16volt
American industrial rock band formed by Eric Powell.
16volt is an American industrial rock band formed by Eric Powell in Portland, Oregon. The band gained attention for its industrial-informed beats and abrasive electronic textures, beginning with the 1993 album Wisdom on Re-Constriction Records. Over the decades, 16volt released multiple studio albums, contributed to video game soundtracks, and underwent lineup changes, with Powell remaining the constant creative force.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Portland, Oregon / (early) · Los Angeles, California / (after)
- Genre
- Industrial rock / industrial metal
- Years Active
- 1988–present
- Label
- Re-Constriction, Metropolis
- Current Members
- Eric Powell / John "Servo" DeSalvo / "Mindcage" Rick Furr / Jim Semonik
- Past Members
- Jason Bazinet / Steve Hickey / Joel Bornzin / Jon Fell / Marc Jordan / Marc LaCorte / Mike Peoples / Jeff Taylor / Von Vinhasa / Steve White
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
16volt was formed in Portland, Oregon by composer and vocalist Eric Powell. He recruited drummer Joel Bornzin, guitarist Jon Fell, and Jeff Taylor to record 'Motorskill', which appeared on the compilation The Cyberflesh Conspiracy by If It Moves... The band signed to Re-Constriction Records and released their first full-length studio album Wisdom on May 25, 1993. The album received critical attention for its industrial-informed beats and abrasive electronic textures. The band continued with Re-Constriction for three more albums: Skin (1995), LetDownCrush (1997), and SuperCoolNothing (1999).
16volt contributed nine songs to the soundtrack of the video game Primal, and is featured in the opening scene of the game. After a period of releases on Metropolis Records—FullBlackHabit (2006), American Porn Songs (2008), and Beating Dead Horses (2011)—the band self-released The Negative Space (2016) and Dead on Arrivals (2017) on their label Murder Creek, after which they went on hiatus. Powell reactivated 16volt in 2024, releasing Negative on Arrivals, which combined tracks from the two self-released albums for wider distribution.
Reader's Guide
16volt's significance lies in their consistent output within the industrial rock scene from the early 1990s into the 2020s. Their debut album Wisdom helped establish their sound of industrial-informed beats and abrasive electronic textures, earning critical attention. The band's longevity—spanning multiple labels and a hiatus—demonstrates their adaptability and the enduring vision of founder Eric Powell. Their inclusion in the video game Primal, with nine songs on the soundtrack, expanded their reach beyond traditional music audiences. The 2024 reactivation and 2025 album More of Less on Metropolis Records indicate a continued relevance. The band's discography includes ten studio albums, remix albums, and compilations, reflecting a sustained creative output. Their legacy is that of a durable industrial rock act that navigated label changes and self-releases while maintaining a distinct sonic identity.
Did You Know?
- The band's debut album Wisdom was released on May 25, 1993 on Re-Constriction Records.
- The band went on hiatus after 2017 and was reactivated by Powell in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 16volt?
16volt is an American industrial rock band recognized for driving electronic beats and harsh, textured production. They have been active since the early 1990s, with a notable hiatus between 2017 and 2024 before reactivating.
Who founded 16volt and where are they based?
Eric Powell started 16volt in Portland, Oregon, and has remained the band's sole constant creative member through every lineup shift over the years.
What is 16volt's debut album?
Their first full-length release was Wisdom, which came out in 1993 on the small label Re-Constriction. The record introduced the band's signature blend of aggressive electronic production and industrial rock sensibilities.
Which labels has 16volt worked with?
Over their career, 16volt has put out material on Re-Constriction, Metropolis, and Murder Creek. These imprints span from their early-1990s debut through later studio albums and video game soundtrack contributions.
Why did 16volt go on hiatus and when did they return?
The band stopped releasing new material after 2017, effectively going dormant for roughly seven years. They reactivated in 2024, with Eric Powell once again at the helm.
More in American industrial metal musical groups 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced