Thrash metal pioneers FORBIDDEN proudly launch their new track, "Single Point Failure," taken from their upcoming self-titled album. Marking the band's first full-length release since 2010, the album is available now via BLKIIBLK. The new single arrives alongside a visualizer, available below.
On "Single Point Failure," guitarist Craig Locicero explains:
"'Single Point Failure' is a fast-paced bashing thrasher about the inevitable reality of an EMP looming over our planet. Musically, it hits more like the 'Twisted Into Form' era with the syncopated, melodic riffs intertwining while the instruments are tuned to standard E, like the first 2 albums were. Norman’s vocals soar over the top with urgency as Matt and Chris pound out with speed and precision. Jeremy and I play epic and lyrical solos that rip from the speakers the way they're intended to be.
"The subject: At some stage in our near future, the sun will deliver enough potent solar flares to fry most of the Earth's electronics in the blink of an eye. This is called an Electro Magnetic Pulse, aka EMP. What would follow an EMP would be nothing short of complete panic, chaos & likely violent uprisings throughout the world.
"No electronics for months, possibly years, would be a complete reset of society as we know it. No phones, internet, or resources controlled by technology-based operations would lead to social unrest like the world has never seen on such a scale. Not to mention the failure of all of the nuclear power plants due to no mechanisms to cool their cores.
"'Single Point Failure' feels frantic and befitting of the subject matter while being a fun and turbulent ride.”
Watch the Visualizer for "Single Point Failure"
FORBIDDEN’s legacy is one of being the youngest, hungriest, and most ambitious of the Bay Area brethren that has launched metal paradigm-shifters from Metallica to Machine Head. With a reconstituted lineup, guitarist Craig Locicero and bassist Matt Camachohave crafted an hour-plus masterpiece of thrashy predilection, emotive musical movements, and prog-scraping sonic ambitions. From the intensity of the opening track, “Single Point Failure,” to the philosophical shades of the 9-minute closer, “Flower of Life,” this is FORBIDDEN not merely stretching beyond the steely foundations of 1988’s classic ‘Forbidden Evil’ or the quantum leap of 1990’s ‘Twisted Into Form,’ but the sound of a band with a new sense of scope and purpose. Produced by Locicero, Kontos& Zach Ohren (Machine Head), ‘Forbidden’ isn’t merely a revival for the quintet, but a full-blown reinvigoration and purgative endpoint for this Bay Area metal institution.
Locicero comments on the album:
"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(Mastodon) join us on 'Sycophantasy' was an incredible addition. 'Forbidden' is five lifetimes of experience forged into one piece of metallic art."
FORBIDDEN Live:
10/23 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Usual Place
10/25 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
10/26 - Denver, CO @ Federal Theatre
10/28 - Iowa City, IA @ Gabes
10/29 - Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club
10/30 - Chicago, IL @ Reggies
10/31 - Lakewood, OH @ Mercury Music Lounge
11/01 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving Underground
11/02 - Leesburg, VA @ Tally Ho Theater
11/04 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium (Upstairs)
11/05 - Brooklyn, NY @ TBD
11/07 - Albany, NY @ Empire Underground
11/08 - Lititz, PA @ Mickey's Black Box
11/09 - Greensboro, NC @ Hangar 1819
11/10 - Greenville, SC @ Radio Room
11/12 - Orlando, FL @ Conduit
11/13 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Altar)
11/15 - Destin, FL @ Club LA
11/17 - Austin, TX @ Come And Take It Live
11/18 - Dallas, TX @ Trees
11/20 - Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
11/21 - Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress
11/22 - Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom
Tickets and more information can be found HERE
About FORBIDDEN:
Formed in 1985 in Fremont, California as Forbidden Evil, FORBIDDEN quickly became one of the defining bands of the Bay Area thrash metal movement alongside the genre's biggest names. Following lineup changes that solidified the classic lineup featuring vocalist Russ Anderson, guitarists Craig Locicero and Glen Alvelais, bassist Matt Camacho and drummer Paul Bostaph, the band released their landmark 1988 debut ‘Forbidden Evil’ before shortening their name to FORBIDDEN. Acclaimed follow-up albums ‘Twisted Into Form’ (1990), ‘Distortion’ (1994), and ‘Green’ (1997) showcased the band's technical precision, melodic songwriting, and Anderson's unmistakable vocals, while extensive tours with acts including Sacred Reich, Exodus, Death Angel, Testament, and Malevolent Creation helped cement their reputation as one of thrash's most respected acts. After disbanding in 1997, FORBIDDEN reunited in 2008, released the acclaimed comeback album ‘Omega Wave’ in 2010, and toured internationally before going on hiatus once again in 2012.
FORBIDDEN returned in 2023 with founding guitarist Craig Locicero joined by longtime members Matt Camacho and Steve Smyth, alongside vocalist Norman Skinner and drummer Chris Kontos. The revitalized lineup made its live debut at Belgium's Alcatraz Metal Festival before returning home for sold-out Bay Area performances supporting Death Angel's annual Christmas shows. Focused on creating new music, the band entered a new creative era in 2025 with the release of its first new song in 15 years, "Divided By Zero," with more new material set to follow in 2026 as FORBIDDENcontinues writing the next chapter of its legendary career.
FORBIDDEN are:
Norman Skinner - Vocals
Craig Locicero - Guitar
Matt Camacho - Bass
Chris Kontos - Drums
Jeremy Von Epp - Guitar