God Forbid

Lore & Background

God Forbid formed in East Brunswick, New Jersey in 1996. They gained a following in the late 1990s by touring with bands such as Gwar, Nile, Cradle of Filth, and Candiria. Their first full album, 'Reject the Sickness', was released in 1999 by 9volt Records and received heavy rotation from WSOU-FM. The band signed to Century Media Records and released 'Determination' in 2001, later playing on the MTV2 Headbangers Ball tour with Shadows Fall and Lamb of God.

In 2004, they released 'Gone Forever', which increased their profile considerably, along with a slot on Ozzfest's second-stage. The next year, they released 'IV: Constitution of Treason', a concept album about the end of the world that debuted at number 118 on the Billboard 200. In 2007, their song 'To the Fallen Hero' won the Independent Music Award for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Song. Their fifth studio album, 'Earthsblood', was released in 2009 and landed at number 110 on the Billboard 200.

The band broke up in 2013 after guitarist Doc Coyle left and drummer Corey Pierce announced the band was over. During the hiatus, Doc Coyle joined Bad Wolves. In March 2022, the band announced a reunion for the 2022 Blue Ridge Rock Festival, their first performance in nine years. Former As I Lay Dying guitarist Nick Hipa performed with them at that show. Doc Coyle clarified that God Forbid was not returning as a full-time thing, but they played two dates in January 2023.

Reader's Guide

God Forbid's significance lies in their role in the new wave of American heavy metal, blending metalcore and thrash metal. They built a strong regional following in the late 1990s and achieved national exposure through tours with major acts and festival slots like Ozzfest and the Rockstar Mayhem Festival. Their album 'IV: Constitution of Treason' marked their first entry on the Billboard 200, and 'Earthsblood' also charted. The band's song 'To the Fallen Hero' won an Independent Music Award, highlighting their recognition within the heavy metal community. Their 2013 breakup was followed by a semi-active reunion in 2022, with limited performances. God Forbid's legacy includes six studio albums, a DVD, and a compilation, and they remain a notable act from the New Jersey metal scene.

Did You Know?

• God Forbid's first full album 'Reject the Sickness' was released by 9volt Records in 1999.
• Former As I Lay Dying guitarist Nick Hipa performed with God Forbid at their 2022 reunion show.