Country of origin: United States Location: Hayward, California Status: Active Formed in: 1985 Genre: Thrash Metal Themes: War, Religion, Corruption, Death, Society, Mental issues Current label: Nuclear Blast Years active: 1985-1987 (as Forbidden Evil), 1987-1997, 2001 (as Forbidden Evil), 2007-2012, 2023-present Formed in 1985 as Forbidden Evil but changed their name in 1987 to avoid being labeled a black metal band. The band briefly reunited as Forbidden Evil in 2001 to play the Thrash of the Titans benefit concert for Chuck Billy (Testament) and Chuck Schuldiner (Death). They reunited again in 2007 as Forbidden initially for touring only, but eventually decided to continue permanently. Forbidden went on an indefinite hiatus in 2012, when Matt Camacho left and Russ Anderson decided to take a break from the music business. Steve Smyth had already left the band earlier that year. Craig Locicero, Matt Camacho and Smyth reformed the band again with new members in April 2023. Anderson is now retired from the industry and the band has replaced him with Norman Skinner, while Chris Kontos has joined on drums.