Possessed (Bay Area Thrash / Death Metal Band) Classic Album – Seven Churches

Everything You Wanted To Know About The Band Possessed, but Were Afraid To Ask!

Possessed is a thrash/death metal band formed in 1983 in San Fransico. They are widely credited with inventing the term “Death Metal”. The band’s classic album is “Seven Churches” came out in 1985. Their subsequent albums, “Eyes Of Horror” and “Beyond The Gates” are also quite good.

Some Interesting Possessessed Facts:

Rather than regurgitating info on their Wikipedia page, here are some interesting facts you probably don’t know:

• Metal Blade Records passed on Possessed (even they appeared on Metal Massacre). Combat Records would later sign the band.
• Guitarist Larry Lalonde (who played on all three albums) went on to be the guitarist for Primus. Larry met Les Claypool in Blind Illusion, not long after Primus was formed.
• Possessed is credited by many for coining the term death metal, which is a song on 7 Churches.
• Jeff Becerra’s guttural vocal style is considered the first “death metal vocals” – which would later become a staple for bands like Obituary.
• The “Eyes Of Horror” LP was produced by guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani.
• Singer Jeff Becerra was shot in a robbery in 1989 and paralyzed for life.
• Jeff Becerra still performs under the name “Possessed” as the sole original member. On stage, he sings in a wheelchair.
• Larry Lalonde has been a staunch vegetarian since 1983.

Listen To The Full “7 Churches” Album Here On Youtube

7 Churches Artwork and Logo

Seven Churches Tracklist

Tracklist

 The Exorcist – 4:50
Pentagram – 3:32
Burning In Hell – 3:07
Evil Warriors – 3:43
Seven Churches – 3:16
Satan’s Curse – 4:12
Holy Hell – 4:10
Twisted Minds – 5:10
Fallen Angel – 3:58
Death Metal – 3:12

Throwback 1985 (JEFF HANNEMAN & P) 

Possessed Line-Up

Jeff Becerra − vocals, bass
Larry LaLonde − guitar (also the guitarist for Primus)
Mike Torrao − guitar
Mike Sus − drums