The Birth of Possessed: Forging the Path for Death Metal
In the early 1980s, when heavy metal was becoming more extreme, a group of teenagers from the San Francisco Bay Area launched a musical assault that would change the face of metal. That band was Possessed, widely credited as one of the first death metal bands in history.
Bay Area Beginnings: The Formation of Possessed
Possessed was formed in 1983 in El Sobrante, California. The original lineup included Mike Torrao (guitar), Mike Sus (drums), Barry Fisk (vocals), and Jeff Andrews (bass). After Fisk’s untimely death and Andrews’ departure, the band needed new life.
They found it in Jeff Becerra, a 15-year-old bassist and vocalist with a demonic voice and a love for aggressive music. Joined by guitarist Brian Montana, this new version of Possessed would become legendary.
Musical Influences and Early Sound
Though Possessed was born in the thrash-heavy Bay Area, their sound was darker and more extreme. Influenced by Venom, Slayer, and Motörhead, the band developed a brutal style characterized by breakneck speed, dark themes, and Becerra’s guttural vocals—an early form of what would become the death metal growl.
The Death Metal Demo: Naming a Genre
In 1984, Possessed recorded the infamous Death Metal demo. The three-song demo included “Death Metal,” “Evil Warriors,” and “Burning in Hell.” It was raw, unrelenting, and gave the genre its name. The title track, “Death Metal,” is widely regarded as the first song of its kind and helped secure the band’s deal with Combat Records.
Seven Churches: Possessed’s Groundbreaking Debut
In 1985, Possessed released Seven Churches, a landmark debut album that combined technical guitar work, demonic themes, and sheer aggression. Songs like “The Exorcist,” “Pentagram,” and “Satan’s Curse” became underground hits and positioned Possessed as death metal’s founding fathers.
The album title referred to the seven churches of Revelation and cemented their reputation for embracing dark and blasphemous themes. To this day, Seven Churches is considered the first true death metal album.
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For a more complete review of Possessed’s first album, Seven Churches be sure to read our review here |
Lineup Changes and Setbacks
Following Seven Churches, guitarist Brian Montana was replaced by Larry LaLonde (later of Primus). The band’s 1987 EP, The Eyes of Horror, produced by guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, showed a more refined sound.
Tragically, in 1989, Jeff Becerra was shot during a robbery and left paralyzed from the chest down. This led to the band’s initial breakup, though their influence would only continue to grow.
Possessed’s Legacy in Extreme Metal
Despite their short lifespan, Possessed’s legacy in extreme metal is monumental. Bands like Death, Morbid Angel, and Obituary have cited them as a major influence. Becerra later revived the band in the 2000s, continuing to perform and record, keeping Possessed’s name alive in the death metal community.