Ward XVI is a unique and innovative theatrical ensemble known for its immersive performances that blend dark storytelling with captivating visuals.
Originating from Preston in the North West of England, the group explores the sordid past of a female serial killer through a distinctive mix of drama, music, and puppetry.
Their notable productions often invite audiences to engage directly with the narrative, creating a haunting yet thought-provoking experience. With a commitment to pushing creative boundaries, Ward XVI has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following, establishing itself as a standout in the rock and metal scene.
In 2017 the first chapter of a planned trilogy of concept albums, ‘The Art of Manipulation’, introduced you to the sordid story of Psychoberrie- the UK’s most notorious serial killer now incarcerated among the warped inhabitants of Ward XVI.
The album was greeted with critical acclaim with catchy female vocals, hard-hitting metal riffs, off-beat ska rhythms, melancholic piano, jaunty accordions, and a hint of electro. Each member drew from their own eclectic influences that included Alice Cooper, Iron Maiden, Rob Zombie, Diablo Swing Orchestra, Alter Bridge and Avatar.
2017-19 saw Ward XVI go from strength to strength, gripping UK audiences with their headline ‘Scare in the Community’ tour, a 14-date tour of the UK with Doyle (of the Misfits) and a 10-date UK tour with Red Rum, while also wowing the crowds at Bloodstock, Hammerfest, HRH Metal Meltdown, Amplified, Breaking Bands, SOS and Ragnarok Festivals.
2020, The second chapter of Psychoberrie’s confessional ‘Metamorphosis’, was unleashed.
The album received critical acclaim from fans and media alike and claimed a spot in many top 10 album polls of 2020. This was followed up In December 2020 with the EP ‘Unplugged and Sedated’, as Ward XVI confronted the effects of a Covid-19 ravaged year and responded to the overwhelming demand of their inmates following live acoustic versions of Metamorphosis songs posted online.
2021, The inmates escaped the confines of Whittingham to take Bloodstock Open Air by storm with a show packed full of explosives, monsters and theatrics that received rave reviews from all that witnessed it from within a packed Sophie Lancaster tent, this was followed by an appearance at the legendary London Roundhouse supporting Cradle of Filth which was met with an incredible response.
In December the Inmates finally played their rescheduled Metamorphosis album launch show to a full to the brim Manchester Academy 3.
2022 saw the intensity turned up with a UK wise tour and main stage appearances at HRH XIV, Hammerfest, NWOCR at KK’s Steel mill, Winter Rocks and main support for Lawnmower Deth in London, each time subverting expectations and gaining notoriety as one of the most inventive live bands on the UK underground scene.
2023 saw the inmates focus on the final chapter of the Psychoberrie Trilogy of albums but before entering the studio in late 2023, their macabre circus was presented to Love Rocks Music Festival, the main stage of Hard Rock Hell XVI, Headline shows at SOS fest, the world famous Whitby Goth weekend and notable support shows with Lawnmower Deth and their heroes Diablo Swing Orchestra.
2024 Amidst studio sessions in Voltalab studios- a place famous for birthing Joy Division, OMD and as a location in the film 24- hour party people, the inmates still found time to embark on a 14 consecutive date tour of the UK with the equally insane Tragedy which took them up the length and breadth of the UK.
An ancillary -stage headline show at Maid of Stone festival followed.. a festival that featured legends such as Living Colour, Mr Big, and Blaze Bayley saw the inmates thrill a new crowd before the piece de resistance in October when WARD XVI supported SKINDRED at the Liverpool Olympia.
During this time, A very successful Crowdfunder campaign supported by over 250 Certified Inmates has resulted in us being able to push £16,000 into the production and promotion of the album resulting in an album that we’re all proud to call our best to date.
2025 and beyond WARD XVI are back with an explosive new album, Id3ntity, which is out on Friday 11th July, via Earache.

Following on the success of their previous album, Metamorphosis,  Ward XVI are now ready to release their eagerly awaited new album, Id3ntity, which is the final part of a trilogy of releases: “ID3NTITY”.

ID3NTITY is the stunning conclusion of Psychoberrie’s story based on a sordid tale that’s ten blood-soaked years in the telling.

New single, Blood Is The New Black, has just been premiered by Kerrang! Radio, and it received a raucous response.

Now with a summer filled with their biggest headline show to date at the Manchester Academy 2 on the 25th July, festivals, and a tour in late 2025 WARD XVI are ready to share their next gripping instalment……

We are a high energy, partycore, rap metal, groove band who are tearing the scene a new one!

We're based in Leeds, UK and gig all over, spreading our infectious energy, party core vibes, positivity, passion, head banging riffs and booty shakin’ grooves.

Our influences are (hed)pe, Sumo Cyco, Skindred, Stuck Mojo, Madball & Limp Bizkit