The Band Index

Forbidden

AmericasUnited StatesThrash Metal
Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow Forbidden!

Top Forbidden Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content

Upcoming Events

Aftershock Festival 2025
Aftershock Festival 2025

2025 10-03 on stage

Get ready to witness the West Coast's ultimate rock, punk, and metal pilgrimage as Aftershock Festival returns to Sacramento's iconic Discovery Park from October 2nd to 5th, 2025. Now in its 13th year, Aftershock has cemented its reputation as a must-attend event, drawing over 160,000 music fans from all 50 states and over 30 countries in previous years. This four-day destination festival consistently delivers a powerhouse lineup of genre titans and rising stars, promising an unparalleled experience for every headbanger and music enthusiast. Aftershock 2025 is set to be bigger and bolder than ever, featuring an impressive roster of over 115 bands performing across four stages. Headliners like Blink-182, Deftones (playing a special hometown show), Korn, and Bring Me The Horizon are poised to ignite the crowds with their electrifying performances. Beyond the main acts, the festival boasts an incredible depth of talent, including highly anticipated reunions like The Dillinger Escape Plan and Chiodos, rare performances, and a strong showing of California's own vibrant rock and metal scene. Whether you're a die-hard fan of classic anthems, the raw power of nu-metal, or the cutting edge of genre-blending rock, Aftershock's meticulously curated lineup ensures there's something to fuel every passion. Beyond the stages, Aftershock Festival offers a complete immersive experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of Discovery Park where the American River meets the Sacramento River, attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with a diverse array of food and drink options, engaging art installations, and various other entertainment. The festival has become a significant cultural and economic driver for Sacramento, bringing an estimated $30 million economic impact to the region. With its commitment to showcasing the best in rock, punk, and metal, Aftershock 2025 is not just a festival; it's a celebration of a vibrant global community and a testament to the enduring power of heavy music.

Band Timeline

1985

Formation of Forbidden Evil

In early 1985, the band originally named Forbidden Evil was formed in the San Francisco Bay Area by drummer Jim Pittman and guitarist Robb Flynn. They were joined by Craig Locicero, Russ Anderson, and John Tegio to complete the initial lineup. The band's name Derived from a War Cry song, they began creating demos and established a presence in the local metal scene.
1987

Name Change to Forbidden and Lineup Shifts

By 1987, the band shortened their name from Forbidden Evil to Forbidden to avoid misidentification as a black metal band. Significant lineup changes occurred including the departure of original members and their replacement by Paul Bostaph (drums), Matt Camacho (bass), and Glen Alvelais (guitar). These changes helped define their sound in the burgeoning Bay Area thrash metal scene.
1988

Debut Album 'Forbidden Evil' and Early Tours

In 1988, Forbidden signed with Combat Records and released their debut album 'Forbidden Evil' in September. The album, featuring songs written by ex-guitarist Robb Flynn, was critically acclaimed and positioned them as notable figures in thrash metal. Extensive touring across the U.S. and Europe followed, sharing stages with prominent metal bands and cementing their fanbase.
1989

Lineup Change and Live EP Release

After the tour following their debut, guitarist Glen Alvelais left the band and was replaced by Tim Calvert. The band also released 'Raw Evil - Live at the Dynamo EP,' their only live album, in 1989, capturing their energetic performances and continuing to build their reputation within the metal community.
1990

Second Studio Album 'Twisted Into Form' and Touring Success

Forbidden released their second album 'Twisted Into Form' in 1990, showcasing a more melodic, progressive sound with cleaner production and acoustic elements. This album is recognized as a masterpiece within the tech-thrash subgenre. They supported this release by opening for Death Angel's Act III Tour in Europe and North America and playing alongside other notable metal acts, further elevating their status.
1991

Departure from Combat Records and Lineup Changes

Facing internal and managerial difficulties, Forbidden left Combat Records in 1991. Their original drummer Paul Bostaph departed to join Slayer, with Steve Jacobs taking over drum duties. These changes marked a transitional period for the band as they sought new directions and stability in their lineup and label affiliations.
1993

Craig Locicero Joins Death for European Tour

During 1993, while preparing material for their third studio album, guitarist Craig Locicero temporarily toured with the band Death for three weeks in Europe. This involvement highlighted the interconnectedness of the Bay Area thrash and broader metal scenes, and added experience to the band's evolving profile.
1997

Fourth Album 'Green' and First Breakup

Forbidden released their fourth album 'Green' in 1997, which featured an experimental mix incorporating alternative and groove metal elements, diverging from their earlier thrash style. However, this period also saw the band's first breakup, ending their initial 12-year run amid changing musical landscapes and internal dynamics.
2007

Reunion of Forbidden

After a decade apart, Forbidden reunited in 2007, reinvigorating their presence in the metal scene. This reunion brought back members including Craig Locicero and Matt Camacho, and saw the band returning to live performances and rekindling their fanbase with renewed energy and passion for thrash metal.
2012

Indefinite Hiatus Begins

In 2012, Forbidden went into an indefinite hiatus after years of activity following their reunion. The pause allowed members to pursue other projects and offered time for reflection on the band's direction, marking another significant pause in their career timeline.
2023

Reformation and Current Lineup

Forbidden reformed once again in 2023 with a refreshed lineup featuring Norman Skinner on vocals, Craig Locicero on guitar, Matt Camacho on bass, and Chris Kontos on drums. This reformation represents the band's resilience and enduring influence in the Bay Area thrash metal community, continuing their legacy as one of the Big Six thrash bands.

Albums

forbidden_1st_album
Forbidden Evil
12 tracks
1988
forbidden_2nd_album
Twisted Into Form
9 tracks
1990
forbidden_3rd_album
Distortion
11 tracks
1994
forbidden_4th_album
Green
14 tracks
1997
forbidden_5th_album
Omega Wave
12 tracks
2010
Sponsor content

Members

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Robert Flynn

1985
1987

Tim Calvert

1989
1997

Guitar

Steve Smyth

2009
2012

Guitar

Craig Locicero

2007
2012

Guitar

Glen Alvelais

2007
2009

Guitar

Matt Camacho

1987
1997

Bass guitar

Craig Locicero

1987
1997

Guitar

Matt Camacho

2007
2012

Bass guitar

Glen Alvelais

1987
1989

Guitar

Russ Anderson

2007
2012

Lead vocals

Steve Jacobs

1992
1997

Drums (drum set)

Paul Bostaph

1987
1992

Drums (drum set)

Russ Anderson

1987
1997

Lead vocals

Sasha Horn

2011
2012

Drums (drum set)

Mark Hernandez

2008
2011

Drums (drum set)

Gene Hoglan

2007
2009

Drums (drum set)

Story of Forbidden

Forbidden: Bay Area Thrash Titans

Hailing from the fertile San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal scene, Forbidden emerged in 1985 as Forbidden Evil. The band, initially featuring Robb Flynn (later of Vio-lence and Machine Head) and drummer Jim Pittman, solidified their lineup with Craig Locicero (guitar), Russ Anderson (vocals), and John Tegio (bass). Flynn christened the band after a War Cry song on the Metal Massacre IV compilation. They shortened their name to Forbidden in 1987.

Throughout their existence, Forbidden have endured multiple breakups and reunions, along with significant lineup changes. Their initial split occurred in 1997, only to be followed by a reunion in 2007. After an indefinite hiatus starting in 2012, they triumphantly returned in 2023 with a lineup comprised of Norman Skinner (vocals), Craig Locicero (guitar), Matt Camacho (bass), and Chris Kontos (drums).

Forbidden quickly earned their stripes alongside Bay Area giants like Exodus (featuring original Forbidden drummer Paul Bostaph), Testament, Death Angel, Vio-lence, and Defiance. They cemented their place as one of the "Big Six" of the Bay Area thrash scene, later joined by Lȧȧz Rockit. Their influence on the underground metal community is undeniable.

Their debut, Forbidden Evil (1988), is widely considered a thrash classic. The follow-up, Twisted into Form (1990), is a tech-thrash masterpiece, showcasing their technical prowess. While initially rooted in technical thrash, Forbidden later explored alternative and groove metal elements, most notably on their 1997 album, Green. Their legacy remains firmly etched in the annals of thrash metal history, securing their status as true Bay Area legends.

Sponsor content

Learn more about Forbidden

Bands you may like