Formed in 1991 in Santa Ana, California, 16 (stylized as -(16)-) emerged from the Southern California skate scene, originally consisting of Bobby Ferry (guitar), Cris Jerue (vocals), Ben Clark (bass), and Jason Corley (drums). Initially named “15,” the band quickly rebranded after discovering the existence of a similarly named group, Fifteen. Drawing influences from iconic acts like 7 Seconds, Bad Brains, Metallica, and the Amphetamine Reptile roster, 16 forged a unique sound that would define their early years and the Sludge sub-genre as a whole.
Their debut album, Curves That Kick, was released in 1993 on Bacteria Sour, a label owned by the renowned artist Pushead. Shortly after its release, the band toured Japan and played number of shows with Slayer, marking a significant milestone in their career. Tony Baumeister joined as bass player.
The band’s next record, Drop Out, was released by Pessimiser/Theologian records in 1996 followed by Blaze of Incompetence in 1997. Phil Vera was added as a second guitarist. In 1998 the band did an extensive US tour with Grief but overall despite critical acclaim, the band opted for a more localized performance approach during this period. Lineup changes were frequent, with drummers coming and going, yet their drive to create and perform remained steadfast.
Zoloft Smile was released in 2002 via At A Loss Recordings, the band toured UK, US and Japan but after several years and personal struggles, including issues with addiction, the band went on hiatus in 2004.
They reformed in 2007 with original members and signed to Relapse Records, releasing Bridges to Burn in 2009. Subsequent releases included Deep Cuts from Dark Clouds (2012) and a compilation of early work, splits and 7 inches call The First Trimester (2010).
In recent years, -(16)- have continued to evolve, with Bobby Ferry taking over vocal duties after Cris Jerue’s retirement from the music scene and steady San Diego based line up with Alex Shuster on lead guitar, Barney Firks on bass and Dion Thurman on drums. Their albums Lifespan of a Moth (2016), Dream Squasher (2020), and Into Dust (2022) have garnered great reviews and of awards from major publications such as Decibel, Cream, and Spin, solidifying their place in the heavy music scene.
-(16)- have remained active on the live circuit, touring across US, Mexico and Europe while participating in notable festivals such as Hellfest and Roadburn. Their performances are known for their raw energy and connection with the audience, making them a must-see act for fans of heavy music.
With a legacy of resilience and a focus on new material, -(16)- continue to captivate audiences and evolve as artists, proving their enduring relevance in the music scene.