Another Rise band falls

by Josh Royce
Like clockwork, yet another Rise Records band seems to be in danger of disappearing. Decoder, an ambient hardcore group made up of members from VersaEmerge, Of Machines and Oceana, were busy writing and recording material that was supposed to make up their second album.


However, these plans seem to be at a halt, as they had to drop off a tour with Just Like Vinyl and A Lot Like Birds due to three members calling it quits. They are now in a transitional phase, waiting at home to make an announcement as for what’s to come.

The three remaining members Keith Jones, Jack Burns and Brent Guistwite have already made brief announcements saying that they will not be breaking up, just that there are going to be quite a few changes.

A rumor was being tossed around the internet that clean vocalist Spencer Pearson had been kicked out due to substance abuse, and guitarist Anthony Sepe followed him out. Spencer however released a statement saying that he wasn’t having any substance problems, nor was he kicked out. This was later confirmed by the remaining members of Decoder themselves. Spencer and Anthony claim to have left because of personal conflicts and opposing ideas of where the group would be heading with their second record.

Soon after, on February 5th, bassist Bryce Sipes released a relatively small statement stressing his matters on the music industry and all who inhabit it in a very profane way. Essentially, this was his way of saying he quits too.

All of this band drama has caused a very big commotion amongst fans. The whole scenario seems very reminiscent of the entire Of Machines break up in 2010. After releasing only one record and touring for an entire year, Of Machines lost several members during the recording of their sophomore release and it eventually led to their break up. Of Machines was also signed to Rise Records.

Despite the rumors however, Decoder seems to be pushing through this as best as they can and fans are very grateful. An official statement regarding everything that will be happening with the group involving the new record, fellow and former members and the upcoming future of the band as a whole will be released this coming week.