God Forbid
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 in East Brunswick, New Jersey, United States |
| Defunct | 2013 (hiatus) |
| Fate | Reunion in 2022, semi-active status |
| Headquarters | East Brunswick, New Jersey , United States |
| Products | Metalcore and thrash metal music |
God Forbid is a metalcore group from the United States, established in 1996 in East Brunswick, New Jersey. After disbanding in 2013, the band has maintained a semi-active status since their reunion in 2022.
Formation and Early Years (1996–2004)
During the late 1990s, God Forbid cultivated a dedicated fanbase by touring with notable acts such as GWAR, Nile, and Cradle of Filth. Their debut album, Reject the Sickness, was released in 1999 through 9volt Industries and received considerable radio exposure on South Orange, New Jersey’s WSOU-FM. This attention helped secure a contract with Century Media Records. Under this label, they launched Determination in 2001 and supported it by joining the MTV2 Headbangers Ball tour alongside bands like Shadows Fall and Lamb of God.
Rise to Prominence (2004–2013)
The 2004 album Gone Forever significantly increased their visibility, aided by performances on the second stage of Ozzfest. Their conceptual release in 2005, IV: Constitution of Treason, which explored apocalyptic themes, became their first record to chart on the Billboard at position 118. Between 2005 and 2006, they supported UK tours with groups such as Trivium, Mendeed, and Bloodsimple, later headlining the Chains of Humanity tour during 2006–2007.
In 2007, their track "To the Fallen Hero" earned the Independent Music Award for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Song. The band issued a DVD in June 2008 and followed up with their fifth studio effort, Earthsblood, in February 2009, which debuted at number 110 on the Billboard charts. They embarked on a North American tour called the No Fear Energy Music Tour alongside Lamb of God.
Guitarist Dallas Coyle left the group in March 2009 and was temporarily replaced by former Darkest Hour guitarist Kris Norris, before Matt Wicklund took over permanently. That summer, God Forbid participated in the Rockstar Mayhem Festival, sharing the stage with prominent bands including Trivium, Bullet for My Valentine, and Slayer.
In April 2010, the band revealed plans for a new album named Equilibrium, which was ultimately released on March 26, 2012. From July through August of that year, God Forbid took part in Metal Hammer's "Trespass America Festival", headlined by Five Finger Death Punch, with support from acts like Trivium and Killswitch Engage. Later in 2012, they co-headlined the Party To The Apocalypse 2012 tour alongside Shadows Fall, featuring support from Thy Will Be Done and Trumpet The Harlot.
Hiatus and Disbandment (2013–2022)
On August 16, 2013, Doc Coyle announced his exit from God Forbid. Shortly thereafter, Corey Pierce confirmed via his Facebook page that the band had officially ended: "No more suspense, God Forbid is over." Byron Davis also acknowledged the split while highlighting the close-knit nature of the group despite moving forward separately. During this break period, Doc Coyle joined the band Bad Wolves.
Reunion Period (2022–present)
God Forbid declared their reunion in March 2022 for an appearance at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival scheduled for September, marking their first live show after nearly a decade. Four months later, former As I Lay Dying guitarist Nick Hipa was announced as part of the lineup for this comeback event. Following the festival performance, Doc Coyle indicated in an interview that while a full-time return was unlikely, they planned two concerts in January 2023 at New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom in Sayreville and Massachusetts’ Worcester Palladium in Worcester.
Musical style
God Forbid is mainly identified with the genres of metalcore and thrash metal, and is recognized as part of the new wave of American heavy metal movement.
Current members
- Doc Coyle — lead guitar, backing vocals (1996–2013, 2022–present)
- Corey Pierce — drums (1996–2013, 2022–present)
- Byron Davis — lead vocals (1997–2013, 2022–present)
- John "Beeker" Outcalt — bass (1997–2013, 2022–present)
Current touring members
- Nick Hipa — rhythm guitar (2022–present)
Former members
- Dallas Coyle — rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1996–2009)
- Matt Wicklund — rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2009–2013)
Touring
- Kris Norris — rhythm guitar (2009)
Studio albums
- Reject the Sickness (1999)
- Determination (2001)
- Gone Forever (2004)
- IV: Constitution of Treason (2005)
- Earthsblood (2009)
- Equilibrium (2012)
EPs
- Out of Misery (1998)
- Better Days (2003)
Singles
- "To the Fallen Hero" (2006, limited to tour release)
Compilation albums
- Bring You to Your Knees...Guns N' Roses (2004)
- Sickness and Misery (2007)
Videos
- Beneath the Scars of Glory and Progression (2008, DVD)