Forbidden Announces 15-Year-Old Return with Self-Titled Thrash Album and Psyclops Video
Bay Area thrash pioneers Forbidden have announced a new self‑titled album, scheduled for release on 23 October 2026. The record, available for pre‑order through BLKIIBLK, will be the band’s first full‑length release since 2010’s Omega Wave.
To mark the announcement, Forbidden released the single “Psyclops” with an official music video. Guitarist Craig Locicero described the track as a “hypnotizing stomper” and said the song was finished during the final stages of the album’s writing process. Locicero added that the lyrics, written by vocalist Norman Skinner, are open to interpretation, with the chorus depicting people trapped in complacency. The band’s production team for the album includes Locicero, drummer Gene Hoglan and producer Zach Ohren.
The 12‑track album contains more than an hour of new material that blends Forbidden’s classic Bay Area thrash roots with progressive elements and the experience gained over their decades‑long career. Locicero said, “Making Forbidden felt more like an odyssey than a typical recording process. We set out to create a record that reminds people why they fell in love with thrash and heavy metal in the first place, embracing raw energy, melody, and the imperfections that give heavy music its character.”
A guest appearance from Brann Dailor of Mastodon appears on the track “Sycophantasy.” The full track listing is: 1. Single Point Failure 2. Burning The Lungs of Earth 3. Divided By Zero 4. DCLXVI 5. Psyclops 6. Jisei 7. Mutually Assured Dysfunction 8. Sycophantasy 9. The Burden 10. Sol Grave 11. Flower of Life (Chaos By Design)
Forbidden will support the album on a fall tour with Heathen and Void. The tour schedule, announced in the source, includes 26 dates from 23 October to 22 November 2026, covering venues across the United States from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.
The band’s history provides context for the release. Formed in 1985 as Forbidden Evil, the group changed its name to Forbidden in 1987. After several lineup changes and a hiatus in 2012, the band reformed in 2023. Their earlier albums—Forbidden Evil (1988) and Twisted into Form (1990)—are regarded as classic thrash and tech‑thrash releases, respectively. Omega Wave (2010) was the last studio effort before the current hiatus.
The new album’s release date and tour dates were confirmed by the band’s official channels and reported by Blabbermouth.net on 22 July 2026. The music video for “Psyclops” is available on YouTube and was produced by Locicero.
The announcement marks a significant return for Forbidden, re‑introducing them to the modern metal scene after a 16‑year gap between studio albums. The inclusion of a guest from Mastodon and the collaboration with Gene Hoglan—known for his work with Dark Angel, Testament and Death—signal a blend of classic and contemporary metal influences.
At present, the album is available for pre‑order, and the tour dates are open for ticket sales. No further statements have been issued regarding additional releases or future projects.
The current situation is that Forbidden’s self‑titled album will launch on 23 October 2026, followed by a comprehensive U.S. tour with Heathen and Void. Fans and industry observers will be watching the album’s reception and the band’s performance on the road.
