Homepage › Articles › Entertainment › Decyfer Down Lead Singer Leaves Band

Decyfer Down Lead Singer Leaves Band

Earlier today, Christian band Decyfer Down announced that their lead singer and bassist, Caleb Oliver, has left the band. It is not known whether or not Oliver intends to return.

Decyfer Down was formed in 1999 by Caleb's brother Josh Oliver, and his friend Brandon Mills. Originally an acoustic band dubbed Allysonhymn - a moniker pronounced All-Eyes-On-Him- the band eventually sought the help of Caleb Oliver, who played bass and provided lead vocals. Upon Caleb's arrival, the band acquired lead guitarist Chris Clonts, switched to a more rock sound, and decided they needed a new name.

"I kid you not...I opened the dictionary and there's the word decipher," Clonts says. "We have three pages of names and I open the dictionary and find this word." [1]

The band has had at least four hits on Christian Alternative and Alternative charts, and they have toured with bands such as Thousand Foot Krutch, Skillet, Puddle Of Mudd, Breaking Benjamen, Crossfade, and Adema.

Decyfer Down, however, announced today that Caleb Oliver will be leaving due to "personal reasons", and singer TJ Harris will be filling his place. In a blog posted this morning, Caleb's brother Josh says this:

"TJ brings a unique vocal edge to the band with his dynamic style, and is an exciting and engaging live performer," remarks drummer Josh Oliver. "Combined with his heart for ministry, Decyfer Down is looking forward to starting this new chapter in the band's career. "

Addressing the changes,"Caleb (former lead singer) is dealing with some personal things," continued Oliver. "We had hoped they could be dealt with in the context of the band, but it has become apparent that he needs to step away to find resolve. He is my brother, I love him, and we as a band support him and still consider him a brother as well. Moving forward with Decyfer Down, we are excited to have TJ as our new lead singer – the shows we've done together have been great."[2]

Nevertheless, many fans will undoubtedly mourn the removal of Caleb from the band, and whatever personal issues may be keeping him from performing, we all wish him a quick and safe recovery.