Forbidden Guitarist Craig Locicero Defends Band's Diverse Sound

Guitarist Craig Locicero has set the record straight regarding the sonic identity of FORBIDDEN's upcoming self-titled album. Speaking to The Adventures Of Pipeman, Locicero warned listeners that if they are expecting a pure thrash metal experience, they might be in for a surprise. He explained that while the San Francisco Bay Area scene was built on complex guitar work and New Wave Of British Heavy Metal melodies, FORBIDDEN has always occupied its own distinct lane.

Locicero attributed much of the band's versatility to the capabilities of former frontman Russ Anderson, who allowed the group to lean into heavier metal territory alongside their thrash roots. He noted that the new material fully embraces these influences, incorporating progressive structures and collaborative input from the entire band. For Locicero, the goal isn't to clone others, but to find the unique "fingerprints" in their sound.

I feel like, is just as much heavy metal as it is thrash metal as it is prog.

This upcoming release marks a significant milestone for the band, serving as their first studio album since 2010's "Omega Wave" and their first featuring vocalist Norman Skinner, drummer Chris Kontos, and guitarist Jeremy Von Epp. Reflecting on their evolution, Locicero contrasted the "clueless" beginnings of their 1988 debut with the more calculated, harmonised approach of the 1990s, eventually leading to the ambitious, collaborative spirit found on the latest record.