In a move that has sent shockwaves through the metal community, San Francisco Bay Area legends FORBIDDEN have announced a major lineup change, parting ways with renowned VOIVOD guitarist Daniel 'Chewy' Mongrain and welcoming Jeremy Von Epp as his replacement. But here's where it gets controversial: while Mongrain's departure was expected due to scheduling conflicts, the seamless integration of Von Epp has sparked debates among fans about the band's future direction. And this is the part most people miss: the chemistry between Von Epp and the rest of the band has been so undeniable that it's reshaping both their short-term and long-term plans.
On November 18th, FORBIDDEN took to social media to share the news, expressing their gratitude to Mongrain while introducing Von Epp as the 'new blood.' The band reminisced about how Mongrain, their first choice, had been a dream addition, despite knowing his time with them would be limited due to his commitments with VOIVOD. They highlighted his contributions to three songs on their upcoming album and his stellar performances, calling him 'one of the greatest guitarists in our Universe.'
However, the real surprise came when Jeremy Von Epp stepped in during overlapping tour dates, including Aftershock in Sacramento and Grita Fest in Colombia. His ability to master the band's complex material—including solos from legendary guitarists Glen Alvelais, Tim Calvert, Steve Smyth, and Mongrain—left the band in awe. Is Von Epp the perfect fit, or is this a risky move that could alter the band's signature sound? Weigh in below!
The band's statement continued, 'We got back from Colombia and reevaluated our situation. Jeremy needed to be in FORBIDDEN full time, and we all agreed. It made too much sense with the chemistry we have together.' They also extended heartfelt thanks to Mongrain, calling him 'family' and praising his genius and humor.
Mongrain himself reflected on his time with FORBIDDEN, sharing how he'd been a fan since 2008 and never imagined he'd join the band. He expressed gratitude for the experience but acknowledged the logistical challenges of balancing multiple projects. 'I am honored and forever grateful to have been part of FORBIDDEN,' he said, passing the torch to Von Epp.
Von Epp, meanwhile, shared his excitement about joining the band, citing their new song 'Divided By Zero' as the tipping point. 'Learning the material was a challenge, but one that I quickly grew to enjoy,' he said. His enthusiasm for returning to twin-lead guitar thrash metal has fans buzzing about what's next for FORBIDDEN.
But here's the burning question: Can Von Epp fill the shoes of not just Mongrain, but also the band's previous guitar legends? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Looking ahead, FORBIDDEN is currently writing, recording, and pre-producing new material that promises to take them to 'another level.' With the recent release of their first new songs in over 15 years—'Mutually Assured Dysfunction' and 'Divided By Zero'—the band is clearly firing on all cylinders. Recorded at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland with engineer/co-producer Zack Ohren, these tracks mark a new era for the band.
As they prepare for their '40 Years of Twisted Evil' European tour in summer 2025, celebrating four decades of existence and the 35th anniversary of their seminal album Twisted Into Form, FORBIDDEN shows no signs of slowing down. From their 'secret' live debut in July 2023 to their current lineup shakeup, the band continues to evolve while staying true to their thrash metal roots.
What do you think about this lineup change? Is it a bold step forward, or a risky gamble? Share your thoughts below and let the debate begin!
