What makes Forbidden Evil by Forbidden notable?

Forbidden Evil received critical acclaim upon its release, often recognized for its intricate compositions and thematic depth within the thrash metal community. The album has influenced subsequent generations of metal bands and is frequently cited in discussions about essential thrash albums from the late '80s. Released in 1988, Forbidden Evil marked Forbidden's debut album, introducing their complex musical style to the burgeoning thrash metal scene. This album arrived shortly after the band's formation in 1985, showcasing their technical prowess and establishing them as significant players in the genre.

How many songs are on Forbidden Evil?

Forbidden Evil has 8 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Forbidden Evil

Forbidden · 1988

42 min · 8 tracks · thrash metal

Aggressive riffs collide with intricate melodies, creating a relentless thrash metal assault that pushes the genre's boundaries.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Chalice of Blood — This opening track exemplifies Forbidden's blend of aggression and technicality, featuring rapid tempo shifts and intricate guitar work that sets the tone for the entire album.
→
Through Eyes of Glass — This song showcases the band's ability to weave complex rhythms with melodic elements, creating an atmospheric piece that stands out in their catalog for its emotional intensity.
→
Forbidden Evil — The title track encapsulates the album's dark themes and features some of the most memorable riffs, making it a quintessential representation of Forbidden's sound and lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Forbidden Evil showcases intricate compositions and dynamic contrasts typical of thrash metal, marking a strong debut in the genre.

What we noticed

Vocals alternate between melodic lines and harsh screams, enhancing the dynamic contrast throughout the tracks.
Several songs incorporate intricate solos that are woven into the fabric of the compositions rather than being standalone sections.
The final track ends with a gradual fade-out, contrasting with the intensity of the preceding songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Chalice of Blood 4:33
2 Off the Edge 4:18
3 Through Eyes of Glass 6:26
4 Forbidden Evil 5:44
5 March Into Fire 5:09
6 Feel No Pain 5:15
7 As Good as Dead 4:16
8 Follow Me 7:01

What to play next

Listen next

Twisted into Form

1990

Full Forbidden discography Artists like Forbidden

thrash metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata