Bay Area thrash metal veterans FORBIDDEN have announced their long-awaited self-titled studio album, Forbidden, due out October 23 via BLKIIBLK. The release marks the band’s first full-length album since 2010’s Omega Wave and signals a new era for one of the most respected acts to emerge from the legendary Bay Area thrash scene.
Alongside the announcement, FORBIDDEN have unveiled the album’s latest single, “Psyclops,” accompanied by an official music video.
Guitarist Craig Locicero described the track as one of the final songs completed during the writing process.
“‘Psyclops’ was the final song completed for our newest self-titled offering. It was part of the last batch of music completed with Jeremy Von Epp & myself on the home stretch of our writing sessions and it came together quickly. The song itself is a hypnotizing stomper. Heavy-footed like millions of people marching against how things stand in the status quo. Norman’s lyrics for ‘Psyclops’ should be left to the interpretation of the listeners. The chorus paints a vivid picture: ‘Forsaken, fast asleep and trapped inside a maze, Complacent eyes securely locked in an obscure gaze.’”
Produced by Craig Locicero, Chris Kontos, and Zach Ohren (Machine Head), Forbidden showcases a revitalized lineup featuring vocalist Norman Skinner, guitarists Craig Locicero and Jeremy Von Epp, bassist Matt Camacho, and drummer Chris Kontos. The album also features a guest appearance by Brann Dailor (Mastodon) on the track “Sycophantasy.”
Reflecting on the recording process, Locicero added:
“Making ‘Forbidden’ felt more like an odyssey than a typical recording process. We set out to create a record that reminds people why they fell in love with thrash and heavy metal in the first place, embracing raw energy, melody, and the imperfections that give heavy music its character. Every member brought their best, and having Brann Dailor join us on ‘Sycophantasy’ was an incredible addition. ‘Forbidden’ is five lifetimes of experience forged into one piece of metallic art.”
Forbidden Track Listing
- Single Point Failure
- Burning The Lungs of Earth
- Divided By Zero
- DCLXVI
- Psyclops
- Jisei
- Mutually Assured Dysfunction
- Sycophantasy
- The Burden
- Sol Grave
- Flower of Life (Chaos By Design)
To support the album, FORBIDDEN will embark on a North American headlining tour beginning on release day in Las Vegas. The trek will feature support from HEATHEN and VOID, with stops across the United States before concluding in Los Angeles on November 22.
FORBIDDEN North American Tour 2026
- Oct. 23 – Las Vegas, NV – The Usual Place
- Oct. 25 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
- Oct. 26 – Denver, CO – Federal Theatre
- Oct. 28 – Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s
- Oct. 29 – Minneapolis, MN – Turf Club
- Oct. 30 – Chicago, IL – Reggies
- Oct. 31 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge
- Nov. 1 – Pittsburgh, PA – Preserving Underground
- Nov. 2 – Leesburg, VA – Tally Ho Theater
- Nov. 4 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium (Upstairs)
- Nov. 5 – Brooklyn, NY – Venue TBA
- Nov. 7 – Albany, NY – Empire Underground
- Nov. 8 – Lititz, PA – Mickey’s Black Box
- Nov. 9 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819
- Nov. 10 – Greenville, SC – Radio Room
- Nov. 12 – Orlando, FL – Conduit
- Nov. 13 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade (Altar)
- Nov. 15 – Destin, FL – Club LA
- Nov. 17 – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
- Nov. 18 – Dallas, TX – Trees
- Nov. 20 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
- Nov. 21 – Tucson, AZ – Club Congress
- Nov. 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
Originally formed in 1985 as Forbidden Evil, FORBIDDEN became one of the defining acts of the Bay Area thrash movement with landmark albums including Forbidden Evil (1988) and Twisted Into Form (1990). After reuniting in 2023 with a refreshed lineup, the band returned to the studio, releasing “Divided By Zero” earlier this year before completing their first full-length collection of new material in 15 years.