US sludge metal riffers -(16)- sign to Heavy Psych Sounds for a brand new album!
US sludge metal band -(16)- has signed with Heavy Psych Sounds for a brand new album, which will see the light later this year.
New album presale + first track premiere scheduled for February 16th, 2026.
Formed in 1991 in Santa Ana, California, 16 stylized as -(16)- emerged from the Southern California skate scene. The original lineup featured Bobby Ferry (guitar), Cris Jerue (vocals), Ben Clark (bass), and Jason Corley (drums). Initially called *15*, the band quickly rebranded after discovering another group with the same name. Drawing influence from 7 Seconds, Bad Brains, Metallica, and the Amphetamine Reptile roster, -(16)- developed a sound that helped define both their early years and the sludge subgenre itself.
Their debut album, »Curves That Kick«, was released in 1993 on Bacteria Sour, the label owned by artist Pushead. Soon after, the band toured Japan and played several shows with Slayer, marking a major early milestone. Around this time, Tony Baumeister joined on bass.
The follow-up album, »Drop Out«, arrived in 1996 via Pessimiser/Theologian Records, followed by »Blaze Of Incompetence« in 1997. Phil Vera was added as a second guitarist, and in 1998 the band embarked on an extensive U.S. tour with Grief. Despite frequent lineup changes – particularly behind the drum kit – the band’s commitment to writing and performing remained unwavering.
»Zoloft Smile« was released in 2002 on At A Loss Recordings, followed by tours of the U.S., U.K., and Japan. After several years and ongoing personal struggles, including issues with addiction, the band went on hiatus in 2004.
-(16)- reformed in 2007 with original members and signed to Relapse Records, releasing »Bridges To Burn« in 2009. This era also saw the release of »The First Trimester« (2010), a compilation of early recordings, splits, and 7-inch tracks, followed by »Deep Cuts From Dark Clouds« in 2012.
In recent years, the band has continued to evolve. Bobby Ferry assumed vocal duties following Cris Jerue’s retirement from music, solidifying a San Diego-based lineup featuring Alex Shuster (lead guitar), Barney Firks (bass), and Dion Thurman (drums). Albums including »Lifespan Of A Moth« (2016), »Dream Squasher« (2020), and »Into Dust« (2022) earned strong critical acclaim, with recognition from outlets such as Decibel, Cream (Top 3 Rock Album), and Spin.
The band remains active on the live circuit, touring throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Europe, and appearing at major festivals including Maryland Deathfest, Desertfest, Hellfest, and Roadburn. Live they have a reputation for intense live performances and authentic audience connection, -(16)- continue to be a formidable live act.
In 2025, -(16)- released the critically acclaimed »Guides For The Misguided« on Relapse Records, which was named one of Decibel Magazine’s Top 40 Albums of the Year. That same year, the band headlined a three-week European tour and later performed select shows in California with Acid Bath, High On Fire and Fu Manchu.
In 2026, the band partnered with Heavy Psych Sounds to release »Forgeries 1972–1984«, a covers album spanning influences from Black Flag to the Bee Gees. That May, they return to Europe for a tour that includes Desertfest Oslo and London, as well as the Italian and Swiss Heavy Psych Sounds Festivals.
With a legacy built on resilience and constant reinvention, -(16)- continue to evolve and captivate audiences, affirming their lasting relevance in heavy music.
-(16)- is:
Bobby Ferry – Guitar / Vocals
Alex Shuster – Lead Guitar
Barney Firks – Bass
Dion Thurman – Drums
Courtesy of Heavy Psych Sounds
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well