Possessed is a pioneering American death metal band that formed in San Francisco, California, in 1983. They are widely regarded as one of the first and most influential bands in the genre, and their music has been an inspiration to countless other death metal acts that have followed in their footsteps.
Possessed was founded by guitarist Mike Torrao and drummer Mike Sus in 1983. They were soon joined by vocalist Barry Fisk and bassist Jeff Becerra, and the band began playing shows around the San Francisco Bay Area. Their early sound was heavily influenced by thrash metal bands like Slayer and Metallica, but they also incorporated elements of punk rock and hardcore into their music.
In 1985, Possessed released their debut album, "Seven Churches," which is now widely regarded as a classic of the death metal genre. The album featured fast, aggressive guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and Fisk's guttural, growling vocals. The lyrics were often dark and satanic, a common theme in death metal music. "Seven Churches" was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Possessed as one of the premier bands in the burgeoning death metal scene.
Following the success of "Seven Churches," Possessed went through several lineup changes. Fisk left the band and was replaced by Jeff Becerra, who moved from bass to vocals. Guitarist Brian Montana also joined the band, and they released their second album, "Beyond the Gates," in 1986. While "Beyond the Gates" was not as well-received as "Seven Churches," it still demonstrated Possessed's technical prowess and musical innovation.
Unfortunately, Possessed's success was short-lived. The band disbanded in 1987 due to creative differences and personal issues. Becerra was shot during a robbery in 1989, which left him paralyzed from the chest down. Despite these setbacks, Possessed's influence on the death metal genre continued to grow. Bands like Death, Morbid Angel, and Cannibal Corpse cited Possessed as a major influence, and their music helped to define the sound and style of death
metal for years to come.
In the 2000s, Possessed reunited with a new lineup and began playing shows again. They released a live album, "Agony in Paradise," in 2004, and in 2019 they released their third studio album, "Revelations of Oblivion," which was well-received by fans and critics alike. While Possessed may not be as active as they once were, their legacy as one of the pioneers of death metal is secure.
