Cipher

Cipher was formed in 1996 by long time friends who wanted to bring something new to underground music. As the group developed artistically and politically they reasoned that art can and should have a serious social mission. That mission, coupled with the band's unique blend of diverse musical conventions, create Cipher's signature sound.

Cipher is committed to opening critical spaces in underground music to reawaken the legacy of dissent in today's hardcore scene. Their long embraced DIY work ethic led them to self-release many of their own recordings and embark on numerous tours of the US leading up to their signing to Uprising Records, who released "Children Of God's Fire" in 2005. The release gained critical acclaim as an unrelenting, neo-revolutionary musical statement, transcending genres and provoking thought in scenes pre-occupied with apolitical trends.

In 2009, Cipher entered the studio to record their heavily anticipated follow up to Children of God's Fire, "The Joyous Collapse", their last release on Uprising Records. The band toured the US extensively in support of that record in 2010, bringing their unique mix of hardcore, metal, hip hop and politically radical lyrics to the masses.

In 2011, Cipher experienced the untimely loss of drummer and brother Danny Bobis. Even in the midst of such a tragic loss, the outpouring of support, condolences and memories from the many people that Danny's life and energy touched were both beautiful and overwhelming. His talent, infectious positivity and dedication to the DIY work ethic still affect and inspire the band to this day. "Wealth Is Weighed In Spirit/One Life Not Wasted". 

In 2014, Cipher reunited to play Afropunk Fest in honor of Danny's life and legacy with the aid of drummer Maurice Watson. It was an emotionally-charged and cathartic performance. “I know Danny was feeling every single moment of it. I know Danny was rocking with us,” - Maurice Mitchell. 

Now, in 2017, Cipher is once again reforming to bring their mix of revolutionary ideas and music to the masses as a call to action in this dire time of political and social unrest and corruption. They'll be kicking off their return at the East Coast's preeminent hardcore and metal festival, THIS IS HARDCORE, on July 27th 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  

"WELCOME TO THE NEW AGE where wealth is weighed in spirit and Justice flows like fish from our mouths to those who hear it. Unstable by its greed, a world we never owned comes tumbling down and with it all its kings. We stand behind the masses and where they go, we lead or follow, but always with them we'll breed tomorrow."