FORBIDDEN Unleashes Thrash Metal Fury with Self-Titled Album

In a seismic shift that will reverberate through the thrash metal landscape, FORBIDDEN, the San Francisco Bay Area trailblazers, are set to drop their self-titled album on October 23 via BLKIIBLK, the heavy metal imprint of Frontiers Label Group. This marks a long-awaited follow-up to their 2010 opus, "Omega Wave," showcasing a band that has not only endured but evolved. Recorded at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California, with the deft hands of engineer and co-producer Zack Ohren, this album promises a headbanging revival.

To whet the appetite of their ravenous fanbase, FORBIDDEN has unleashed the single "Psyclops," accompanied by a visually arresting official video. Guitarist Craig Locicero describes this track as the final piece of their newest sonic puzzle, crafted in a feverish burst of creativity. He elaborates, "The song itself is a hypnotizing stomper, heavy-footed like millions marching against the status quo. Norman's lyrics should be left for listeners to interpret, with a chorus that paints a vivid picture of entrapment and complacency." The lyrical depth is just a taste of what’s to come.

FORBIDDEN's legacy is steeped in ambition and hunger, standing shoulder to shoulder with metal giants like METALLICA and MACHINE HEAD. With a revitalized lineup, Locicero and bassist Matt Camacho have fashioned an hour-plus epic that bridges the raw intensity of their past with fresh, ambitious soundscapes. From the explosive opener "Single Point Failure" to the thought-provoking nine-minute closer "Flower Of Life," this album is more than a collection of tracks; it's a bold statement by a band that has reclaimed its mettle.

Locicero reflects on the album-making process, stating, "Creating 'Forbidden' felt more like an odyssey than a conventional studio experience. We aimed to remind fans why they fell in love with thrash and heavy metal—embracing raw energy and the imperfections that give our music character. With every member giving their all, the addition of Brann Dailor from MASTODON on 'Sycophantasy' was a game-changer. This album is five lifetimes of experience forged into one piece of metallic art."

In support of this monumental release, FORBIDDEN will embark on a headlining tour alongside HEATHEN and VOID, showcasing their relentless spirit on stages across the country. The tour kicks off in Las Vegas and winds its way through cities like Chicago, Orlando, and Los Angeles, promising to deliver the thrash metal experience fans crave.