Bay Area metal has a long, proud history of producing elite guitarists—torchbearers who combine fearlessness, technical precision, and unmistakable tone. This week, that legacy continues as guitarist Jeremy Von Epp, one of the region’s most formidable modern shred talents, officially joins our friends in Forbidden, the legendary Bay Area thrash band revered as part of the scene’s “Big Six” alongside Exodus, Testament, Death Angel, Lȧȧz Rockit, and Vio-lence.
With Jeremy now in the lineup, Forbidden proudly boasts two former HOT FOR TEACHER alumni: Von Epp (guitar, 2022–2025) and drummer Chris Kontos, who performed with HFT throughout 2005 and has been a driving force in Forbidden since 2023.
Forbidden announced the lineup change on Tuesday, confirming that Von Epp will replace VOIVOD’s Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain, who performed and recorded with Forbidden for the past year and a half.
What makes this moment exceptional is not just the prestige of Forbidden’s history—but the remarkable rise of Von Epp himself, whose meteoric talent has most recently been on full display with HOT FOR TEACHER, the long-running, internationally recognized Van Halen tribute.
A Legacy of Shredders—And a New Chapter for HOT FOR TEACHER’s Finest
Jeremy Von Epp joined HOT FOR TEACHER in 2022, stepping into a lineage of remarkably talented guitarists including:
- Tommy Merry (2019–2022), now self-producing some powerful Heavy Christian Rock
- Jude Gold (2005, 2008–2013), now the guitarist for Jefferson Starship
- Drew Browne (2005)
- Terry Lauderdale (1999–2007 & 2013–2018), who continues to keep the VH party going with his own Van Halen Tribute Band – UNCHAINED
From the moment Von Epp walked onstage at HFT’s NAMM Show return in 2022, it was clear he was not just another guitarist—he was a phenomenon. His heavy, melodic edge and laser-sharp technique made every classic Van Halen track burst with renewed fire.
HFT vocalist Randy Monroe summed it up perfectly:
“Congratulations to Forbidden on recognizing the incredible person and shredder Mr. Jeremy von Epp. Now, melt some faces Boyz!” — Randy Monroe, HOT FOR TEACHER
The Forbidden Invitation: From Stand-In to Full-Time
Forbidden’s founding guitarist Craig Locicero initially called Von Epp to fill in for Mongrain when scheduling conflicts arose during 2024–2025 festival dates.
From the very first rehearsal, it was clear something special was happening.
Locicero and the band shared:
“Jeremy was a seamless transition that caught us by a very pleasant surprise… it took him almost no time at all to learn our language and solos of Glen Alvelais, Tim Calvert, Steve Smyth and Dan Mongrain. No small shoes to fill.”
Von Epp proved himself immediately during Forbidden’s high-profile appearances at Aftershock (Sacramento) and Grita Fest (Colombia), where he delivered flawless performances on technically demanding material—including new tracks “Divided by Zero” and “Mutually Assured Dysfunction.”
Forbidden continued:
“Jeremy needed to be in Forbidden full time and we all agreed. It made too much sense with the chemistry we have together.”
Jeremy Von Epp with Forbidden “Divided by Zero” at Aftershock, Sacramento, CA 10/3/25
Jeremy Responds: ‘I Was All In’
Von Epp, who spent recent years in the heavy rock outfit The Watchers while simultaneously elevating HFT’s sound, shared his excitement:
“After hearing the new song ‘Divided By Zero,’ I was all in! Learning the material was a challenge, but one I quickly grew to enjoy. Everything just clicked. I’m beyond honored to carry the torch for all the great guitarists who came before me.”
He added:
“Most importantly, I’m looking forward to playing some badass Bay Area thrash metal again—with these guys. LFG!”
A Farewell From Chewy: Respect, Brotherhood, and Gratitude
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain expressed deep admiration for his time with Forbidden:
“I am honored and forever grateful to have been part of Forbidden… It was a great ride to say the least. I embrace the memories and wish all the best to the mighty Forbidden in the years to come with a kick-ass lineup!”
Mongrain contributed to three new Forbidden songs and remains, in the band’s words, “family forever.”
The Watchers Celebrate Their Brother’s Achievement
Von Epp’s longtime bandmates from The Watchers also applauded the news:
“Jeremy can play literally anything and dominate it… We all knew our boy would rise to the occasion and knock it out of the park.”
— The Watchers
A Career Built on Mastery, Passion, and Bay Area Roots
Before joining Forbidden, Von Epp:
- From 2002 to March 2023, Jeremy Von Epp helped define the sound of The Venting Machine, the Bay Area metal band that grew from its early days as “Breach” (with vocalist Brady Hoover, drummer Joe Tobin and bassist Chad Murphy) into a long-running underground staple. Across countless shows, multiple releases, and their 2017 standout album Shackles Be Gone, Jeremy’s guitar work was a core part of the band’s identity. His two-decade run with The Venting Machine underscores the experience and intensity he brought to HOT FOR TEACHER and now to Forbidden.
- Delivered powerhouse performances with HOT FOR TEACHER during their 25th Anniversary shows
- Recorded acclaimed material with The Watchers, including Black Abyss and Nyctophilia
- Was featured in Guitar Player Magazine Mesa/Boogie demonstration videos showcasing his elite metal tone
- Established himself as a professional musician in both the heavy rock and thrash communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and now worldwide…
From the tribute stages of NAMM to the global festival circuit, his sound has evolved into a distinctive, commanding voice—equal parts melodic, fierce, and unmistakably Bay Area.
Forbidden’s Next Era Begins Now
With Jeremy Von Epp officially in the lineup, Forbidden is already writing and pre-producing new material at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland—music they promise will lift the band to “another level.”
Founding guitarist Craig Locicero, vocalist Norman Skinner, bassist Matt Camacho, drummer Chris Kontos, and now Von Epp are gearing up for the next chapter in the Forbidden legacy.
As Locicero put it:
“There is much more exciting news just around the corner.”
For Jeremy Von Epp, the story continues—louder, faster, and heavier than ever.
But, wait there’s MORE…
Tone Sessions: Jeremy Epp – Multi-Watt Dual Rectifier – “Break”
Bay Area guitarist Jeremy Von Epp played a classic metal track with a Multi-Watt Dual Rectifier and 2×12 Recto cabinet to showcase the Vintage and Modern modes for rock rhythm and solo sounds.
Van Halen “On Fire” jam
Dusted off the Ole Van Halen 1 guitar. Had to see if I remembered “On Fire”…love that song 🤘🏻🎸🤘🏻
Van Halen Tribute Band “HOT FOR TEACHER” live at NAMM 2024
Here are some video snippets of the “Hot For Teacher Namm 2024” gig at the Anaheim Hilton January 27th, captured by Leigh Myers from the side stage area. Enjoy! Long live Van Halen!
