Forbidden - Forbidden Evil
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Forbidden‘s debut, Forbidden Evil, turns 20 today. Its maturity is still startling. The band emerged almost fully-formed, refining their technical thrash only slightly on their 1990 masterpiece Twisted into Form. Forbidden were a second-tier band in prominence, but more than matched their first-tier peers in competence. As a duo, Craig Locicero and Glen Alvelais were easily on par with Holt/Hunolt or that other H-team, Hetfield/Hammett. With an amazingly large range, Russ Anderson was perhaps thrash’s most underrated vocalist. There was also a fellow on drums named Paul Bostaph.
Chalice of BloodForbidden Evil
The unpredictability and attention to detail on this record is astounding. Even today, it feels forward-thinking, unlike today’s retro clones. One good thing has come from the retro thrash trend, though – older bands have receptive markets again. So many Bay Area thrash bands have reunited and released strong records, or are writing new material: Forbidden, Heathen, Laaz Rockit, Defiance, Death Angel, Exodus, Testament. Someone once commented that Metallica’s new record is a (by)product of today’s retro thrash environment. An interesting theory, for sure. In any case, I like the idea of old soldiers strapping on boots for one last hurrah.
