POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album

Possessed's "Beyond the Gates" 12" Vinyl LP mesmerizes with its iconic gatefold gimmick cover. Designed by artist Edward J. Repka, the fold-out cover transforms into a vivid poster, showcasing dark and intricate illustrations that mirror the album's occult themes. A collector's gem, this innovative packaging not only enhances the album's visual allure but also leaves a lasting imprint, influencing subsequent generations of metal artists.

POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album  front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

"Beyond the Gates" Album Description:

In the realm of classic metal albums, "Beyond the Gates" by Possessed stands tall as a landmark release that not only shook the foundations of the genre but also made a lasting impression with its distinctive gatefold vinyl packaging. Released during a time when vinyl records were at the zenith of their popularity, Possessed's "Beyond the Gates" went above and beyond, presenting itself in a gatefold cover that was not just an artistic statement but a true gimmick of its own.

The Gatefold Gimmick:

The term "gatefold" refers to a type of album cover that folds out, revealing additional space for artwork, lyrics, or other visual elements. In the case of "Beyond the Gates," Possessed took this concept to another level by introducing a gatefold gimmick that turned the entire cover into a captivating experience. When the gatefold is fully opened, the inner cover transforms into a sprawling poster, offering fans a larger-than-life visual representation of the album's thematic elements.

Artistic Mastery:

Possessed's choice of a gatefold design for "Beyond the Gates" was a stroke of artistic genius. The album cover, adorned with intricate illustrations and dark imagery, perfectly complements the band's aggressive and pioneering sound. The cover art, created by renowned artist Edward J. Repka, captures the essence of the album's themes, which revolve around the occult, horror, and the macabre.

The poster that unfolds from the gatefold is a canvas of chaos and darkness, featuring Repka's detailed artwork in all its glory. The decision to use the inner cover as a poster allows fans to immerse themselves fully in the visual narrative that accompanies the sonic onslaught of Possessed's music.

Collectors' Delight:

Beyond its artistic merits, the gatefold gimmick of "Beyond the Gates" has turned the album into a sought-after collector's item. Vinyl enthusiasts and metal fans alike appreciate the attention to detail in the packaging, making it a cherished addition to any record collection. The large, vivid poster serves as a centerpiece for fans who wish to display their allegiance to Possessed and the golden era of metal.

Album Fact Sheet: POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick

Music Genre:

 Death Metal 
Album Production information: 

The album: "Beyond the Gates" was produced by: Carl Canedy, Steve Sinclair

Carl Canedy a highly respected figure in the world of heavy metal music. He is best known as the drummer and co-founder of the American heavy metal band, The Rods. Canedy has been an influential figure in the genre for several decades, and his contribution to the heavy metal music scene has been widely recognized by fans and musicians alike.

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Canedy was born on 25 August 1955, in Syracuse, New York, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a saxophonist and his mother played the piano, so it's no surprise that Canedy developed a passion for music at a young age. He started playing the drums when he was just ten years old and soon realized that he had a talent for it. By the time he was a teenager, he was already playing in local bands and quickly made a name for himself in the music scene.

In 1979, Canedy co-founded The Rods, along with guitarist David “Rock” Feinstein and bassist Garry Bordonaro. The band was known for its energetic live performances and its blend of classic rock and heavy metal elements. They quickly gained a loyal following and released their first album, "Rock Hard," in 1981. The album was well-received by fans and critics and was considered a classic in the heavy metal genre.

Throughout his career, Canedy has been known for his powerful drumming style, which has been described as aggressive, hard-hitting, and energetic. He has been a driving force behind The Rods’ sound, and his drumming has been an integral part of the band's success. He has also been praised for his musical versatility, as he is able to play a wide range of musical styles, from hard rock to heavy metal.

In addition to his work with The Rods, Canedy has also collaborated with a number of other artists and bands, including the legendary guitarist Ronnie James Dio. He has also been involved in several musical projects outside of The Rods, including recording sessions, live performances, and drum clinics.

  Steve Sinclair, In the 1980s Steve Sinclair has been a successful producer for Heavy Metal bands. As an A&R Manager for Combat Records and Mechanic Records he produced many talented Heavy Metal and Punk bands. These bands include: Death, Crumbsuckers, Agent Steel, Nuclear Assault, Zoetrope, Ludichrist, Possessed, Dream Theater, Voivod, Vio-Lence, Abattoir, Dark Age, D.B.C., Dark Angel, Helstar

Sound Engineers - John Cuniberti, Tom Size

Mastering Engineer - Tom Coyne

Tom Coyne is a mastering engineer from New Jersey who has mastered dozens of Heavy Metal albums during the 1980s.

Album cover art by Ed Repka

Edward J. Repka, commonly known as Ed Repka, is an accomplished American artist renowned for his exceptional talent in creating highly-detailed illustrations, particularly within the heavy metal music industry. With his distinctive style and intricate artwork, Repka has made a significant impact on the visual aesthetics associated with this genre of music. His contributions to album covers and merchandise for numerous bands have solidified his position as a respected figure in the world of heavy metal art.

Born and raised in the United States, Repka developed a passion for art from a young age. He honed his skills by studying illustration and fine arts, eventually graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Inspired by renowned artists such as Frank Frazetta and H.R. Giger, Repka forged his own unique style characterized by its attention to detail and dynamic compositions.

Repka's artistic journey intertwined with the rise of heavy metal music during the 1980s. It was during this time that he became associated with some of the most influential bands in the genre. His collaboration with thrash metal icons Megadeth resulted in the creation of their iconic mascot, Vic Rattlehead, which graced the covers of several of the band's albums, including "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" and "Rust in Peace." The striking imagery of Vic Rattlehead perfectly captured the rebellious and provocative spirit of the band's music, earning Repka widespread recognition.

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Beyond his work with Megadeth, Repka has collaborated with numerous other bands, leaving an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre. He has created album covers for bands such as Death, Municipal Waste, Nuclear Assault, and Toxik, among many others. Each of these illustrations showcases his meticulous attention to detail and ability to translate the essence of the music into captivating visual imagery.

One of Repka's notable strengths lies in his ability to bring fantastical and macabre concepts to life. His artwork often features nightmarish creatures, dystopian landscapes, and vivid depictions of horror. Through his skillful use of color and intricate linework, he manages to evoke a sense of awe and intrigue, effectively complementing the aggressive and intense nature of heavy metal music.

While Repka has become synonymous with heavy metal art, his talent extends beyond this genre. He has worked on projects ranging from video game covers to comic book illustrations, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Despite his success and recognition within the heavy metal community, Repka remains humble and approachable, appreciating the support and enthusiasm of his fans.

Tom Coyne - Mastering Engineer

Tom Coyne is a mastering engineer from New Jersey who has mastered dozens of Heavy Metal albums during the 1980s.

Record Label Information:

 Under One Flag FLAG 3

Packaging:

"Beyond the Gates" by "Possessed" comes in a gimmick Gatefold (FOC) cover design, the entire cover can be folded open and the inner cover can be used as one large poster

This album "Beyond the Gates" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos of the Possessed band

Record Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 300 gram  

Year & Country:

 1986 Made in England
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Mike Torrao

    Mike Torrao - Guitar, one of the founding members of the American Death Metal band Possessed. Timeline: 1981-1983 Blitzkrieg 1983-1993 Possessed

  • Larry Lalonde

    Larry LaLonde (real name: Reed Lawrence LaLonde) - Guitars. Has been playing guitar with the Heavy Metal bands:
    1984-1987 Possessed
    1987-1988 Blind Illusion
    1989-Today Primus

  • Jeff Becerra

    Jeff Becerra - Vocals, Bass. 1983...Today Possessed 1988 Misery (Band) 1988 Sub-Zero (Band)

  • Mike Sus

    Mike Sus - Drums, one of the founding members of the American Death Metal band "Possessed".

Complete Track-listing of the album "POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick"

The detailed tracklist of this record "POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick" is:

    Track-listing :
  1. Intro - 1:23
  2. The Heretic - 2:40
  3. Tribulation - 4:48
  4. March to Die - 3:12
  5. Phantasm - 4:23
  6. No Will to Live - 6:47
  7. Beyond the Gates - 2:55
  8. The Beasts of the Apocalypse - 3:13
  9. Seance - 3:03
  10. Restless Dead - 2:59
  11. Dog Fight - 1:23

 

Front Cover Photo Of POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album  front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album  back cover

First Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album  custom inner sleeve

Second Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album  custom inner sleeve

Close up of Side One record's label POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Beyond the Gates" Record Label Details: Under One Flag 3 ℗ 1986 Under One Flag Sound Copyright

"Beyond the Gates" Record Label Details: Under One Flag 3 ℗ 1986 Under One Flag Sound Copyright

Side Two Close up of record's label POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

Side Two Close up of record's label POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates Gatefold Gimmick Cover 12" Vinyl LP Album
 

"Seven Churches," "Beyond the Gates": Possessed's pioneering, influential 1980s death metal albums.

  POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates ( 1986, GB ) 12" LP
 POSSESSED - Beyond the Gates (1986, GB) 12" LP

Under One Flag FLAG 3 , 1986 , England

Possessed's "Beyond the Gates" 12" Vinyl LP mesmerizes with its iconic gatefold gimmick cover. Designed by artist Edward J. Repka, the fold-out cover transforms into a vivid poster, showcasing dark and intricate illustrations that mirror the album's occult themes. A collector's gem, this innovative packaging not only enhances the album's visual allure but also leaves a lasting imprint, influencing subsequent generations of metal artists.

Learn more
  POSSESSED - Seven Churches ( 1985, Netherland ) 12" LP
 POSSESSED - Seven Churches ( 1985, Netherlands ) 12" LP

Combat Records / RoadrunneR RR 9757 , 1985 , Netherlands

"Seven Churches" is Possessed's debut album . The album had a massive impact on heavy metal in general, but also in establishing death metal. Many die-hard fans have dubbed Possessed and Seven Churches as the "granddaddy of death metal",

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  POSSESSED - The Eyes of Horror ( 1987 , USA ) 12" EP
 POSSESSED - The Eyes of Horror ( 1987 ,  USA )

 Combat 88561-8168-1 , 1987 , USA

"The Eyes of Horror" by the American Death Metal band "Possessed" is the last record they recorded and released during the 1980s, this record was produced by Joe Satriani.

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