other people who haven't heard your music yet?

M: Thank you again! and if you haven't heard our music yet you should definitely head over to our website, it's super easy; www.onlyinstories.com and from there you can listen to our music, see some pictures, read about the band and the members, you can see what we have for sale at the webstore, see upcoming dates and more. At the bottom left hand corner of our website there are links to all of our social media sites, please feel free to check them out and you should go ahead and like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. We would be forever great full! Also if you like our music please tell your friends about us, help spread the word, because without you guys and word of mouth it would be nearly impossible for people to find out about us. Thanks and God bless! :)

Interview: Pursuers

Interview @ 4/9/2011

"Like" Pursuers here: http://www.facebook.com/pursuersca

Despite only having 3 very rough demo recordings and just playing their first live show about 24 hours ago as I'm writing this, I decided to hit up Pursuers because... What can I say? I like interviewing bands. No matter how small or big any band or musical artist is, it's still worth knowing about them. Once they record a demo/EP/album, I know they will be a band that will stay on my constantly rotating iPod. Instead of just 1 or 2 people, Ethan, Marcus, Blake, Steven and Nick all decided to pitch in questions for this interview.

1. So what is the overall message your'e trying to spread with your music?

Steven: The overall message we are trying to spread is The Gospel of Jesus Christ and that we as young as we are shouldnt be afraid to speak the Gospel to anyone.

2. How long have you guys been a band for? How did you all meet?

Blake: We've been a band since like the end of December 2010 early January 2011. We all met in different ways: Me and Ethan knew each other at church for a while (junior high) and we started making music since high school in past two bands beneath silent depths which featured Steven on vocals, and later Silhouette Symphony (Which included Marcus on vocals) which was a band for like 3 years I think, and that's how me and Ethan became close. Ethan knew Marcus basically and he always chilled with us and such, and even went to Silhouette Symphony shows before he was in the band. Steven knew someone from high school and met us all through that person (I think Ryan Abao, if that's how you spell it) and ever since he has been chilling with us since 10th grade. Nick at the time knew Ethan's cousin and was like friends with all of us and even had his own band for a while (Gods Don't Bleed). This is basically a short description of how we all met, mainly through Ethan in a way. 

3. What is the meaning behind the name "Pursuers?"

Ethan: We found our name Pursuers in the bible actually, in Psalms 34:14. it says:

'Depart from evil and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it.'
The word pursue stuck out to me and I thought of being called Pursuers. At first I thought The Pursuers but that sounded cheesy. I think simply the word 'THE' in front of a name just sounds weird.

4. Do you guys have any demos, EPs or albums on the way?

Marcus: Yea we will be recording some demos by the end of May. We're so stoked on that so just keep updated with us on Facebook to find out more.

5. Who are your biggest musical idols and why?

Steven: My biggest musical inspiration would have to be my friend Andrew Mikhail (ex-Oceano). How his playing style is just inspiring to me because he can make something so beautiful sound so heavy a perfect example is the song "Depths" from Oceano's first album "Depths"

Nick: My biggest musical idols are the drummer from Foo Fighters because he got me into drums, the singer from Rise Against because I want to be able to sing like him one day, and the drummer from All or Nothing because he is absolutely amazing

Blake: THE GHOST INSIDE, FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS, AS I LAY DYING, HASTE THE DAY, SLEEPING GIANT, A DAY TO REMEMBER, YELLOW CARD, SUFFOKATE, AMERICAN ME, and others i'm really open to different types of music.

Marcus: My biggest music idols would have to be the guys from Parkway Drive, As I Lay Dying, and For Today. Those are the bands that have always had the main influence on me.

Ethan: And my biggest music idols are over all just the dudes in As i Lay Dying and August Burns Red. They're such good musicians and I want to be as good as them one day. And some of my other main bands are The Ghost Inside, For The Fallen Dreams, Haste The Day, For Today, and bands like that.

6. What comes first the lyrics or the music?

Marcus: It depends we have some songs where the lyrics come before the music and we have songs where the music comes before the lyrics. 

7. Is there any covers you guys play live? If so, what are your favorites to play?

Nick: Haha
covers?
Ummm.....I don't think we're doing any!
XD
But we should do Move Along!
XD

8. What bands would you guys like to play along with?

Blake: Bands that we would like to play along with would be AS I LAY DYING, THE GHOST INSIDE, FOR TODAY, SLEEPING GIANT, THE GREAT COMMISSION, FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS, I THE BREATHER, and any band that's pretty cool like these artists.

9. Tell people about your next show and why they should be there.

Ethan: Well our next show is at Paradigm in Calimesa and it will be with Colossal and City Delived on May 14th. It should be a really great show! Also we have a show on the 21st of May out in Rancho. People can check our Facebook for the address and such, we are not sure who it is yet but there is supposed to be a very big band playing that show and we will be selling pre-sale tickets for 8 bucks!

10. Any last words for your fans and people who don't know about you guys yet?

Steven: We hope that our message speaks for itself and that our music shows you what God has done to pull us out of situations.