FORBIDDEN Announces New Drummer For European Tour

Reactivated San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal veterans FORBIDDEN have tapped Mark Hernandez (HEATHEN, DEFIANCE, RE:IGNITION, VIO-LENCE, TORQUE, TECHNOCRACY, SOCIAL UNREST) to play the drums on the band's upcoming European tour. According to a press release, "Mark Hernandez is one of the most dynamic and solid drummers in hard rock/heavy metal today. His aggressive attack and technical ability shine. Mark has proven himself over and over from his time in one of the most respected thrash metal bands of all time, VIO-LENCE, and more recently with HEATHEN and the rebirth of DEFIANCE. Mark will be one of the most watched drummers in hard rock and heavy metal for years to come."

Commented Glen Alvelais (guitar): "Mark is a bro from the Bay Area. I've been waiting for the opportunity to jam with him for years, and here we are. Mark came in the first day and blasted through five songs like it was nothing!!"

Added Craig Locicero (guitar): "Yes, we're all very excited about going over to Europe with Mark Hernandez behind the kit. It took us a while to sort out all of the details, so we apologize for the delay. It was rumored that Chris Kontos, whom I already have the honor of playing with in SPIRALARMS, was going to be FORBIDDEN's European drummer. But that did not pan out because Chris had other obligations with ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT and the PART TIME CHRISTIANS. So we had to try out some other drummers and Mark was on fire for the gig! He knocked us over with his audition and showed us how good he really is. This guy is going to surprise a lot of people. He shocked all of us and really did his homework.

"I've known Mark a long time after seeing him play with VIO-LENCE and RE:IGNITON and most recently HEATHEN so I knew he had some chops. The last thing we would do is put someone onto the FORBIDDEN drum throne who could not handle the job and pressure of filling some mighty large shoes. Obviously, Paul Bostaph and Steve Jacobs would be there if they could, but Paul's in TESTAMENT and Steve is unavailable in the time frame of this tour. So Mark won the job flat-out and he deserves it! So let's show him some love and respect to Mark when he bashing behind the kit with us in Europe. Make him feel welcome!"

Matt Camacho (bass),"We are fortunate to land another great drummer, one that can live up to the caliber of world-class drummers that we and our fans expect."

Russ Anderson (vocals): "Mark is a bad-ass drummer that deserves a chance!"

Mark Hernandez: "I am honored to be playing with FORBIDDEN, and I am ready for the task at hand."

FORBIDDEN has scheduled the following European tour dates:

Jun. 20 - The Rock - Copenhagen, DEN
Jun. 21 - Turock - Essen, GER
Jun. 22 - Hellfest - Clisson, FRA
Jun. 23 - Radar - Torino, ITA
Jun. 24 - Stuk - Maribor, SLO
Jun. 25 - Sotto Tetto - Bologna, ITA
Jun. 26 - Bang Your Head!!! (pre-festival club show) - Hechingen, GER
Jun. 27 - Bang Your Head!!! - Balingen, GER
Jun. 28 - Graspop Metal Meeting - Dessel, BEL
Jul. 03 - Markthalle - Hamburg, GER
Jul. 04 - Dynamo Club - Eindhoven, NETH
Jul. 05 - Waldrock Festival Burgum, NETH

FORBIDDEN played several dates in February with special guest drummer Gene Hoglan (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, TESTAMENT, DEATH, DARK ANGEL).

FORBIDDEN is rumored to be in talks with Nuclear Blast Records about recording a new studio album for the label. The proposed deal would also include the release of a new full-length live album, to be recorded on the band's upcoming European tour.

FORBIDDEN's last studio album, "Green", was released in 1997 on the G.U.N. label.

FORBIDDEN played two shows with DEATH ANGEL February 28-29 at Slim's in San Francisco, California.

Check out photos from Alan Ralph:

February 29
February 28

Footage of FORBIDDEN performing live at at Slim's in San Francisco, California on February 28, 2008 can be viewed below.