16's 'Proudly Damned' Heralds a New Era of Sludge Metal: A Haunting Exploration of Addiction and Evolution
As we approach the midpoint of January 2025, San Diego-based sludge metal veterans 16 have set the heavy music world ablaze with their latest single "Proudly Damned," released on January 9th. This powerful track serves as the second glimpse into their highly anticipated album "Guides for the Misguided," set to drop on February 7th via Relapse Records.
"Proudly Damned" delves deep into the harrowing world of addiction, transforming the concept into a pagan ritual. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a witch-like character embodying both substance abuse and spiritual temptation. Frontman Bobby Ferry's visceral vocals belt out tales of personal strife and depression, with lines like "To defile and offend/These are the demons found within" showcasing the band's unflinching approach to difficult themes.
With just under a month until the full album release, metal fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a landmark in sludge metal. "Guides for the Misguided" is shaping up to be more than just an album; it's poised to be an exploration of human struggle through unrelenting brutality, intricate compositions, and an overarching conceptual narrative.
Sources:
https://www.earsplitcompound.com/16-to-release-guides-for-the-misguided-full-length-february-7th-via-relapse-records-proudly-damned-video-single-now-playing-preorders-available/https://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2025/01/07/16-guides-for-the-misguided-release/https://distortedsoundmag.com/16-announce-new-album-guides-for-the-misguided/https://16theband.bandcamp.com/album/guides-for-the-misguidedhttps://www.relapse.com/pages/16-guides-for-the-misguided
