UMUR
"Green" is the 4th full-length studio album by US, California based thrash metal act Forbidden. The album was released through GUN Records in March 1997. It´s the successor to "Distortion" from 1994 and the album features no lineup changes since the predecessor.
Forbidden played a techncially well played thrash metal style on their first two albums, but turned towards a more groove/alternative thrash metal style on "Distortion (1994)". That style is to some extent continued on "Green", but the three years between the two albums have been used to hone the songwriting craft in this style and to produce more memorable material. It´s not that I would characterize "Green" as a revelation of any sort, but compared to its predecessor, which was a bit of a disappointment, "Green" is a much stronger and more intriguing release. Heavy groovy rhythms and riffs, a dark atmosphere, and a suitable amount of aggression.
Forbidden are as always an incredibly well playing unit, and lead vocalist Russ Anderson brings something unique to the sound. It´s a great strength that he is as much a traditional singer as he is a raw staccato delivering thrash metal vocalist, and his vocal performance on this album is for the most part strong and commanding. "Green" features a well sounding production too and while it doesn´t reach the heights of the band´s early material it´s still a good quality release in its own right. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
