Drummer CHRIS KONTOS Exits FORBIDDEN: ‘I Have Decided That I Can No Longer Continue As A Part Of The Band’

Chris Kontos has left San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal band Forbidden with immediate effect, ending a three-year run. He said unresolved concerns about financial integrity, accounting transparency and business decisions had made continuing impossible; the departure comes shortly after the band released its first album in 16 years.

Kontos said he was proud of the music and videos made with the group and thanked fans and collaborators. Forbidden said his exit came as a surprise, adding that he was integral to the new album. He and bassist Matt Camacho had already been set to miss the band’s autumn US tour for personal reasons, with temporary replacements announced; the tour runs from 23 October to 22 November.