Bay Area thrash metal veterans FORBIDDEN have officially returned with the release of the music video for “Divided By Zero”, their first new track in over 15 years. This marks the band’s first recording featuring the current lineup: founding guitarist Craig Locicero, longtime bassist Matt Camacho, and new members Norman “Norm” Skinner on vocals and Chris Kontos on drums. Additionally, VOIVOD guitarist Daniel Mongrain has joined the ranks, stepping in for Steve Smyth as of July 2024.
FORBIDDEN comments: “The opening riff for ‘Divided By Zero’ was the first thing Craig brought to the table as a new FORBIDDEN song. The lyrics address the erosion of civility and society through divisive control of institutions, cultures, religion, and government. Without picking sides, ‘Divided By Zero’ points to anyone and everyone that partakes in this mass manipulation, willingly or unwittingly.”
The band adds: “The video for ‘Divided By Zero’ is the stuff of dystopian nightmares, depicting how influential words and propaganda of the few have power to sway the many. Robots and monsters — how most of us unwittingly end up being one or the other through the multiple institutions’ relentless brainwashing and beating us down. All of the disturbing imagery, created by Ethan Renoe at Crumb Hill, visually captures the story perfectly, haunting, powerful, and poignant.”
“Divided By Zero” serves as a powerful link between the classic and modern eras of FORBIDDEN. The track was recorded with a raw, organic approach reminiscent of the band’s 1988 debut, “Forbidden Evil”—eschewing samples, triggers, and excessive editing to capture an authentic, unpolished thrash metal sound.
