FORBIDDEN Unleashes Self-Titled Album and a Scorching New Video
The San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal titans, FORBIDDEN, are poised to set the metal world ablaze with their self-titled album, set to drop on October 23 via BLKIIBLK, the formidable imprint of Frontiers Label Group. This long-awaited follow-up to their 2010 opus, "Omega Wave," was meticulously crafted at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California, under the watchful eye of engineer and co-producer Zack Ohren.
In a fiery proclamation of their return, FORBIDDEN has unleashed the official music video for their fourth single, "Burning The Lungs Of Earth," a visceral track that encapsulates the band’s unrelenting essence. Directed by the band’s very own drummer, Chris Kontos, and skillfully edited by Mike Sloat, this visual offering is as relentless as the music itself.
Guitarist Craig Locicero describes "Burning The Lungs Of Earth" as a high-octane thrash anthem, rich with intricate riffs, soaring vocals, and an avalanche of thunderous drums and bass. Lyrically, the song serves as a stark commentary on mankind's catastrophic impact on the environment, illustrating the suffocating grip of corporate greed and political apathy, with lines that echo the dire consequences of our ignorance. "First the smoke and seas will rise, the naive will remain blind... as we slowly choke and die," Locicero warns, offering a dark reflection of our reality.
FORBIDDEN’s legacy is cemented among the Bay Area’s elite, standing shoulder to shoulder with metal behemoths like METALLICA and MACHINE HEAD. The revitalized lineup, featuring Locicero and bassist Matt Camacho, has forged an hour-plus auditory journey that transcends mere nostalgia. From the explosive opener "Single Point Failure" to the profound philosophical exploration of the nine-minute epic "Flower Of Life," this album is a bold statement of a band that has reclaimed its purpose and identity.
Locicero elaborates on the creative journey: "Making 'Forbidden' felt more like an odyssey than a typical recording process. We aimed to remind fans of the raw thrill that thrash and heavy metal evoke, embracing the imperfections that add character to our sound. Every member brought their A-game, and having Brann Dailor from MASTODON guest on 'Sycophantasy' was a monumental addition. 'Forbidden' is essentially five lifetimes of experience distilled into one metallic masterpiece."
To support this monumental release, FORBIDDEN will embark on a headlining tour, sharing the stage with fellow thrashers HEATHEN and VOID. The tour kicks off on October 23 in Las Vegas, Nevada, culminating in a climactic finale on November 22 in Los Angeles, California. This is not just a tour; it’s a revival of the Bay Area thrash scene, and FORBIDDEN is at the forefront of this sonic resurgence.