Black Sabbath – Forbidden (1995): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in June 1995, Forbidden is the eighteenth studio album by Black Sabbath, and the fourth to feature Tony Martin on vocals. Recorded under unusual circumstances, the album is often considered one of the most divisive in Sabbath’s discography, featuring a mix of traditional Sabbath riffs and experimental elements.
Despite criticism, Forbidden remains a unique, late-era album, notable for its rare production choices and the band’s willingness to experiment during a transitional period.
Album Overview
Forbidden was recorded during a tumultuous period for Black Sabbath, with Tony Iommi aiming to modernize the band’s sound while maintaining their heavy metal roots. The album incorporates hard rock riffs, atmospheric keyboards, and layered production, but lacks the tight cohesion of earlier releases.
Musically, the album leans toward melodic metal with 90s alternative influences, while lyrically it touches on darkness, morality, and personal reflection. The album is short and direct, often emphasizing mood over technical complexity.
Tracklist – Black Sabbath: Forbidden (1995)
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The Illusion of Power
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Get a Grip
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Shaking Off the Chains
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Loser Gets It All
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I Won’t Cry for You
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Psycho Man
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The Mine
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Guilty as Hell
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Forbidden
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Sex Crime
Album Review
The album opens with “The Illusion of Power,” a dark, riff-driven track with strong Tony Martin vocals. “Get a Grip” and “Shaking Off the Chains” continue with accessible hard rock riffs, while “I Won’t Cry for You” stands out as a melodic, almost ballad-like moment in the album.
Tracks like “Psycho Man” and “Forbidden” emphasize heavier riffing, but production choices and layering sometimes make the album sound overly polished compared to classic Sabbath grit. While not universally loved, the album offers interesting experimentation and insight into the band’s mid-90s direction.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Forbidden is widely considered a controversial late-era album, receiving mixed reviews from fans and critics alike.
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• Trivia: The album features Tony Iommi’s signature riffs, but with a 90s hard rock production twist.
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• Did You Know? The track Psycho Man was later re-recorded by Ozzy-era Black Sabbath for compilations.
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• Fun Fact: The album artwork depicts a futuristic, dystopian theme, reflecting the darker lyrical content.
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• Did You Know? Bassist Neil Murray and drummer Cozy Powell both contributed, maintaining a tight rhythm section despite the experimental production.
Cultural Legacy
Although often overlooked, Forbidden represents Black Sabbath’s willingness to experiment in the 1990s while navigating lineup changes and shifting musical landscapes.
The album remains a curiosity for collectors and diehard fans, showcasing the band’s dark thematic elements and melodic experimentation. While not a classic, it’s an important part of the Tony Martin era, bridging 90s metal with Sabbath tradition.
Black Sabbath Full Discography