Forbidden is an American thrash metal band from the San Francisco Bay Area, which played a pivotal role in the evolution of the genre throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Originally formed in 1985 under the name Forbidden Evil, the band decided to shorten the moniker to Forbidden for a more distinct identity. The original lineup included vocalist Russ Anderson, guitarists Craig Locicero and Robb Flynn, bassist Matt Camacho, and drummer Paul Bostaph. However, Robb Flynn would leave to form his own band, Machine Head, and Bostaph would go on to play with Slayer.

Forbidden's sound was characterized by its intense speed, complex arrangements, and aggressive lyrical content, which helped them stand out during a period saturated with thrash metal hopefuls. Despite not achieving the same level of commercial success as some of their Bay Area contemporaries like Metallica or Megadeth, Forbidden earned a dedicated following with their debut album "Forbidden Evil" (1988) and subsequent releases. The band's progression and refined musicianship were apparent in their second album, "Twisted into Form" (1990), which became a favorite among thrash connoisseurs. They followed it up with the politically charged "Distortion" (1994) and the groove-laden "Green" (1997), showcasing their ability to evolve and remain relevant. After a lengthy hiatus, they returned with "Omega Wave" (2010), their fifth studio album, which maintained their signature sound while incorporating modern thrash and metal elements. Despite their intermittent activity and line-up changes, Forbidden has remained a respected name in the thrash metal scene, noted for their influential role during its formative years.