Forbidden – Omega Wave

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After their successful reunion shows in 2008 and 2009 thrash veterans Forbidden’s announced that they would release their first new album for 13 years in 2010, exciting their patient fans worldwide, but making no promises on what it would sound like. What they’ve produced isn’t particularly close to the Forbidden sound of old, for the most part. Trademark twin lead guitar melodies aside, provided in the current line-up by Greg Locicero and former Testament man Steve Smyth, who replaced Glen Alvais in 2009, this is a more aggressive Forbidden than on classic albums Forbidden Evil and Twisted Into Form. Russ Anderson still has his higher-end melodic voice to roll out at appropriate moments, but he spends most of his time in Matt Barlow-mode. There’s something a lot less immediate about these songs compared to the band’s heyday, and what makes them feel slightly disjointed is difficult to put a finger on. There are barely any choruses as hooky as the likes of Step By Step, Tossed Away or Chalice of Blood, which could be an obvious reason, but its something subtler than that. This record could end up being quite dividing amongst thrash fans. Musically it’s very interesting, and packed with sharp riffs and wonderful leads, but the songs themselves are missing something for the most part, which may leave some listeners feeling a bit flat about the whole thing.

Written by Andy Lye
More: 2010, Albums, Quick.Play Reviews, Thrash Metal, Forbidden