16 are an American sludge metal band formed in 1991, known for their abrasive, uncompromising sound and long-standing presence in underground heavy music. Their name is sometimes stylised as -(16)-, a small detail that fits their no-frills, slightly confrontational identity.
Blending sludge, hardcore, and noise rock, 16 established themselves in the 1990s with a sound built on dense riffs, bleak atmosphere, and a refusal to smooth out the rough edges. It’s heavy music without decoration — direct, stubborn, and deliberately uncomfortable at times.
The current line-up of 16 features Bobby Ferry on guitars and vocals (1991 – 2000, 2007 – present), Barney Firks on bass (2013 – present), Dion Thurman on drums (2013 – present), and Alex Shuster on guitars (2017 – present). Across the years, the band has held onto a clear sense of purpose, even as members have shifted.
After splitting up in 2004, 16 reformed in August 2007 and resumed activity with the same underlying approach — slow, heavy, and unpolished. There’s been no dramatic reinvention, just a continuation of the sound they helped define in the first place.
16’s catalogue spans more than three decades, charting the evolution of American sludge metal:
Curves That Kick (1993) – abrasive, early sludge foundations
Drop Out (1996) – darker and more oppressive in tone
Zoloft Smile (2002) – sharpened songwriting with sustained heaviness
Bridges to Burn (2009) – a crushing return after hiatus
Lifespan of a Moth (2016) – bleak, refined and uncompromising
Dream Squasher (2020) – dense, punishing and critically praised
Guides for the Misguided (2025) – continuing their unfiltered, heavy approach
Forgeries Volume 1: 1972 - 1984 (2026) – reinterpretations with a characteristically weighty edge
Each release reinforces their core strengths: slow, grinding momentum and a refusal to dilute their sound.
At Eyesore Merch we currently stock Relapse Records Licensed 16 T-shirts, sourced from trusted distributors and officially approved.
We are also keeping an eye out for official audio releases, hoodies, and other accessories to add to the store as they become available through approved channels.
Fast worldwide delivery
30-day return policy for straightforward exchanges
Earn Eye Points on every order
Availability can vary as runs rotate, so if a T-shirt appears in stock it’s usually wise to secure it promptly.
Fans of Eyehategod or Crowbar will likely find 16 fits comfortably alongside these acts — heavy, uncompromising, and distinctly sludge.
16 have never aimed for mass appeal. Their T-shirts and music alike reflect a catalogue defined by consistency, weight, and devotion to their sound — exactly what fans of sludge metal appreciate.
This band has been a key part of Relapse Records - browse the full roster here.
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