San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal stalwarts Forbidden have announced the departure of drummer Chris Kontos, who has officially exited the band after a three-year tenure. The announcement, made by Kontos via social media on Wednesday, November 4th, cites deep-seated issues concerning financial integrity, a lack of accounting transparency, and disagreements over ongoing business decisions as the primary catalysts for his departure. Kontos stated that these matters had become "irreconcilable," leading him to the difficult decision to step down as the band’s drummer, effective immediately.
Kontos expressed profound pride in the musical output created during his time with Forbidden, particularly highlighting the recently released self-titled album and accompanying music videos as the culmination of his hardest-working project to date. He conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the band’s fanbase for nearly four years of unwavering support, as well as acknowledging the contributions of BLKIIBLK Records and various individuals who supported the band throughout his tenure. These acknowledgments included past band members, road crew, sound engineers, tour management, production companies, and promoters, whom he thanked profusely. Looking ahead, Kontos expressed anticipation for new opportunities and adventures, respectfully requesting privacy regarding his decision and future endeavors.
In a starkly contrasting response, the remaining members of Forbidden conveyed surprise at Kontos’s announcement, stating they learned of his departure through his social media post. Their official statement wished Kontos well in his future endeavors, acknowledging his integral role in the creation of their latest album. The band expressed hope that their shared musical achievements would endure the test of time.
This development follows a recent announcement in September that both Kontos and bassist Matt Camacho would be absent from Forbidden’s fall 2026 U.S. tour with Heathen and Void due to unspecified "personal reasons." Avery Thurman and Eli Lucas have been enlisted as temporary replacements for Kontos and Camacho, respectively. The "Chaos By Design" U.S. tour commenced on October 23rd in Las Vegas and is scheduled to conclude on November 22nd in Los Angeles, California.
Musical Output and Label Release
Forbidden’s latest self-titled album, released on October 23rd via BLKIIBLK, the heavy metal imprint of Frontiers Label Group, marks a significant release for the band. This album represents their first new studio material since 2010’s "Omega Wave," an album that garnered considerable acclaim and marked their return after a hiatus. The recording sessions for the new album took place at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California, with engineer and co-producer Zack Ohren at the helm. Ohren’s extensive experience in the thrash and metal scene, having worked with numerous prominent bands, undoubtedly contributed to the sonic landscape of the new record.
Historical Context of Forbidden
Forbidden’s roots trace back to 1985 in Fremont, California, where they initially formed under the moniker Forbidden Evil. The band quickly ascended to become a foundational act within the burgeoning Bay Area thrash metal scene, a movement that redefined the landscape of heavy music in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Following several lineup adjustments, the band solidified what is often considered their classic lineup, featuring vocalist Russ Anderson, guitarists Robb Locicero and Glen Alvelais, bassist Matt Camacho, and drummer Paul Bostaph. This iteration released their seminal debut album, "Forbidden Evil," in 1988, before subsequently shortening their name to Forbidden.
The subsequent years saw the release of highly regarded albums such as "Twisted Into Form" (1990), "Distortion" (1994), and "Green" (1997). These records showcased the band’s signature blend of technical proficiency, melodic songwriting sensibilities, and Anderson’s distinctive vocal delivery. Their reputation as a formidable live act was cemented through extensive touring alongside contemporaries like Sacred Reich, Exodus, Death Angel, Testament, and Malevolent Creation, solidifying their status as respected veterans of the thrash metal genre. After a period of dormancy, Forbidden reunited in 2008, leading to the critically acclaimed comeback album "Omega Wave" in 2010, followed by international touring before another hiatus in 2012.
Recent Band Activity and Lineup Shifts
Forbidden’s resurgence in 2023 saw a revitalized lineup featuring founding guitarist Robb Locicero, alongside long-time members Matt Camacho and Steve Smyth on guitar. Norman Skinner took on vocal duties, and Chris Kontos filled the drummer’s position. This new configuration made its live debut at Belgium’s Alcatraz Metal Festival, followed by sold-out performances in the Bay Area supporting Death Angel’s annual Christmas shows. The band embarked on a new creative phase in 2025 with the release of "Divided By Zero," their first new song in 15 years, signaling a renewed commitment to producing original material.
Further complicating the band’s recent history, it was announced last November that Forbidden had parted ways with guitarist Daniel "Chewy" Mongrain, who had previously played with the acclaimed progressive metal band Voivod. Mongrain had joined Forbidden in July 2024, replacing Steve Smyth. Smyth’s departure from the band in July 2024 was attributed to his desire to prioritize his other musical commitments, including his band One Machine, alongside other projects, session work, and music education.
The initial lineup of the resurrected Forbidden, which included Locicero, Camacho, Skinner, Kontos, and Smyth, made their public debut under the moniker "Twisted Into Evil" at a private performance in July 2023 at Baltic Kiss in Richmond, California. This early phase of the band’s reformation laid the groundwork for the subsequent lineup changes and the recording of their latest album.
Analysis of Implications
Chris Kontos’s departure, particularly given the public nature of his stated reasons, raises significant questions about the internal management and financial practices within Forbidden. The emphasis on "financial integrity" and "lack of transparency of accounting" suggests a breakdown in trust and communication that extends beyond typical creative differences. Such issues can have a detrimental impact on a band’s ability to operate effectively, secure endorsements, and maintain a stable touring schedule.
The fact that the remaining band members claimed to have been blindsided by Kontos’s announcement via social media further underscores the apparent disconnect. This suggests a potential lack of robust internal communication channels or a deliberate withholding of information from certain band members. For a band with a long and storied history like Forbidden, internal stability is crucial for sustained creative output and fan engagement.
The timing of Kontos’s exit, shortly after his temporary absence from the fall tour and the release of a new album, is also noteworthy. While the band stated his absence was due to "personal reasons," his subsequent statement implies that these underlying issues may have been present for some time and contributed to his decision to sit out the tour. This raises concerns about the future touring capabilities and promotional efforts for the new album.
The departure of a key member, especially a drummer who has publicly articulated significant grievances, can create uncertainty for fans and the wider music industry. It may lead to speculation about the band’s long-term viability and the potential for further lineup changes. For BLKIIBLK Records and Frontiers Label Group, the situation presents a challenge in promoting and supporting an artist whose lineup has experienced instability. However, the band’s statement that the new album will "stand the test of time" and their acknowledgment of Kontos’s "integral part" in its creation suggests an effort to focus on the musical legacy and move forward despite the internal discord.
The historical context of Forbidden, a band that has navigated multiple reunions and lineup shifts, suggests a resilience that may allow them to overcome this latest challenge. However, the nature of Kontos’s stated reasons indicates that addressing these fundamental operational issues will be paramount for any future stability and success the band may seek. The industry will be watching to see how Forbidden navigates this latest chapter and whether they can regain the cohesive front that has characterized their most successful periods.
Photo credit: Phil Emerson
