Forbidden

The Profile

Forbidden are an American Bay Area thrash metal band formed in 1985 (originally as Forbidden Evil). They became known for the ferocious debut Forbidden Evil and the refined follow-up Twisted Into Form, later exploring post‑thrash on Distortion and Green, and returning with Omega Wave in 2010. The group has reformed multiple times, most recently in 2023.

Key members have included vocalist Russ Anderson, guitarist Craig Locicero, bassist Matt Camacho, and early drummer Paul Bostaph (later of Slayer). Early guitarist Robb Flynn was a founding member before joining Vio‑lence and later forming Machine Head. Guitarist Tim Calvert also played with Nevermore; Steve Smyth (ex‑Nevermore/Testament) featured on Omega Wave. The band is associated with the San Francisco Bay Area thrash scene.

DeBaser’s reviews paint Forbidden as a pivotal Bay Area thrash act with a blazing debut (Forbidden Evil) and a refined classic (Twisted Into Form). Mid-’90s turns toward post‑thrash split opinions: Distortion gets panned, Green is lauded as bold and intense. Omega Wave’s comeback lands solidly but cautiously. Overall verdict: a key name in thrash with adventurous, sometimes divisive evolutions.