Forbidden is Back...

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The once improbable and impossible happened. Forbidden is reforming with new blood! Locicero, Camacho & Smyth remain from the Omega Wave lineup.

New vocalist Norman Skinner will take the elite position that belonged to Russ Anderson. Norman shocked everyone who witnessed his performance of Chalice of Blood with LA thrashers Warbringer accompanying him as the band. It was undeniable to all in attendance. Norman grew up in the Bay Area. His first thrash metal show was seeing Forbidden at the Omni. Russ would point to Norman at shows and call him. “Little Russ” on the mic. It could ONLY be Norman Skinner that stands aside the band.

Forbidden is laying the groundwork for some very exciting news and announcements. Locicero commented on the band's rebirth: "First off, I did NOT see this coming. When Forbidden quietly disbanded the second time in 2012, I figured it was over. While I always apply the “never say never” mantra to my life, Russ made it clear that he was completely finished with touring. My wingman and main dude from the conception of Forbidden Evil, Russ was my mentor and the guy who bought me beer when I was 15! I couldn’t imagine Forbidden without him, so I had little hope of a future with Forbidden. Today Russ is happily retired and living the sober life. I have nothing but love for that and him. Everyone needs to respect his wishes like we do.

So then ….. fast forward 11 years after our last show, Bay Area vocal talent Norman Skinner walks in to help us rehearse and sing a few thrash classics for the Bay Area Interthrashional set at Dynamo MetalFest 2022. WHAMMO! That’s when it all happened by accident. Truly. Then it happens AGAIN when Norman sings Chalice of Blood onstage alongside Warbringer at the one Bay Area show of Bay Area Interthrashional. Holy fuck! We will go into detail thoroughly in the upcoming weeks. It’s an amazing and organic progression story to tell.

I now can announce that alongside my brothers Matt Camacho (bass) and Steve Smyth (guitar) we are officially introducing Norman Skinner (vocals) and Chris Kontos (drums) to the Forbidden family. As far as Kontos goes, he’s well known as one of the Bay’s very best and most respected drummers. Chris’s work in Machine Head and Attitude Adjustment alone are legendary. Historically he’s sat behind the kit in with Exodus, Death Angel, and Testament to name few. I’ve been lucky enough to play music with Chris in the past and present as well most recently with punk legends The Boneless Ones. We work amazingly well together and have remained great friends for over 30 years. In a long line of amazing drummers… Bostaph, Jacobs, Hoglan, Hernandez and Horn… Kontos is the perfect fit for Forbidden

Having 5 people all moving the same direction with enthusiasm and positivity. It’s all I’ve ever wanted with Forbidden. Making the seemingly impossible, possible.

I like it. It will be cool to see what they come up with.

I love Russ Anderson. Not sure what to expect of this sans-Russ lineup.

This is a video of Skinner singing Chalice Of Blood referenced in the quote. The sound isn't the greatest but he sounds pretty decent.

Lari wrote:

I love Russ Anderson. Not sure what to expect of this sans-Russ lineup.

I was hoping Russ would be involved. I'll check out what they come up.

No Russ… but I’ll give them a listen. I’m sure Craig knows what the fans expect and will craft a quality album.

Interesting.

When they play live, it would be funny if the audience yelled "SKIIIIINNNN-ERRRR!" like Superintendent Chalmers on "The Simpsons."

Skinner sounds decent. I’ll support whatever they come out with. I wish Russ could be involved though.They’re still my favorite Bay Area band.

Had Craig on my podcast the other day. Cool guy.

A Handful of Wayne wrote:

Had Craig on my podcast the other day. Cool guy.

I watched that. Amazing work. So cool.

Lari wrote:

A Handful of Wayne wrote:

Had Craig on my podcast the other day. Cool guy.

I watched that. Amazing work. So cool.

Thanks! Yea I hoped he could have stayed a little longer but he wanted to watch some game or something lol