Chris Kontos has stepped down as drummer for Forbidden, citing concerns about financial transparency and accounting integrity, Facebook. Kontos said he raised these issues with band members, management, the legal team and accounting before making his decision to leave.
Kontos described a pattern of business decisions made without his knowledge or input. He said these decisions created conflicts within the band and became what he called irreconcilable.
“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,” Kontos wrote. “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,” he continued.
Kontos expressed his satisfaction with the musical work he created with Forbidden. “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,” he said. “I’m truly grateful to the fans for nearly four years of incredible support.”
He thanked those who had supported Forbidden during his time in the band. “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,” Kontos added.
“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 made his departure announcement on Facebook and said he would not provide further comments on the matter.
Kontos joined Forbidden in April 2023 when the band reactivated with a new lineup that included founding guitarist Craig Locicero, longtime members Matt Camacho and Steve Smyth, vocalist Norman Skinner, and Kontos on drums. The revitalized group made its live debut at Belgium’s Alcatraz Metal Festival before performing sold-out shows in the Bay Area in support of Death Angel’s annual Christmas shows.
The self-titled album Forbidden was released on October 23, 2026, marking the band’s first studio album since Omega Wave in 2010 and their longest gap between two releases. Kontos played drums and co-produced the album, which came out via BLKIIBLK Records. The “Chaos By Design” U.S. tour with Heathen and Void began on October 23 in Las Vegas.
In September 2026, Forbidden announced that Kontos and bassist Matt Camacho would sit out the fall tour due to personal reasons. Eli Lucas took over drums and Avery Thurman of Blind Illusion replaced Camacho on bass. At that time, the band said Kontos and Camacho were expected to return in 2027. His departure ended his three-year tenure with the group, and the remaining members later stated that his exit came as a surprise.
