In 1988, Bay Area thrashers Forbidden hit the scene like a tidal wave with their debut ‘Forbidden Evil’ (1988), an instant classic in the thrash genre. Craig Locicero (guitar), Matt Camacho (bass), Paul Bostaph/Steve Jacobs (drums) and frontman Russ Anderson dropped three more bombshells but in 1997 their armoury was depleted. In 2007 they saddled up once again but five years later it was game over – or was it? Fast forward to 2023: Forbidden stage one of metal’s most famous comebacks. The legendary Club Elpee in Deinze sets the stage for Forbidden’s first European gig in ages, a stark reminder of what Forbidden are capable of. Lead vocalist Russ Anderson had meanwhile retired from the music scene but suggested Norman Skinner as his replacement. The kit is manned by Chris Kontos (ex-Machine Head) and guitarist Jeremy Von Epp joined just last year. With original members Craig Locicero and Matt Camacho still in place, what followed was not so much a ‘reunion’ as the rebirth of a defunct thrash institute. They’ve been going strong since and their first GMM appearance since 2008 will definitely crack some skulls! (#GMM26)
