16 (often stylized as -(16)-) is an American sludge metal band that has been churning out aggressively heavy and darkly introspective music since their formation in the early 1990s in Los Angeles, California. Known for their raw, sludgy sound that weaves together the visceral elements of hardcore, metal, and punk, the band's music is distinguished by its pummeling riffs, abrasive vocals, and harrowing lyrical content, often exploring themes of despair, self-destruction, and the darker side of human nature.

Over the years, 16 has cultivated a dedicated following with their relentless sonic assault and unflinchingly honest approach to songwriting. Their most recent releases, such as the ominous "Into Dust," the driving "Lane Splitter," and the gritty "Scrape the Rocks," continue to showcase the band's evolution while maintaining the core elements that define their enduring presence in the metal scene. With their 2020 album "Dream Squasher," the band dives deep into grinding anthems of disillusionment and fury, solidifying their status as stalwarts of sludge. Their participation in the "Doom Sessions Vol. 3" split with Grime and tracks like "Me and the Dog Die Together" further demonstrate 16's consistent ability to deliver crushing soundscapes laced with raw emotion and existential dread, marking them as a force to be reckoned with in the world of extreme music.