Bay Area thrash metallers Forbidden have announced that drummer Chris Kontos will not join the band for their upcoming tour and will be replaced by Eli Lucas. The change follows the band's 2023 reunion with founding guitarist Craig Locicero, alongside longtime members Matt Camacho and Steve Smyth, and vocalist Norman Skinner.

Forbidden is heading out on a headlining tour in support of their self-titled album, with support from Heathen and Void. The tour begins October 23 in Las Vegas and runs through November 22, including dates in Salt Lake City, Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Albany, Greensboro, Orlando, Atlanta, Destin, Austin, Dallas, Albuquerque, Tucson, and Los Angeles. Full details and ticket information are available at https://www.bandsintown.com/a/13563.

The band is also confirmed for 70000 Tons Of Metal 2027, a cruise from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and back, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, scheduled January 14–18, 2027.

Formed in 1985 as Forbidden Evil in Fremont, California, the band released its landmark debut in 1988 before shortening its name to Forbidden. Key albums including Twisted Into Form, Distortion, and Green solidified its legacy in the Bay Area thrash scene. The group reunited in 2008, released Omega Wave in 2010, and toured internationally before going on hiatus in 2012. The 2023 lineup returned with new music, including the 2025 release of "Divided By Zero," with additional tracks set for 2026.