1. Forbidden is an American thrash metal band from the San Francisco Bay Area, California. They were formed in 1985 as Forbidden Evil and changed their name to Forbidden in 1987. The band has experienced multiple breakups and reunions, with several line-up changes. Forbidden initially disbanded in 1997, reunited in 2007, went on an indefinite hiatus in 2012, and reformed again in 2023. The current line-up consists of Norman Skinner (vocals), Craig Locicero (guitar), Matt Camacho (bass), and Chris Kontos (drums). Forbidden is associated with the Bay Area thrash metal scene alongside bands such as Death Angel, Vio-lence, Defiance, Testament, and Exodus, the latter of which featured original Forbidden drummer Paul Bostaph. The band developed a loyal following in the underground music community. Their debut album "Forbidden Evil" (1988) received positive critical attention, while the follow-up "Twisted into Form" (1990) was noted for its technical and progressive elements. The band's early style was technical thrash metal, later incorporating alternative and groove metal elements on their fourth album "Green" (1997). The band was founded in early 1985 by drummer Jim Pittman and guitarist Robb Flynn, with Craig Locicero (guitar), Russ Anderson (vocals), and John Tegio (bass) completing the original line-up. Flynn named the band after a song by War Cry from the "Metal Massacre 4" compilation. Early line-up changes included the departures of Pittman, Flynn, and Tegio, replaced by Paul Bostaph, Matt Camacho, and Glen Alvelais. In 1987, the band shortened its name to Forbidden. Forbidden signed with Combat Records in 1988 and released their debut album "Forbidden Evil" in September of that year, which included material written by former guitarist Flynn. The band promoted the album with tours across the United States and Europe, performing with Testament, Exodus, Holy Moses, Sepultura, Death Angel, Sacred Reich, Voivod, Savatage, Vio-lence, Dark Angel, and Pestilence. After guitarist Alvelais left, Tim Calvert joined the band. The live album "Raw Evil - Live at the Dynamo EP" was released in 1989. The second studio album "Twisted into Form" was released in 1990, showing a more melodic and progressive sound. The band supported the album on tours with Death Angel, Exodus, Sepultura, Vicious Rumors, Sanctuary, Fates Warning, Sacred Reich, Obituary, Morbid Angel, Realm, Defiance, and Forced Entry. Forbidden left Combat Records in 1991 following internal and managerial difficulties. Drummer Paul Bostaph departed to join Slayer and was replaced by Steve Jacobs. In 1993, Craig Locicero temporarily played guitar for Death during a European tour. In 1994, Forbidden signed with GUN Records and released their third album "Distortion" in November. They toured Europe with Gorefest and the United States with Testament and Malevolent Creation. The band recorded "Green" in 1996, which was released in 1997. Limited support from the label and line-up changes contributed to the band’s breakup that year. Locicero, Camacho, and Jacobs subsequently formed Manmade God. Forbidden reunited for a one-off performance in 2001 under the name Forbidden Evil for the Thrash of the Titans benefit concert. In 2007, the band reformed with Craig Locicero returning but without Paul Bostaph. Drummers Gene Hoglan and Mark Hernandez participated in reunion shows, including European and Japanese tours. Glen Alvelais was replaced by Steve Smyth on guitar. In 2009, the band performed "Twisted into Form" in its entirety during tours. In 2010, Forbidden released their fifth studio album "Omega Wave" through Nuclear Blast Records and toured internationally. Drummer Mark Hernandez left in 2011 and was temporarily replaced by Gene Hoglan, followed by Sasha Horn. The band went on hiatus in 2012 following departures of Matt Camacho and Russ Anderson. Locicero confirmed in 2013 that a return was unlikely, though the band remained under contract with Nuclear Blast as of 2016. In 2023, Forbidden officially announced a reunion with Norman Skinner replacing Russ Anderson on vocals. The band played their first show in 11 years on July 16, 2023, at Baltic Kiss in Richmond under the name "Twisted into Evil", followed by performances at the Alcatraz festival and supporting Death Angel in San Francisco. They began writing material for a new album expected in early 2025 and released the single "Divided by Zero" on June 26, 2025. The band planned a European tour including the Alcatraz Festival and signed with BLKIIBLK Records on January 14, 2026. Studio albums Forbidden Evil (1988) Twisted into Form (1990) Distortion (1994) Green (1997) Omega Wave (2010) 2. Forbidden is also the name of a hardcore/hatecore band from the United States. 3. Forbidden is the name of a local UK band formed by Chloe Dickinson. 4. Forbidden is a hip-hop musician from Baltimore, Maryland, who released the album "Tha Only Child" in 2004. 5. Forbidden is a visual kei band formed on 12 October 2023 by vocalist Byo and guitarist 凛-Lin-. Rui performs support bass and JIN performs support drums.