Drummer Chris Kontos has announced his immediate departure from thrash metal band Forbidden, citing deep conflicts with the band’s management and financial practices. Kontos posted his statement on Facebook.
Kontos had been with Forbidden for nearly four years. In his statement, he detailed his concerns about the band’s accounting practices, lack of financial transparency, and business decisions that were made without his input or knowledge.
“This does not come easy for me,” Kontos wrote. “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.”
He continued: “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.”
Despite the disputes that led to his exit, Kontos spoke positively of his musical work with the group. “I am incredibly proud of the music we created together, including the new album and videos,” he said. “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.”
Kontos also extended his gratitude to those who worked with the band during his tenure. “I want to thank BLKIIBLK Records as well as everyone who 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.”
He closed by saying: “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.”
Kontos’ departure follows a period of unresolved tensions with the band’s financial and business management. The drummer requested privacy and indicated he would not comment further on the matter.
Kontos joined Forbidden on April 19, 2023, as the band prepared to return after years away from recording and performing. The band released its self-titled album on October 23, 2026, marking their first studio album since Omega Wave in 2010. The record was co-produced by Kontos, bassist Craig Locicero, vocalist Norman Skinner, and guitarist Jeremy Von Epp, and was recorded at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California with engineer and co-producer Zack Ohren.
Tensions emerged before the album’s release. In September 2026, Forbidden announced that Kontos and bassist Matt Camacho would miss the band’s US tour with Heathen and Void for personal reasons, with Kontos citing family commitments and scheduling issues. The band brought in Avery Thurman and Eli Lucas as temporary replacements for the “Chaos By Design” US tour, which launched on October 23 in Las Vegas and was scheduled to conclude on November 22 in Los Angeles.
Kontos brought extensive experience to Forbidden. He was the drummer on Machine Head’s 1994 debut album Burn My Eyes and has played in Testament, Konkhra, Attitude Adjustment, Exodus, Death Angel, and Verbal Abuse. His work with these bands and his role as co-producer on Forbidden’s comeback album made him a key figure in the band’s recent activities.
