Forbidden (band)

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"Forbidden Evil" redirects here. For the album, see Forbidden Evil (album).
Forbidden
Background information
OriginSan Francisco Bay Area, California, U.S.
GenresThrash metal
Years active
  • 1987–1997
  • 2007–2012
  • 2023–present
Labels
MembersCraig Locicero
Matt Camacho
Norman Skinner
Chris Kontos
Past membersLineups
WebsiteOfficial website

Forbidden is an American thrash metal band from the San Francisco Bay Area, California. They formed in 1985 as Forbidden Evil, but shortened their name in 1987. Forbidden have broken up and reformed twice with numerous line-up changes. After breaking up for the first time in 1997, Forbidden reunited in 2007, went into an indefinite hiatus in 2012, and reformed in 2023. The current line-up is Norman Skinner (vocals), Craig Locicero (guitar), Matt Camacho (bass), and Chris Kontos (drums).

Along with Death Angel, Vio-lence, Defiance, Testament and Exodus (the latter two had featured original Forbidden drummer Paul Bostaph), they were one of the most successful Bay Area thrash metal bands and earned a loyal fan base in the underground music community and critical acclaim. Their debut album, Forbidden Evil,(1988) is regarded by critics as a classic thrash metal album and the follow-up, Twisted into Form (1990), as something of a masterpiece within the "tech-thrash" genre. Their earlier style was technical thrash metal, but the band later experimented with alternative and groove metal elements on their fourth album, Green (1997).

Forbidden has been credited as one of the "Big Six" of the Bay Area thrash metal scene, along with Exodus, Testament, Death Angel, Lȧȧz Rockit and Vio-lence.[1][2]

History

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Initial career (1985–1997)

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Forbidden Evil was founded in early 1985 by drummer Jim Pittman and guitarist Robb Flynn (later of Vio-lence and Machine Head), who named it after a song by Chicago band War Cry featured on the Metal Massacre 4 compilation.[3] The original lineup was completed by Craig Locicero (guitar), Russ Anderson (vocals) and John Tegio (bass). They recorded demo tapes and appeared on The Eastern Front – Live At Ruthie's Inn, a live album currently out of print. By 1986, drummer Paul Bostaph, bassist Matt Camacho and guitarist Glen Alvelais had joined the band to replace the departed Pittman, Tegio, and Flynn. The band's name was abbreviated to Forbidden in 1987 to prevent being confused with a black metal band.[4]

The band signed with Combat Records in 1988 and released their debut album, Forbidden Evil, in September.[4] The album included three songs written by Flynn ("Chalice Of Blood", "Forbidden Evil", and "As Good As Dead"). The band toured the U.S. and Europe for the remainder of 1988 and into 1989 to promote the album, performing alongside notable bands like Testament, Exodus, Holy Moses, Sepultura, Death Angel, Sacred Reich, Voivod, Savatage, Vio-lence, Dark Angel and Pestilence (not to be confused with the Dutch death metal band of the same name).[4] After the Forbidden Evil tour, Alvelais was replaced with Tim Calvert. The band's only live album, Raw Evil - Live at the Dynamo EP, was released in 1989.[4]

Forbidden's second studio album, Twisted Into Form, released in 1990,[4] showcased a more melodic, progressive sound with acoustic interludes and clearer production, less raw than its predecessor. The band supported this album by opening for Death Angel on their Act III tour in Europe and North America, and performing with bands such as Exodus, Sepultura, Vicious Rumors, Sanctuary, Fates Warning, Sacred Reich, Obituary, Morbid Angel, Realm, Defiance and Forced Entry.

In 1991, the band left Combat Records due to internal and managerial issues. Paul Bostaph left to replace Dave Lombardo in Slayer, and drummer Steve Jacobs joined Forbidden.[4] In 1993, Locicero filled the guitar slot for Death during a three-week European tour while Forbidden was writing and rehearsing material for a third studio album.

In 1994, the band signed with GUN Records and released their third album, Distortion, in November. They toured Europe with Gorefest to promote the album into 1995 and played U.S. dates with Testament and Malevolent Creation. They spent 1996 writing and recording their fourth album Green, released in early 1997. In 1997, Forbidden broke up due to lack of support from GUN Records, no tour, and Locicero's desire for a different creative direction. He, Camacho and Jacobs formed the first incarnation of Manmade God the same year.[5]

Reunions and Omega Wave (2001–2010)

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In August 2001, Anderson, Bostaph, Alvelais, and Camacho reformed as Forbidden Evil for a one-time, six-song performance at Chuck Billy's Thrash of the Titans benefit concert. Guitarist Steve Smyth replaced Locicero due to the latter's commitment to recording with Manmade God. Former guitarist Tim Calvert performed on three songs while drummer Jeremy Colson played on two songs on drums before Bostaph performed on four songs.

Forbidden reformed again in 2007 for reunion shows in 2008 in the US and Europe.[6] The reunion featured the Forbidden Evil line-up from 2001, including Locicero but without Bostaph, who had prior commitments with Testament. Gene Hoglan (of Dark Angel, Death and Strapping Young Lad fame) played drums for the band's first few reunion shows. Mark Hernandez (ex-Vio-lence, Heathen, Defiance) replaced Hoglan for the band's European tour, including a main stage appearance at Belgium's Graspop festival. They also played some Japanese dates later in the year. After the tour, Glen Alvelais quit the group, stating he "could no longer take all the accusations and distrust that came with our so-called chemistry." Steve Smyth replaced Alvelais.[7] In the summer of 2009, they toured Europe and the U.S., performing Twisted Into Form in its entirety.

Forbidden's fifth studio album, Omega Wave,[8] was released in 2010[9] on Nuclear Blast Records. The band toured the U.S., Europe and South America to promote the album.

Switching drummers, hiatus and third reunion (2011–present)

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In August 2011, Hernandez left Forbidden for personal reasons. Hoglan replaced him for a few shows, including Alcatraz Festival.[10] In November, the band announced new drummer Sasha Horn.[11] In July 2012, Camacho left the band to pursue a legal career and Russ Anderson stated his intention to "take a break" from the music business, disbanding Forbidden once more. Locicero stated in 2013: "Unfortunately, I think Russ is finished, and by the time he would want to step up and do it again, it would be too late. It became painfully obvious to me that Russ really wasn't cut out for the road anymore and that's why Forbidden broke up the first time. I ended up doing too much work and I needed everyone to step up and help me out, and the same thing started happening again; when the original members aren't really motivated, it's just not fun anymore. So I don't think I ever want to go backwards again."[12]

Despite not performing live since 2012 or being active since the split with Camacho and Anderson, Locicero reported in April 2016 the band remained under contract with Nuclear Blast. Without ruling out a reunion, he stated, "The schematics are very confusing here. When we ended, there was two members from out of state (one out of the country) plus Matt and Russ retired from music until further notice. All of this presents a large hurdle if we just 'wanna get together to jam.' So you must understand that it is simply not likely. But as I stated, never say never."[13]

In April 2023, Forbidden launched an official Instagram account and posted images of each letter of their logo in front of a black background. Those posts led to speculation of a third Forbidden reunion.[14][15][16] This reunion was officially announced on April 19, with singer Norman Skinner replacing Russ Anderson (now retired from the music industry).[17]

Forbidden played their first show in 11 years on July 16, 2023 at Baltic Kiss in Richmond, a "secret show" as Twisted into Evil,[18] followed nearly a month later by an appearance at the Alcatraz festival in Kortrijk.[19] The band's reunion dates included opening for Death Angel in San Francisco in December 2023, and appearing at Hell's Heroes Festival in Houston in March 2024.[20][21] Forbidden began writing material for their next studio album, planned for an early 2025 release.[22][23][24] The band released its first song in 15 years, "Divided by Zero", to streaming services on June 26, 2025.[25] The group was heading to Europe that summer and playing at the Alcatraz Festival. [26]

Band members

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Current members

  • Craig Locicero – guitars (1987–1997, 2007–2012, 2023–present)
  • Matt Camacho – bass (1987–1997, 2007–2012, 2023–present)
  • Norman Skinner – lead vocals (2023–present)
  • Chris Kontos – drums (2023–present)

Current live members

Former members

  • Russ Anderson – lead vocals (1987–1997, 2007–2012)
  • Glen Alvelais – guitars (1987–1989, 2007–2009)
  • Tim Calvert – guitars (1989–1997; died 2018)
  • Paul Bostaph – drums (1987–1992)
  • Steve Jacobs – drums (1992–1997)
  • Mark Hernandez – drums (2007–2011)
  • Steve Smyth – guitars (2009–2012, 2023–2024)
  • Sasha Horn – drums (2011–2012)

Live members

Timeline

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Discography

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Studio albums

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Title Details
Forbidden Evil
Twisted into Form
  • Released: March 30, 1990
  • Label: Combat, Relativity
Distortion
  • Released: November 30, 1994
  • Label: GUN
Green
  • Released: March 21, 1997
  • Label: GUN
Omega Wave

Live albums

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Title Details
Raw Evil - Live at the Dynamo
  • Released: 1989
  • Label: Combat, Relativity

Compilation albums

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Title Details
Point of No Return
  • Released: 1992
  • Label: Combat, Relativity

Demo albums

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  • Demo 1985 (1985)
  • Rehearsal 85 (1985)
  • Endless Slaughter (1986)
  • As Good as Good (1987)
  • March into Fire (1987)
  • Demo '87 (1987)
  • Trapped (1991)
  • Disillusions (1992)
  • Distortion (1993)

References

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  1. ^ "Is A 'Big 6 of Bay Area Thrash Metal' Tour in the Works? 'Never Say Never', Says VIO-LENCE Guitarist". Metaladdicts.com. September 5, 2019.
  2. ^ "'The Big 6 of Bay Area Thrash Metal' Tour or Show Might Happen One Day". Ultimate-guitar.com.
  3. ^ "March is Metal Month: Machine Head's Robb Flynn Discusses All Things Thrash with MetalSucks, and Shares His Personal Spotify Thrash Playlist!". Metalsucks.net. March 13, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Colin Larkin, ed. (1995). The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal (Second ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 137. ISBN 0-85112-656-1.
  5. ^ "Zetro's Toxic Vault - Craig Locicero: Forbidden History Part 4 of 8". YouTube. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  6. ^ "Legendary Bay Area Thrashers Forbidden To Reunite For Select Shows". Blabbermouth.net. October 5, 2007. Archived from the original on January 16, 2008. Retrieved November 15, 2007.
  7. ^ "Guitarist GLEN ALVELAIS Quits FORBIDDEN; STEVE SMYTH Steps In". Blabbermouth.net. January 9, 2009. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
  8. ^ "Forbidden: New Album Title Announced". Blabbermouth.net. May 3, 2010. Archived from the original on May 6, 2010. Retrieved May 3, 2010.
  9. ^ "Forbidden: New Song To Debut On 107.7 FM's 'Bone Metal Zone'". Blabbermouth.net. August 21, 2009. Archived from the original on September 11, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2009.
  10. ^ "Forbidden live at Alcatraz Festival 2011". MetalTraveller.com. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
  11. ^ "FORBIDDEN Loses Drummer, Cancels European Tour". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on September 11, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2011.
  12. ^ "SPIRALARMS'S CRAIG LOCICERO - AS FAR AS THE WHOLE STONER ROCK THING, WE'RE MORE LIKE STONERS THAT ROCK". Bravewords.com. November 10, 2013. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  13. ^ "CRAIG LOCICERO Says Goodbye To SPIRALARMS, Comments On Possibility Of FORBIDDEN Reunion". Blabbermouth.net. April 6, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  14. ^ "Legendary Thrash Metal Band Forbidden Launch Instagram Account, Appear to be Teasing a Reunion".
  15. ^ "Thrash Metal Legends FORBIDDEN Appear to be Teasing a Reunion". April 14, 2023.
  16. ^ "FORBIDDEN – Classic Thrashers Plotting a Comeback?".
  17. ^ "San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Pioneers FORBIDDEN Announce Comeback: 'This Is Not A Reunion; It's A Rebirth'". Blabbermouth.net. April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  18. ^ "Watch: Resurrected FORBIDDEN Plays 'Secret' Concert in Northern California". July 17, 2023.
  19. ^ "Watch: New FORBIDDEN Lineup Performs at Belgium's ALCATRAZ Festival". August 12, 2023.
  20. ^ "Death Angel Tour Dates".
  21. ^ "SODOM, QUEENSRŸCHE, CANDLEMASS, FORBIDDEN and WATCHTOWER Among Confirmed Bands for 2024 HEll's HEROES Festival". June 27, 2023.
  22. ^ "Watch: New Forbidden Lineup Performing at Belgium's Alcatraz Festival".
  23. ^ "Forbidden - Begin Writing First Album in over a Decade".
  24. ^ "Forbidden - No New Album Until 2025". Metal Storm. November 25, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  25. ^ "FORBIDDEN Releases First New Song In 15 Years, 'Divided By Zero'". Blabbermouth.net. June 26, 2025. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
  26. ^ "FORBIDDEN biography". www.metallian.com.
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