Review FORBIDDEN “Forbidden”

Forbidden are unquestionably one of the veteran names of thrash metal. With two albums that helped define the late-’80s scene, the band earned a place in metal history. The debut, Forbidden Evil, with its iconic artwork, and Twisted Into Formbelong in any serious metal record collection.

After that, however, things became less consistent. Later releases struggled to match the standards set by those first two records, while constant lineup changes, splits, and reunions made it difficult for the band to establish any real continuity.

Led by Craig Locicero and Matt Camacho, Forbidden regrouped in 2023 and now return with a new self-titled album. It is their first full-length release in 16 years, with several tracks already released as singles. The question is whether Forbidden can live up to the band’s legacy while still offering something of its own.

The album gets off to a strong start with “Single Point Failure.” It is a fast-paced opener that hits hard from the first riff. The progressive side that has always been part of Forbidden’s sound is present, but the song keeps moving forward rather than putting technical details front and center. Those elements become more noticeable on “Burning the Lungs of Earth,” where thrash metal and progressive structures work together throughout a track that has already been released as a single.

“Divided By Zero” keeps the momentum going, pushing the tempo while a more riff-driven middle section adds a solid groove. Groove is also the key word for “DCLXVI,” which pulls back on the speed and relies on slower, heavier riffing to carry the song.

Then comes “Jisei,” an unexpected acoustic track that provides a welcome change of pace in the middle of the album. It reminds a bit of “Spiral Depression” in the Twisted Into Form album but by this point, it becomes clear that Forbidden are not simply trying to recreate the sound of the late ’80s. There is more range to what the band is doing in 2026.

After that brief pause, “Mutually Assured Dysfunction” brings the thrash back into focus. The track catches fire quickly, although some of its twists and turns take a moment to settle in. “The Burden,” by contrast, immediately locks into a darker, groove-heavy approach and proves more direct in its impact.

The album closes with “Flower of Life,” an almost ten-minute finale that demands some patience but rewards repeated listens. Technical thrash has always been part of Forbidden’s musical DNA, and this track makes good use of it. Like several of the album’s more elaborate moments, it takes a while before its full range becomes apparent. The quieter, more reflective middle section, with its orchestral touches and strings, is just one of several elements that give the song room to breathe. At the same time, it shows just how broad Forbidden’s musical palette has become in 2026.

Forbidden is a solid album with plenty of worthwhile material. No one should have expected it to knock the first two records from their place in the band’s catalog. Forbidden Evil and Twisted Into Form remain the defining albums of the band’s legacy.

What Forbidden does offer is a more varied take on thrash metal—one that builds on the genre while making room for traditional heavy metal, progressive passages, groove, and quieter moments. For thrash fans, there is plenty here to dig into. And yes, these songs still come with a built-in requirement: headbanging is strongly encouraged.