God Forbid

The forerunners of the New Wave of American metal GOD FORBID encompass the genre to its core – brutal, melodic and unpredictable. New Jersey’s mighty quintet makes staying atop everybody’s radar look undeniably simple.

The type of band that all heavy music fans can get behind, GOD FORBID emulates remarkable musicianship as is evident in their past critically acclaimed records – a diverse splash of gritty heaviness coupled with groove-infused melodies in all the right places. Proving themselves as a hard-working force, their drive to aim high with each subsequent record is enough to make every band of a lesser caliber crumble. Their pummeling breakdowns and clean melodies are reason enough for this group to single-handedly raise the worldwide metal fever to an all time high.

GOD FORBID’s latest album Equilibrium delivers the group’s most dynamic effort to date, something that guitarist/vocalist Doc Coyle is not afraid to speak out on, “Fans can expect some of the classic God Forbid trademarks and a few twists and turns that are completely fresh. There are some really fast, thrashy elements – super heavy, groovy songs and some of the catchiest, most melodic songs we’ve ever written. The album sounds HUGE!”

The choice to name the record Equilibrium ties in with the lyrical theme of the album, “The lyrics come from a very personal, very real place. The recurring lyrical theme is really about the everyday struggles of life and what it takes to persevere and follow your dreams. It’s about staying positive and overcoming challenges,” explains Coyle.
GOD FORBID’s lineup boasts heavy metal all-stars vocalist Byron Davis, guitarist/vocalist Doc Coyle, bassist John “Beeker” Outcalt, drummer Corey Pierce and newest addition and rhythm/lead guitarist, Matt Wicklund.

First gaining popularity in the late 1990’s, dabbling in success was instantaneous for the band with two chart-topping albums to their name. Touring the world with the likes of MACHINE HEAD, LAMB OF GOD, MESHUGGAH, SLIPKNOT, and SLAYER, and landing stints on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball Tour, Ozzfest 2004, No Energy Tour and Mayhem Fest 2009, GOD FORBID’s successful journey has conjured up a mosh-inducing epidemic that has kept them towering over the scene today.

Continuing their pursuit of metal domination, GOD FORBID has kept themselves very busy, touring the world over supporting their latest album. Described as “one of the most brilliantly mastered and produced albums they have ever released”, Equilibrium landed the band on the Trespass America Festival with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and label-mates EMMURE as well as a tour with SHADOWS FALL. Stacked amps and piled speakers worldwide are proudly showering metal heads with the trademark raw, unbridled fury echoed in each of Byron Davis’ screams. As one of the most recognizable bands in the scene, GOD FORBID treasures playing in front of thousands of fans every set, connecting with the crowd and matching their crazed energy. Bringing the band to new heights, Equilibrium has solidified their ability to remain musically relevant while still delivering the clean, old school elements that have had fans headbanging since 1996.

GOD FORBID continues quickly sweeping the nation as one of the most promising forms of melodic thrash. Just when the group seems to achieve their true, full potential, they prove once again with Equilibrium that they’re no stranger to stretching musical boundaries and in turn cementing their longtime status as one of their genre’s elite.