Let’s talk about the ghosts that haunt the backrooms of metal history. Bands like FORBIDDEN don’t just play music—they’re living relics of a time when thrash wasn’t a genre but a revolution. Their self-titled album, dropping this October, isn’t just another record; it’s a middle finger to anyone who thinks metal’s golden era is buried under layers of EDM remixes and TikTok trends. Personally, I think this release is a masterclass in how to resurrect a band’s legacy without sounding like a nostalgia act. It’s raw, it’s unapologetic, and it’s screaming into the void that still exists in 2026.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how FORBIDDEN has managed to balance their Bay Area thrash roots with a modern sensibility. Their new single, 'Psyclops,' isn’t just a track—it’s a cultural artifact. The lyrics, intentionally vague, feel like a mirror held up to society’s complacency. 'Forsaken, fast asleep and trapped inside a maze'? That’s not just a metaphor for apathy; it’s a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt suffocated by the status quo. I find it interesting how the band chose to keep the chorus open to interpretation. It’s a smart move because it invites listeners to project their own fears onto the song, making it a communal experience rather than a solitary one. In an age where music is often reduced to algorithms, this feels like a rebellion.
Now, let’s dissect the lineup. Craig Locicero, the guitarist, has been the heartbeat of this band for decades. But what many people don’t realize is that his partnership with Jeremy Von Epp isn’t just a musical collaboration—it’s a generational bridge. Von Epp brings a fresh edge, while Locicero anchors the sound in the grit of the '80s. This dynamic is crucial. It’s like watching a seasoned warrior team up with a younger prodigy, and the result isn’t just a fusion of styles; it’s a conversation across time. What this really suggests is that legacy isn’t about clinging to the past—it’s about letting it evolve.
The album itself, 'Forbidden,' is an hour-plus odyssey that defies easy categorization. Tracks like 'Single Point Failure' and 'Flower Of Life (Chaos By Design)' aren’t just songs; they’re emotional landscapes. The nine-minute closer, in particular, feels like a thesis statement for the entire record. It’s not just about technical prowess—it’s about storytelling, philosophy, and the sheer audacity of creating something that demands your full attention. If you take a step back and think about it, this album is a love letter to the listener who still believes in the power of heavy music to provoke thought, not just adrenaline.
And then there’s the tour. FORBIDDEN isn’t just releasing an album—they’re launching a cultural event. The dates span from Las Vegas to Austin, and each stop is a chance to reignite the flame of Bay Area thrash. But what’s striking is how the band is positioning itself not as a relic but as a force. They’re playing with HEATHEN and VOID, two acts that have their own histories of defiance. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a movement. A detail that I find especially interesting is the inclusion of Brann Dailor from MASTODON on 'Sycophantasy.' That collaboration isn’t just a name drop—it’s a statement. It shows that FORBIDDEN isn’t afraid to reach across genres, even as they cling to their roots.
Let’s not forget the drama of the lineup changes. Steve Smyth’s exit in 2024 was a seismic shift. His departure wasn’t just a personnel change; it was a reminder that even the most storied bands are human. The fact that they’ve brought in Von Epp, a guitarist with a reputation for reinvention, speaks volumes. It’s a calculated risk, but one that makes sense in the context of the album’s ambition. This raises a deeper question: Can a band that’s been through so much still surprise us? The answer, from my perspective, is a resounding yes. They’ve proven that their hunger hasn’t faded—it’s just matured.
In the end, 'Forbidden' isn’t just about the music. It’s about identity, resilience, and the unshakable belief that thrash metal is more than a genre—it’s a mindset. As the world becomes more fragmented, FORBIDDEN’s return feels like a necessary reminder that there’s still power in unity, in noise, in the unrelenting drive to create something that matters. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, this album is a testament to the idea that some stories are too important to be left in the past.
