San Francisco Bay Area metallers FORBIDDEN have “likely seen [their] last days as a recording band,” according to their guitarist, Craig Locicero. “[Drummer] Sasha [Horn] and [guitarist] Steve [Smyth] came through like champs last year when we had every intention to write and record our next record,” he continues. “We started working on some INSANELY cool stuff! But alas, real life stepped in. Matt [Camacho, bass] has retired from music and Russ [Anderson, vocals] simply has no fire or desire to do the work it takes to get back to relevancy. It is a tough road; ask DEATH ANGEL. But they committed to it and I commend them. Russ just does not have the fire at his stage of life. I must respect that.”
FORBIDDEN‘s latest album, “Omega Wave”, was released in Europe on October 22, 2010 and in North America on October 26, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD landed at position No. 27 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
Locicero is currently focusing all his attention on SPIRALARMS, the San Francisco Bay Area-based heavy rock band also featuring Tim Narducci (ex-SYSTEMATIC) on vocals, Chris “Cornbread” Lombardo on bass, Brad Barth on keyboards, Anthony Traslavina on rhythm guitar and Ron Redeen (THE ESSENESS PROJECT) on drums.
SPIRALARMS‘ sophomore album, “Freedom”, will be released later in the year.
Guitarist Craig Locicero of San Francisco Bay Area metallers FORBIDDEN has posted the following message on his Facebook page:
“So everyone wants to pile on [MEGADETH mainman] Dave [Mustaine], who definitely has douchy tendencies.
“I don’t know of anyone that has all of their facts straight on [James] Holmes [the alleged shooter in Aurora, Colorado movie theater massacre], but I STRONGLY believe there is the possibility that he was a patsy. But not summoned by Obama himself. That is where I think Mustaine was ignorant and gives him too much credit/blame. But used by those who control the ebbs and flows of society.
“Take a long view of this upcoming dog-and-pony show called our ‘free’ election. If you do, you can see where the lines of division on race, sexuality, religion, freedom of speech and our rights to assemble are being drawn.
“Things are uglier than they have been in any recent history.
“Whichever side wins the fake election in November, there will be a backlash from the polarized extremists on the other side. This government and military are fully anticipating it as a certainty.
“So what does that mean in this very subject?
“These shootings are a possible catalyst to eradicate the right to bear arms in this country. It makes most people say, ‘Hey, enough is enough. Let’s make guns illegal here!’ That sounds dandy to some folks, but it’s beautiful music to the ears for those who crave division amongst our citizens.
“Take away the guns from all of the radicals and eradication becomes much easier. But nowhere near everyone with a gun is a radical.
“So while Dave supposedly shoved his feet into his mouth once again, I say he’s close to the truth. A lot closer then most people want to accept.
“One thing is certain. People suck.
“Watch these videos for a little more [insight] and go ahead and hate the messenger if you wish.”
FORBIDDEN sadly have to cancel their show at this years Wacken Open Air. Due to the fact that long time bass player Matt Camacho left the band and Russ Anderson decided to take a break from music business, Forbidden won’t be able to play their performance.
Here is the official statement of the band:
„I am extremely saddened to have to announce that our bassist and Brother since 1986, Matt Camacho, has decided to retire from the music business and leave Forbidden permanently. For those that know and love Matt, this may be a shock to you. Matt’s always been gung-ho for the band since the beginning and was a positive guy. But ever since he went to law school after Forbidden split up the first time, he was on a career path that would eventually take him to this day. His job position keeps getting better and taking care of our families is the most important thing.
Matt had this to say about his experience of being in Forbidden:
“Playing in Forbidden has been a dream come true for me. It has allowed me to tour the world, play with and meet some of the most amazing bands, make friends for life, perform some phenomenal shows, and, most important, experience the most amazing FANS…I’ll truly miss the inspiration and love that people from around the world have shown towards the MUSIC. As I leave for a new endeavor, I want to express my thanks and gratitude for all the incredible musicians both past and present who have graced their magical touch on Forbidden’s music. To be a part of this band and to have these guys as friends and family for life is a true blessing. Thanks guys for the support and I look forward to seeing Forbidden carry on for years to come.”- Matt Camacho
So good luck and nothing but Love to Matt!
With that being said, Russ Anderson has made the decision to take a break away from music to get his bearings back and rekindle his fire for Forbidden. Russ is not quitting, but has decided that he needs to do this for himself. We support him and his decision to not fake his way through what needs to be real. I had always said since we reformed in 2008, that as soon as things become tedious or a grind we’d either stop doing this or take a break. But we’d never say never again! Forbidden is not through yet. Russ simply needs to recharge his Thrash Metal batteries!
So then there is the unfortunate reality that under these circumstances Forbidden will not be appearing at WOA this year. This breaks my heart as much as anything else! Steve, Sasha and myself were very much looking forward to playing in front of that crowd and we had been holding out hope for Russ to change his mind. But he feels strongly that he just can’t do it right now. So we must respect his wishes and let him have his space.
We’d like to apologize to our fans, Continental Concerts, the WOA organizers and everyone at Nuclear Blast Europe. You’ve all stood by us for so long and we understand how bad the fans in Europe want to see Forbidden again. But you deserve to see Forbidden at it’s best. Not under these circumstances.
This is our promise to you, we’ll come back with stronger and with new material! We’ve already got half of the new record written and we’ll finish it up when Russ feels good enough to Thrash it up again!
Thanks to you all from the bottom of our hearts…“ Craig Locicero
EXODUS, POSSESSED, FORBIDDEN and HEATHEN are among the bands who will perform at a special concert to mark the 10-year anniversary of former EXODUS singer Paul Baloff‘s passing. Dubbed “Bonded By Baloff: A Decade Of Remembrance”, the event will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Oakland Metro Operahouse and will feature “a mind-blowing lineup that will rock your socks off!” according to a press release.
Scheduled performers:
Main Stage
EXODUS
POSSESSED
FORBIDDEN
HEATHEN
MAD AT SAM
Second Stage
ANGERHEAD
MUDFACE
THE VENTING MACHINE
HELLFIRE
HYSTERIA
It was almost a decade ago — on January 31, 2002 — that Paul Baloff suffered a major stroke and was brought to Highland General Hospital in Northern California, where he remained in a coma until he was declared brain dead. On February 2, 2002, his doctors shut off his life support, leaving him to die in his sleep. He had no previous known health problems, and the stroke was a complete surprise to everyone around him.
On the fifth anniversary of Baloff‘s passing, EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt said, “[Paul's] contribution to metal lives on. How else can you explain how a guy can record one album (twice!) and still be remembered as a thrash legend to this very day? Raise those glasses high, and hide your wallets, because Paul might just be right behind you!”
“Let There Be Blood”, the controversial re-recording of EXODUS‘ classic 1985 debut album, “Bonded by Blood”, was issued in October 2008 through Zaentz Records.
Regarding the band’s decision to re-record “Bonded By Blood”, Holt previously said: “It is our way of paying homage to Paul Baloff by showing how relevant these songs we had written together still are. We aren’t trying to replace the original; that’s impossible anyway. We are just giving these songs the benefit of modern production. It’s something we talked about before Paul‘s death and it’s always been important to us to do. We were super-excited about entering the studio once again to record these classics.” Current EXODUS vocalist Rob Dukes added, “Paul was rad, totally original. He was not like [METALLICA's James] Hetfield or [SLAYER's Tom] Araya. I think at times he wanted to be, but he was simply himself. He had a really cool way of going up with his voice in the weirdest spots. I, myself, find it cool and original.”
San Francisco Bay Area thrashers FORBIDDEN have announced the addition of drummer Sasha Horn (ex-NOVEMBER’S DOOM, AVA INFERI) from Chicago to the group’s ranks.
Commented FORBIDDEN guitarist Craig Locicero: “There were so many great players throwing themselves out there and we were always encouraged by the prospects.
“We had nine different drummers out of the dozens of submissions make the trek to Oakland to give it their best shot. Those drummers included Eli Lucas (Petaluma, California), Duane Timlin (Houston, Texas), Jimmy Schultz (Los Angeles, California), Pat Magrath (Los Angeles), Gee Anzalone (Italy), Todd Hansen (Australia), Henry Moreno (Florida), and Burton Ortega (San Francisco). We can’t say enough about these guys and how much heart and guts it took to take the chance for the gig. Much love and respect to them! At the very least, we have some new friends and we know where some great new talent is.
“All of these guys kicked ass or they would have never made it through the door, but at the end of the day, it was a two-horse race between Eli Lucas and Sasha.
“We can say with certainty that if Sasha didn’t slay the way he did, Eli would have gotten the gig. Both are incredible drummers with HUGE upsides. Eli will go far in this business! Sasha, however, lifted us to another level. When he started playing ‘Infinite’, everyone in the band immediately looked at each other and our eyes got bigger. It was something that Russ [Anderson, vocals] and I have not felt since Paul Bostaph first played with us back in 1986, when we were kids. Simply put, great chemistry! A sense of invincibility was in the room. Then we played ‘Forsaken At The Gates’ and it was over. No need to keep playing — we were stunned. In fact, some of our hands were shaking! That’s saying something. It was like gasoline thrown on an inferno!
“Now that we have our band back intact, we can start writing the next FORBIDDEN record with the confidence that we have something special once again. Like Bostaph, Jacobs, Hernandez and Hoglan, Sasha Horn will earn his praise and respect from our fans. He’s FORBIDDEN‘s next great drummer and we are very proud to tell the world! We are truly inspired to out-do ourselves.”
Added Horn: “This was an amazing opportunity from the get-go, to be able to throw my name in on auditions for a band that I’ve been an avid fan of since I was 12 years old.
“How does it feel to now get the chance to slay alongside them? Otherworldly. Truly out of this world.
“To just be considered along with the other amazing drummers from across the globe was a humbling experience in itself. And it’s because FORBIDDEN is a band that wants to constantly take leaps and bounds up to that next level that I know this is the perfect union.
“When we got into that room and played together for the first time, the chemistry just went right off of the charts. That’s a good feeling to start off with.”
FORBIDDEN‘s latest album, “Omega Wave”, was released in Europe on October 22, 2010 and in North America on October 26, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD landed at position No. 27 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
Source: Blabbermouth.net – Photo by Lisa Ferch Photography
