God Forbid

God Forbid was formed in East Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1996. The band built a following in the late 1990s through touring with established acts such as GWAR, Nile, Cradle of Filth, and Candiria. Their first full-length album, “Reject the Sickness,” was released in 1999 by 9volt Industries. This release received significant airplay from WSOU-FM, leading to the band’s signing with Century Media Records. God Forbid then released the album “Determination” in 2001 and performed on the MTV2 Headbangers Ball tour, playing alongside Shadows Fall and Lamb of God.

The band experienced a period of increased recognition after the release of “Gone Forever” in 2004, which was supported by a slot on Ozzfest’s second stage. In 2005, they released “IV: Constitution of Treason,” a concept album that marked their first entry onto the Billboard 200, debuting at number 118. God Forbid continued to tour extensively, supporting Trivium on a UK tour in 2005 and 2006, and headlining the Chains of Humanity tour in late 2006 and early 2007. Their song “To the Fallen Hero” received the Independent Music Award for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Song in 2007.

In 2009, God Forbid released their fifth studio album, “Earthsblood,” which debuted at number 110 on the Billboard 200. The band participated in the No Fear Energy Music Tour and the Rockstar Mayhem Festival that same year. After a lineup change, with Matt Wicklund joining as rhythm guitarist, the band released their album “Equilibrium” in 2012. God Forbid also took part in the Metal Hammer Trespass America Festival and the Party To The Apocalypse 2012 tour. The band announced a hiatus in 2013, with members citing the end of the group. However, God Forbid reunited in 2022 for the Blue Ridge Rock Festival and has continued with select performances.