After some teasing, classic thrash band Forbidden has announced their reunion. Forbidden in 2023 is original guitarist Craig Locicero and bassist Matt Camacho, guitarist Steve Smyth (ex-Testament, ex-Nevermore), drummer Chris Kontos (ex-Machine Head, ex-Testament), and vocalist Norman Skinner.
Forbidden's first show back will be at August at Belgium's Alcatraz Metal Festival in August. Forbidden formed in 1985 under the name Forbidden Evil, changed their name in 1987, and broke up in 1997. Forbidden eventually reformed in 2007 and broke up again in 2012.
"First off, I did NOT see this coming," said Locicero. "When Forbidden quietly disbanded the second time in 2012, I figured it was over. While I always apply the 'never say never' mantra to my life, Russ [Anderson, vocals] made it clear that he was completely finished with touring. My wingman and main dude from the conception of Forbidden Evil [the original Forbidden], Russ was my mentor and the guy who bought me beer when I was 15! I couldn't imagine Forbidden without him, so I had little hope of a future with Forbidden. Today Russ is happily retired and living the sober life. I have nothing but love for that and him. Everyone needs to respect his wishes like we do.
"So then… fast forward 11 years after our last show, Bay Area vocal talent Norman Skinner walks in to help us rehearse and sing a few thrash classics for the Bay Area Interthrashional set at Dynamo MetalFest 2022. WHAMMO! That's when it all happened by accident. Truly. Then it happens AGAIN when Norman sings 'Chalice Of Blood' onstage alongside Warbringer at the one Bay Area show of Bay Area Interthrashional. Holy fuck! We will go into detail thoroughly in the upcoming weeks. It's an amazing and organic progression story to tell.
"I now can announce that alongside my brothers Matt Camacho (bass) and Steve Smyth (guitar) we are officially introducing Norman Skinner (vocals) and Chris Kontos (drums) to the Forbidden family. As far as Kontos goes, he's well known as one of the Bay's very best and most respected drummers. Chris's work in Machine Head and Attitude Adjustment alone are legendary. Historically he's sat behind the kit in with Exodus, Death Angel, and Testament to name few. I've been lucky enough to play music with Chris in the past and present as well most recently with punk legends The Boneless Ones. We work amazingly well together and have remained great friends for over 30 years. In a long line of amazing drummers… Bostaph, Jacobs, Hoglan, Hernandez and Horn… Kontos is the perfect fit for Forbidden. Having 5 people all moving the same direction with enthusiasm and positivity. It's all I've ever wanted with Forbidden. Making the seemingly impossible, possible.
"This is not a reunion, it's a rebirth."
