Drummer Chris Kontos is officially leaving the Bay Area thrash metal band Forbidden.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Kontos and bassist Matt Camacho previously said they did not join the band's ongoing tour due to "personal reasons."
On Wednesday, Kontos shared a brutally honest social media video announcing his departure, which apparently shocked Forbidden members, who were unaware he planned to resign.
"This does not come easy for me," Kontos began. "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. Financial integrity, a lack of transparency in 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 and I wish the band all the best moving forward," Kontos continued.
"I'm 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. I'm truly grateful to the fans for nearly four years of incredible support.
Kontos concluded by thanking the extended Forbidden team and said he is looking forward to "new opportunities and adventures."
Forbidden Responds to Drummer's Abrupt Exit
The band released a statement on
Facebook following Kontos' resignation:"Everyone in Forbidden wants to wish Chris Kontos the absolute best in his future endeavors. We found out about his leaving the band the same way everyone else did. A social media post," the statement read.
"What we created together with this album will hopefully stand the test of time. Chris was an integral part of the process. We wish him nothing but happiness."
Forbidden was formed in 1985 under the original name Forbidden Evil. Two years later, the thrash metal band shortened its name to Forbidden.
Kontos joined the band in 2023.
