FORBIDDEN are a technical thrash metal band from the fertile “Second Wave” of Bay Area thrashers, alongside TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL and VIO-LENCE. Past members include musicians from SLAYER, TESTAMENT, FEAR FACTORY, MACHINE HEAD, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and ex-NEVERMORE guitarist Steve Smyth, who is now an active member of this reactivated band.
Though they never saw the massive, worldwide success of bands like TESTAMENT and EXODUS, they were fan favorites and, on “Omega Wave”, they prove they still have what it takes to impress the serious thrasher. In a time when younger bands are judged more for the patches on their denim jackets than on their actual chops, FORBIDDEN are a big middle finger to the neo-thrash movement and a testament to dogged determination and consistently authentic musical output.

Nice to know:
- This is FORBIDDEN’s first album since 1997’s “Green” and their first for Nuclear Blast.
- Former members include musicians from SLAYER, TESTAMENT, FEAR FACTORY, MACHINE HEAD, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD.
- Ex-NEVERMORE guitarist Steve Smyth is a current member!
- “Omega Wave” was mixed by Sean Beavan (SLAYER, MARILYN MANSON, NINE INCH NAILS) and produced by FORBIDDEN guitarist / songwriter Craig Locicero and Tim Narducci.
- Artwork is by Kent Mathieu (EXODUS, AUTOPSY, EXHORDER).