FORBIDDEN’s legacy is one of being the youngest, hungriest and most ambitious of the Bay Area brethren that has launched metal paradigm-shifters from Metallica to Machine Head. With a reconstituted lineup, guitarist Craig Locicero and bassist Matt Camacho, have crafted an hour-plus masterpiece of thrashy predilection, emotive musical movements, and prog-scraping sonic ambitions. From the intensity of opening track, “Single Point Failure” to the philosophical shades of the 9-minute closer, “Flower of Life,” this is FORBIDDEN not merely stretching beyond the steely foundations of 1988’s classic ‘Forbidden Evil’ or the quantum leap of 1990’s ‘Twisted Into Form,’ but the sound of a band with a new sense of scope and purpose. Produced by Locicero, Kontos& Zach Ohren (Machine Head), ‘Forbidden’ isn’t merely a revival for quintet, but full-blown reinvigoration and purgative endpoint for this Bay Area metal institution.

Formed in 1985 in Fremont, California as Forbidden Evil, FORBIDDEN quickly became one of the defining bands of the Bay Area thrash metal movement alongside the genre’s biggest names. Following lineup changes that solidified the classic lineup featuring vocalist Russ Anderson, guitarists Craig Locicero and Glen Alvelais, bassist Matt Camacho and drummer Paul Bostaph, the band released their landmark 1988 debut ‘Forbidden Evil’ before shortening their name to FORBIDDEN. Acclaimed follow-up albums ‘Twisted Into Form’ (1990), ‘Distortion’ (1994), and ‘Green’ (1997) showcased the band’s technical precision, melodic songwriting, and Anderson’s unmistakable vocals, while extensive tours with acts including Sacred Reich, Exodus, Death Angel, Testament, and Malevolent Creation helped cement their reputation as one of thrash’s most respected acts. After disbanding in 1997, FORBIDDEN reunited in 2008, released the acclaimed comeback album ‘Omega Wave’ in 2010, and toured internationally before going on hiatus once again in 2012.

FORBIDDEN returned in 2023 with founding guitarist Craig Locicero joined by longtime members Matt Camacho and Steve Smyth, alongside vocalist Norman Skinner and drummer Chris Kontos. The revitalized lineup made its live debut at Belgium’s Alcatraz Metal Festival before returning home for sold-out Bay Area performances supporting Death Angel’s annual Christmas shows. Focused on creating new music, the band entered a new creative era in 2025 with the release of its first new song in 15 years, “Divided By Zero,” with more new material set to follow in 2026 as FORBIDDENcontinues writing the next chapter of its legendary career.

With the self titled album out on October 23, I had the pleasure to chat with Craig Locicero on the new album, their release, and touring. Check out the complete coverage on the below YouTube video.

‘Forbidden’ Track List:

1. Single Point Failure
2. Burning The Lungs of Earth
3. Divided By Zero
4. DCLXVI
5. Psyclops
6. Jisei
7. Mutually Assured Dysfunction
8. Sycophantasy
9. The Burden
10. Sol Grave
11. Flower of Life (Chaos By Design)