Bay Area thrash metal veterans Forbidden have announced their first new studio album in 15 years. The band’s self-titled sixth full-length effort, ‘Forbidden,’ is scheduled for release on October 23 through BLKIIBLK.
The album marks Forbidden’s first studio outing since 2010 and arrives alongside the premiere of its lead single, “Psyclops.”
Discussing the track, guitarist Craig Locicero explained:
“‘Psyclops’ was the final song completed for our newest self-titled offering. It was part of the last batch of music completed with Jeremy Von Epp & myself on the home stretch of our writing sessions & it came together quickly. The song itself is a hypnotizing stomper. Heavy footed like millions of people marching against how things stand in the status quo.”
He continued:
“Norman’s lyrics for ‘Psyclops’ should be left to the interpretation of the listeners. The chorus paints a vivid picture… ‘Forsaken, fast asleep and trapped inside a maze, Complacent eyes securely locked in an obscure gaze.’”
Production on ‘Forbidden’ was handled by Craig Locicero, drummer Chris Kontos, and producer Zack Ohren (Machine Head, All Shall Perish).
Speaking about the album as a whole, Locicero stated:
“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.”
He added:
“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.”
Notably, Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor makes a guest appearance on the album track “Sycophantasy.”
The full track listing for ‘Forbidden’ is:
- “Single Point Failure”
- “Burning The Lungs Of Earth”
- “Divided By Zero”
- “DCLXVI”
- “Psyclops”
- “Jisei”
- “Mutually Assured Dysfunction”
- “Sycophantasy”
- “The Burden”
- “Sol Grave”
- “Flower Of Life (Chaos By Design)”
In support of the album, Forbidden have also announced a fall North American headlining tour with Heathen and Void.
Forbidden Fall 2026 Tour Dates:
- 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 — TBA
- 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
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