As Guides For The Misguided set to arrive on February 7th, veteran Californian sludge metal outfit -(16)- has unveiled yet another advance single. Fans can now stream the latest track 'Fortress Of Hate' streaming via YouTube and Spotify below.

The lyrics of 'Fortress Of Hate' delve into themes of disillusionment and the self-destructive allure of nihilism, contrasting it with the ethos of empowerment in hardcore punk. According to vocalist/guitarist Bobby Ferry,
'The Fortress Of Hate' serves as a metaphor for the psychological and emotional walls constructed by those who choose apathy and bitterness over action and resilience.
An old friend, once inspired by the defiance and self-determination of hardcore punk, has retreated into a cycle of self-defeat. Lines like, 'You never stood on your own for long,' and, 'Now that you're dying of thirst,' highlight a dependence on others and the consequences of a squandered potential for independence. The song attempts to explain the abandonment of punk's empowering ideals in favor of nihilism, portraying it as a destructive cycle that consumes both individuals and their relationships.