16 Horsepower

Formed in Denver, Colorado in 1992 by David Eugene Edwards alongside Jean-Yves Tola and Pascal Humbert, 16 Horsepower crafted a haunting blend of alternative country, rustic blues, and modern rock infused with dark Christian themes of conflict and redemption. Drawing from Edwards' Nazarene upbringing and influences like Appalachian folk and fire-and-brimstone sermons, the band deployed unconventional instruments such as banjo, hurdy-gurdy, and bandoneon to create their signature 'prairie-goth' sound, earning acclaim for atmospheric intensity. They released four studio albums, toured extensively worldwide, and disbanded in 2005 due to political and spiritual differences, leaving a profound legacy in Americana and alt-country.