Possessed
Possessed: The Pioneers of the Occult Extreme Metal
Emerging from the depths of the Bay Area thrash metal scene in 1983, Possessed forged a path of sonic darkness that would forever alter the landscape of heavy music. Their debut release, "Seven Churches," unleashed a torrent of macabre lyrics, blistering guitars, and guttural screams that set a new standard for extremity.
Lineup and Origins:
* Jeff Becerra: Vocals, Bass
* Mike Torrao: Guitar
* Larry LaLonde: Guitar (later joined Primus)
* Brian Montana: Drums
Early Challenges and Controversies:
Possessed's violent and blasphemous imagery drew immediate backlash from conservative groups and religious zealots. Their concerts were often met with protests, and their album covers were deemed sacrilegious. Despite the controversies, the band refused to compromise their artistic vision.
Discography and Legacy:
* Seven Churches (1985): A seminal masterpiece of occult metal, featuring classic tracks like "Death Metal" and "Burning in Hell."
* Beyond the Gates (1986): A more polished and sophisticated follow-up that expanded upon the darkness and intensity of their debut.
* Eyes of Darkness (1986): A live album that captured the band's raw and unbridled energy.
Musical Influences and Impact:
Possessed's music was heavily influenced by the thrash metal pioneers Metallica and Slayer, but they infused their sound with a unique blend of black metal and occult themes. Their genre-defining album, "Seven Churches," is widely regarded as one of the most influential metal albums of all time.
Later Years and Reunion:
After a brief hiatus in the late 1980s, Possessed reunited in 2007 with Jeff Becerra as the sole original member. Despite several lineup changes, the band has continued to release new music and tour extensively, maintaining their status as a legendary figure in the extreme metal scene.
Jeff Becerra's Health Challenges:
Tragically, Jeff Becerra was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 1989, which forced him to undergo a colostomy. Despite the debilitating illness, Becerra has remained a relentless force in music, continuing to perform and record with Possessed while advocating for awareness of Crohn's disease.
Emerging from the depths of the Bay Area thrash metal scene in 1983, Possessed forged a path of sonic darkness that would forever alter the landscape of heavy music. Their debut release, "Seven Churches," unleashed a torrent of macabre lyrics, blistering guitars, and guttural screams that set a new standard for extremity.
Lineup and Origins:
* Jeff Becerra: Vocals, Bass
* Mike Torrao: Guitar
* Larry LaLonde: Guitar (later joined Primus)
* Brian Montana: Drums
Early Challenges and Controversies:
Possessed's violent and blasphemous imagery drew immediate backlash from conservative groups and religious zealots. Their concerts were often met with protests, and their album covers were deemed sacrilegious. Despite the controversies, the band refused to compromise their artistic vision.
Discography and Legacy:
* Seven Churches (1985): A seminal masterpiece of occult metal, featuring classic tracks like "Death Metal" and "Burning in Hell."
* Beyond the Gates (1986): A more polished and sophisticated follow-up that expanded upon the darkness and intensity of their debut.
* Eyes of Darkness (1986): A live album that captured the band's raw and unbridled energy.
Musical Influences and Impact:
Possessed's music was heavily influenced by the thrash metal pioneers Metallica and Slayer, but they infused their sound with a unique blend of black metal and occult themes. Their genre-defining album, "Seven Churches," is widely regarded as one of the most influential metal albums of all time.
Later Years and Reunion:
After a brief hiatus in the late 1980s, Possessed reunited in 2007 with Jeff Becerra as the sole original member. Despite several lineup changes, the band has continued to release new music and tour extensively, maintaining their status as a legendary figure in the extreme metal scene.
Jeff Becerra's Health Challenges:
Tragically, Jeff Becerra was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 1989, which forced him to undergo a colostomy. Despite the debilitating illness, Becerra has remained a relentless force in music, continuing to perform and record with Possessed while advocating for awareness of Crohn's disease.