First time at Basin
One of the key representatives of the Bay Area thrash scene since 1985, Forbidden hails from San Francisco, USA. Throughout their extensive career, they have combined technical precision, fast and aggressive riffs, and complex song structures, making them one of the most sophisticated bands in their genre. Forbidden earned their popularity among fans through uncompromising studio recordings and their ability to blend the power of thrash metal with melodic and progressive elements.
Over their 40-year history, Forbidden have gone through numerous hiatuses and lineup changes — a total of 14 members have passed through the band, including notable names like Paul Bostaph (ex-Slayer), Steve Smyth, and Gene Hoglan. The band was inactive from 1997–2007 and 2012–2023, but in the last two years, they have returned in full force, conquering stages around the world. Throughout their career, Forbidden released several cult albums, including Forbidden Evil (1988) and Twisted into Form (1990), still regarded as thrash metal classics. They are also known for their high-energy live performances, perfectly capturing the intensity and aggression of their studio work. In 2025, they released two singles, marking the lead-up to a new studio album — their first in over 15 years!