Bay Area thrash metal veterans Forbidden have released a visualizer for their new track, “Single Point Failure,” taken from their recently released self-titled album, available now through BLKIIBLK.
The record marks Forbidden’s first full-length release since 2010’s Omega Wave and features the band’s current lineup of vocalist Norman Skinner, guitarists Craig Locicero and Jeremy Von Epp, bassist Matt Camacho, and drummer Chris Kontos.
Discussing the new song, Locicero explained that its musical direction draws inspiration from the band’s earlier material.
“‘Single Point Failure’ is a fast-paced bashing thrasher about the inevitable reality of an EMP looming over our planet,” he said. “Musically, it hits more like the Twisted Into Form era with the syncopated, melodic riffs intertwining while the instruments are tuned to standard E, like the first 2 albums were.”
The guitarist added that the song explores the potential consequences of a large-scale electromagnetic pulse disrupting electronic systems and infrastructure.
“‘Single Point Failure’ feels frantic and befitting of the subject matter while being a fun and turbulent ride,” he concluded.
Forbidden’s new album was produced by Locicero, Kontos and Zach Ohren. The 11-track effort also features a guest appearance from Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor on “Sycophantasy.”
Reflecting on the recording process, Locicero commented: “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.”
The release follows Forbidden’s return in 2023, when the group resumed live performances with a revamped lineup. The band previously introduced its new material with “Divided By Zero,” its first new song in 15 years.
Forbidden are also launching a U.S. headlining tour with support from Heathen and Void. The trek begins October 23 in Las Vegas and runs through November 22 in Los Angeles, including a November 5 stop in Brooklyn, New York, with the venue still to be announced.
Watch the visualizer for “Single Point Failure” below.
Forbidden 2026 tour dates with Heathen and Void:
October 23 – Las Vegas, NV – The Usual Place
October 25 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
October 26 – Denver, CO – Federal Theatre
October 28 – Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s
October 29 – Minneapolis, MN – Turf Club
October 30 – Chicago, IL – Reggies
October 31 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge
November 1 – Pittsburgh, PA – Preserving Underground
November 2 – Leesburg, VA – Tally Ho Theater
November 4 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium (Upstairs)
November 5 – Brooklyn, NY – Venue TBA
November 7 – Albany, NY – Empire Underground
November 8 – Lititz, PA – Mickey’s Black Box
November 9 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819
November 10 – Greenville, SC – Radio Room
November 12 – Orlando, FL – Conduit
November 13 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade (Altar)
November 15 – Destin, FL – Club LA
November 17 – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
November 18 – Dallas, TX – Trees
November 20 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
November 21 – Tucson, AZ – Club Congress
November 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
Photo by Phil Emerson
