Californian sludge metal veterans -(16)- release an exclusive new track »Idol Of Abuse« for Decibel Magazine Flexi Series!

San Diego, California based sludge metal veterans -(16)- have released an exclusive new track »Idol Of Abuse« for Decibel Magazine Flexi Series.

A pioneering American sludge punk-metal troupe based out of Southern California, -(16)- is credited with helping to shape the seismic hard rock subgenre. Founded in 1992, the band issued its debut full-length album, »Curves That Kick«, in 1993 via metal scene maker Pushead’s independent Bacteria Sour label.

The band broke wider 1996 with the release of the critically acclaimed »Drop Out« via Pessimiser Records. -(16)- continued to release new music, dropping »Blaze Of Incompetence« in 1997 and »Zoloft Smile« in 2003, as well as over 20 vinyl singles. In 2007 after inking a deal with Relapse Records the band released »Bridges To Burn«. In 2010 Relapse reissued the group’s 1993 debut, and 2012 yielded the band’s sixth studio long-player, »Deep Cuts From Dark Clouds«. The punishing »Lifespan Of A Moth« followed in 2016. Fast forward to 2020 and -(16)- returned with the critically acclaimed »Dream Squasher«. In 2022 the band continued their creative momentum by releasing their 9th album »Into Dust«. The album landed on numerous year-end lists and was awarded one of the top 3 rock albums by Creem Magazine for the year. Relapse Records announced that »Guides For The Misguided« will be the title of 10th album. Out on released February 7th, 2025.

Photo by Chad Kelco

Written by Bobby Ferry & Alex Shuster.
Produced by Alex Shuster.
Mixed by Alex Jacobelli at Sunsick Studio, San Diego CA.
Recorded by Jeff Forrest at Doubletime Studio, San Diego CA.
Mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege.

-(16)- is:
Bobby Ferry – Vocals, Guitar
Alex Shuster – Lead Guitar
Barney Firks – Bass
Dion Thurman – Drums

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well