Drummer Chris Kontos has officially exited Forbidden. His departure follows him and the band’s bassist Matt Camacho both opting to sit out the thrash metal group’s ongoing U.S. tour. Announcing the pair’s absence this past September, “personal reasons” were cited as preventing them from partaking in that trek.
Today, November 04th, Kontos issued the below statement on social media outlining his exit from the group, which as it turned out, was apparently how his now ex-bandmates in Forbidden also found out about him quitting. That statement read as follows:
“This does not come easy for me. I have been trying to not have to do this and resolve many issues with Forbidden for quite some time now. I have expressed my concerns to the band members as well as our management, the legal team and accounting. Financial integrity, a lack of transparency of accounting, ongoing business decisions I did not agree with, or was not made aware of or told about till after the fact resulting in conflicts with the band. These issues have become irreconcilable. I have decided that I can no longer continue as a part of the band.
I am stepping down as the drummer for Forbidden effective immediately. I wish the band all the best moving forward.
I am incredibly proud of the music we created together including the new album and videos. I have never worked harder on a project in my life. I put my heart and soul into every bit of the work. I’m truly grateful to the fans for nearly four years of incredible support.
I want to thank BLKIIBLK Records as well as everyone that helped the band over my time in Forbidden. This includes past band members, road crew, sound engineers, tour management, production companies and promoters. I’m very grateful and have a ton of appreciation and gratitude for you all. You know who you are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I’m looking forward to what life has to offer moving forward. New opportunities and adventures.
I respectfully ask for privacy at this time and will have no further comment.
Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support.”
Forbidden reacted publicly in a statement of their own:
“Everyone in Forbidden wants to wish Chris Kontos the absolute best in his future endeavors. We found out about his leaving the band the same way everyone else did. A social media post. What we created together with this album will hopefully stand the test of time. Chris was an integral part of the process. We wish him nothing but happiness.”
Camacho meanwhile commented on Kontos‘ post directly, offering, “Love you bro thanks for making me a better bass player hope to jam with you again.” The fracture arrives in the wake of the October 23rd release date of Forbidden‘s self-titled new album, which marked their first new record since 2010. Forbidden‘s ongoing tour with Heathen & Void runs as follows:
11/04 Worcester, MA – The Palladium (Upstairs)
11/05 Brooklyn, NY – TBA
11/07 Albany, NY – Empire Underground
11/08 Lititz, PA – Mickey’s Black Box
11/09 Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819
11/10 Greenville, SC – Radio Room
11/12 Orlando, FL – Conduit
11/13 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade (Altar)
11/15 Destin, FL – Club LA
11/17 Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
11/18 Dallas, TX – Trees
11/20 Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
11/21 Tucson, AZ – Club Congress
11/22 Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
