Possessed is a seminal band within the thrash metal and death metal genres. Formed in 1983 in San Francisco, California, Possessed's influence is vast, with their aggressive sound and dark lyrical content setting a template for countless metal acts to follow. Originally composed of vocalist and bassist Jeff Becerra, guitarists Mike Torrao and Larry Lalonde, and drummer Mike Sus, Possessed quickly gained notoriety with their intense live shows and a relentless pace that pushed the boundaries of heavy metal music at the time.

Their 1985 debut album, "Seven Churches," is often credited as one of the first true death metal records, fusing thrash's speed and aggression with a newfound level of darkness. Despite their initial success and critical acclaim, the band underwent numerous lineup changes and faced various setbacks, leading to a temporary disbandment in the early 90s. However, the lasting impact of albums like "Beyond the Gates" (1986) and EP "The Eyes Of Horror" (1987), produced by Joe Satriani, cemented their place in metal history. After a long hiatus, Jeff Becerra resurrected Possessed with a new lineup, releasing "Revelations of Oblivion" in 2019, a welcomed comeback that proved the band's enduring legacy and their continued relevance in the genre. Despite Jeff Becerra's paralysis from a robbery-related shooting in 1989, he has remained an invincible presence, leading Possessed back to the forefront of the death metal scene with the same pioneering spirit they've always been known for.

Genres

Black Metal

Brutal Death Metal

Death Metal

Deathgrind

Deathrash

Metal

Speed Metal

Thrash Metal

Related Artists

Death

Morbid Angel

Slayer

Cannibal Corpse

Obituary

Sodom

Sepultura

Deicide

Dark Angel

Venom

Autopsy

Pestilence

Latest Release

Revelations of Oblivion

Possessed

Album - 12 Tracks - Released May 10, 2019