Forbidden
Forbidden Evil

THE REVIEW

Uh-oh! It has been pointed out that this review also appears (in whole or in part) on truemetal.it

In my opinion, Forbidden was one of the most important bands born from the second wave of Thrash Metal that came from the Bay Area, those that emerged around 1987/88. Unfortunately, the band, after two excellent albums, lost their way, chasing the sounds that were in vogue at the beginning of the '90s, thus losing their identity.

The opening track "Chalice Of Blood" must be rightfully included among the best Thrash songs of all time, a direct, violent, and at the same time very technical piece, with Paul Bostaph (as we all know, he later became the drummer for Slayer) dictating fiery and always very precise rhythms. The characteristic that has always identified Forbidden is the voice of singer Russ Anderson, powerful but also clean, very personal. The following "Off the Edge" is another hit, with Craig Locicero and Glenn Alvelais' guitars always ready to grind out devastating riffs, and bassist Matt Camacho adding further rhythmic depth, as if Bostaph's powerful drums weren't enough.

It continues with "Through Eyes of Glass", another devastating piece, with violent accelerations that seem to encourage the most frantic pogo. The central break is nice, giving the listener a breather without losing the piece's power, and the solo guitar work is first-rate. The title track, "Forbidden Evil" indeed, is another piece that could be used as an example to show people what U.S.A.-made Thrash was like back then. The beginning of the piece is based on not excessively fast tempos, but the riffs produced by the Alvelais-Locicero duo are those kinds that break. The track continues with what are the band's characteristics, namely precise and effective tempo changes, neck-breaking riffs, and Russ treating us with some great high notes.
The listening continues with "March into Fire", another masterpiece song, another hit. Forbidden impresses for the ability to create songs that are so aggressive and at the same time of such high technical difficulty. Bostaph's performance on this track is nothing short of impressive; listening to this song, one understands why Slayer wanted him to replace the great Dave Lombardo. The vocal parts are also very nice, being melodic and aggressive at the same time. "Feel no Pain" begins with the sounds of a battle and sad atmospheres, then turning into yet another Thrash hit. This piece reminds me of certain things by Slayer, an evident source of inspiration, along with Metallica, for the group. The band does nothing to hide their influences, reinterpreting them in a personal key and creating a fairly personal style. We arrive at "As Good As Dead", and the band does not cease to amaze, pulling out another great piece. The recipe is always the same, but Forbidden manages to give each song a different personality. The piece is another lesson on how to make high-quality Thrash.

The finale is entrusted to "Follow me", which opens with a guitar arpeggio halfway between sickly and melodic. One cannot help but be amazed by the number and quality of riffs churned out by the band. The finale of a great album like this couldn't be trusted to a better song, embodying all the best qualities of this album.  

This "Forbidden Evil" is a Thrash gem too often forgotten; if you like Bay Area Thrash of the '80s, you cannot miss it, it would be a grave mistake.