Forbidden about to Reunite?

[Pagan Saviour]

Seems to be something afoot, not 100% sure if it's a reunion but there's certainly some snazzy merch up for grabs.

https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/legendary_thrash_metal_band_forbidden_launch_instagram_account_appear_to_be_teasing_a_reunion.html


I thought Omega Wave was brilliant myself, would very much welcome another album.

[Carnage]

I wouldn't mind this at all, those first two albums are mighty indeed. Never heard any of the later stuff though.

[Bürggermeister]

I thought Omega Wave was ok, nothing amazing, but I'm always interested to hear some new material from them.

[Carnage]

*** PRESS RELEASE*** SAN FRANCISCO, CA (April 19, 2023) — Bay Area metal legends FORBIDDEN are reborn! FORBIDDEN are beyond thrilled to reveal their first and only European appearance this year will be at Belgium's Alcatraz Metal Festival in August. The band is already laying the groundwork for some very exciting news and announcements, but right now they are focusing on Alcatraz and rehearsing to give Europe the very best performance possible.

FORBIDDEN's Craig Locicero talks about the band's rebirth, "First off, I did NOT see this coming. 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 made it clear that he was completely finished with touring. My wingman and main dude from the conception of Forbidden Evil, 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."

So, yes and no. Not having Anderson on vocals is a letdown but I've no idea how this new guy sounds so we'll wait and see. No Bostaph either, I think he's playing in Kerry King's 'new' band.

[Trev]

Hmmm, bit of a let letdown with no Anderson, he's a brilliant vocalist and figured with him being sober now that was why they were getting back together.

[Bürggermeister]

Never heard of yer man but found this. Not bad.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=br2fWQrBbdM

[Pagan Saviour]

Yeah not bad but also not what I was expecting. Will reserve judgement.

Funny you mention Kerry King, how long is he going to take to announce his "new band". Read an article some months back where he mouthed on and on about not dragging his heels, then proceeds to drag his heels. I guess that couch is comfy

[Carnage]

What are they called, Blood Reign or something like that? I think we all know exactly what they're going to sound like.

[Pagan Saviour]

Yeah seen he trademarked that name alright. I'd imagine it's a z list assembly with Bostaph the only "name" involved. It'll be someone like Rob Dukes on vocals. Tough man shit. 

[Carnage]

Is Holt not involved, no? Thought he was, that it was essentially latterday Slayer with different bass/vocals.

[Pagan Saviour]

That was the rumour at the time, also rumoured that Anselmo was on vocals but I reckon he's fucked about so much neither would be interested. Holy must be fairly comfortable with where Exodus are at the minute. I can't imagine King's thing will be much of a draw?

[Carnage]

Novelty value will get it so far but if the tunes aren't up to Slayer's standard (and they won't be) it'll peter out. That said, you'd never know - if he lets the others contribute to the writing it'll have potential.

Back on track, I'm assuming there'll be new Forbidden material at some point. That statement seems to allude to it, however vaguely.

[Pagan Saviour]

Looks like it and looks like there's also a vague commitment to tour next year too. Can't imagine they're rehearsing away for one festival appearance.

[Carnage]

Never heard of yer man but found this. Not bad.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=br2fWQrBbdM

Only got to listen to this now, decent voice on him. Hopefully he'll be able to manage the high notes on the older songs.

[Pagan Saviour]

Some footage, Chris Kontos on drums too.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcQLlq0Aing