Possessed
Formed: 1983
From:
San Francisco,
CA,
United States
Last Known Status: Regrouped
Latest Possessed News
Below is our complete Possessed news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 59 1 2 3 Last
Report
The Klash Of The Titans Tour Thrashed Phoenix, AZ
It’s been a minute since I’ve seen a concert in my hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. I’ve been spending most of my time in Europe these past years and I’ve somewhat assimilated into the European metal culture. One of the things I’ve noticed is that there are some stark differences between the United States and European crowds at shows. For example, with a billing like tonight (Klash Of The Titans Tour with Testament, Kreator and Possessed), it would more than likely be a sold-out show if you matched the venue size (The Van Buren). Second, there would be a line of people going around the block to get into the venue to be on time for the first band to start. I’m not writing this to disparage American metal crowds, I’m simply pointing out the differences. Regardless of my observations, I loved the Klash Of The Titans lineup and I was excited to see every band play tonight.
The Van Buren has the capacity to fit 1,800 rabid and horn throwing metal heads inside. When Possessed started, my guess was that there were just a couple of hundred people milling around and maybe half of those were actually paying attention to them. The Death Metal legends started their set with “Pentagram” from their initial masterpiece, Seven Churches. Covered in a blanket of red light and fog, Jeff Becerra called on the crowd to come closer to the stage. Possessed was allotted a 35-minute set, so I expected their set-list would consist of only the classics, which was fine by me.
I felt that other than those in front headbanging against the security barriers, most of the crowd was aloof. In fact, the only time I saw any sort of life from the rest of the crowd was when the fabled intro for “The Exorcist” started and that was halfway through their set. Jeff Becerra kept egging the crowd on and eventually by the end of their allotted set time, I would say there was some slight improvement. They wrapped up their brief, yet dominant set with “Death Metal.” They were THE Death Metal band on this tour’s roster, so they couldn’t have picked a better finisher. I loved their set, but I was let down with the crowd’s blasé attitude. I’m sure that if it was an actual Death Metal band line-up, things would have been different.
I have a love/hate relationship with Kreator. I used to love Kreator when I was in my teens, but I’m not a fan of what they’ve matured into present time. The 80’s Kreator was raw unadulterated German thrash. There’s a reason why they’re part of the German Big Four, they’re Teutonic titans. They’re still relevant after four decades of metal metamorphoses. That’s where my “hate relationship” comes into play. I hate that they changed their sound to keep up with the contemporary sound of the “metalverse.” I completely respect them as a band, I just can’t stand listening to any of their releases post “Extreme Aggression.”
The crowd increased in girth and decibels by the time Kreator took to the stage, and by their second song, there were some crowd surfers riding towards the front the stage. In fact, the band coaxed the crowd into making a wall of death! The sleepwalking that took place during Possessed’s set was all but distant memory now. Both Possessed and Kreator have been around for just about the same amount of time, but Kreator has put out fifteen full-length studio albums compared to just three from Possessed. Yet, both are legendary, underground favorites. It still bothered me that there wasn’t more love shown for Possessed.
Hey look! It's a wall of death! More...
Headline News
Monument Of Misanthropy Signs w/ The Flaming Arts
Worldwide booking agency The Flaming Arts Agency welcomes brutal death metal institution Monument Of Misanthropy to its roster. The internationally successful band from Austria has released two studio albums, an EP and a demo to date. The last album "Unterweger" was released in 2021 via the Transcending Obscurity Records label. Their new album “Vile Postmortem Irrumatio” will be released this coming weeks through the same label.
Monument Of Misanthropy has teamed up with Metalundergound.com to exclusively premiere their new lyric video for "A Nice Beheading For MoM ". The clip will go live on YouTube at 10 a.m. EST.
Comments the booking agency:
"We are pleased to announce Monument Of Misanthropy to the roster. Monument of Misanthropy are currently working on their 3rd studio full-length titled “Vile Postmortem Irrumatio”, which will be a concept album about US serial killer Ed Kemper. The record is scheduled for release this spring 2024. Enquiries to jon@theflamingarts.eu Check them out below!
Adds George Wilfinger: More...
Mexico Metal Fest Announces Bands For 2024
After a stellar 2023 line-up, Mexico Metal Fest announced its first wave of bands for 2024. Possessed, Venom Inc., Legion Of The Dammed, Benediction and Carpathian Forest will attend the Monterrey, Mexico based festival with more to be announced.
Headline News
Brujeria Drummer Diagnosed With Kidney Failure
British metal drumming legend Nick Barker, known as the drummer of Brujeria and Shining and formerly of Dimmu Borgir, Cradle Of Filth and Lock Up, has been diagnosed with kidney failure. A crowdfunder has been launched to help the musician, which can be found here. Brandi Campanile, who is handling the GoFundMe campaign, revealed his condition thusly:
"As many noticed, back in 2022, Nick was hospitalized several times… a couple of these times while on tour. During these visits, it was discovered that he was losing kidney function. With determination, he tried to continue caring for himself while maintaining the tours and his musical career. His life has been dedicated to it along with his daughters. Both of which are his life blood.
"Unfortunately, it has all taken its toll and the kidneys are in full failure. With all things, he has been going through this the best he can, on his own. After giving so much of himself to his music, to us, his friends and fans. He now needs us as he cannot currently work due to the dialysis schedule and focusing on his health."
Barker is perhaps Britain's most in demand metal drummer, having not only recorded albums with Brujeria, Cradle Of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Lock Up and Monolith, as well as the new, eponymous album from Shining which will be released in September, but has also performed as a live drummer for such bands as Exodus, Testament, Anaal Nathrakh, Possessed, Nuclear Assault and Venom Inc. among many others. More...
Mexico Metal Fest Line-up Addtions
Mexico Metal Fest recently updated their 2022 line-up to include Narco-satanico asesinos, Brujeria and Bay Area death metal legends, Possessed. The festival is set to take place in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico on September 23-24 of this year. More...
Empty Throne (ex-Possessed, Etc) Premiere New Song
Blackened death metal quartet Empty Throne (ex-Possessed, ex-Abbath, The Kennedy Veil, Decrepit Birth, Angerot) premiere a new track called "And All Shall Know His Name", taken from their upcoming three-song EP "Glossolalia", which will be out in stores May 7 via Wise Blood Records.
Check out now "And All Shall Know His Name" below.
Seven More Names Added To 70000 Tons Of Metal
The organisers of the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise has announced a further seven names for the event, which will be setting sail in less than a week. Joining the already impressive roster are death metal pioneers Possessed, along with traditional metal outfit Striker, groove metal outfit Once Human featuring former Machine Head and Soulfly guitarist Logan Mader, jazz fusion metal combo Without Waves, Boston power metal ensemble FirstBourne, Colombian death metal group No Raza and Belgian thrash/metalcore band Spoil Engine. This brings the number of bands up to fifty seven, with sixty in total to perform. The ship will set sail to Cozumel, Mexico on January 7th and return to Fort Lauderdale, Florida on January 11th.
The lineup is now as follows:
Aborted
Aeternam
Aether Realm
Archon Angel
At The Gates
Atheist
Axxis
Bloodbound
Brujeria
Candlemass
Carach Angren
Cattle Decapitation
Cruachan
Devin Townsend
Edenbridge
Einherjer
Emperor
Epica
Exodus
Finntroll
FirstBourne
Flotsam And Jetsam
Ghost Ship Octavius
Grave Digger
Haggard
Havok
Ihsahn
Incantation
Kampfar
Kissin' Dynamite
Leaves Eyes
Michael Schenker Fest
Moonsorrow
No Raza
November's Doom
Omnium Gatherum
Once Human
Origin
Orphaned Land
Possessed
Ross The Boss
Seven Witches
Soen
Sortilège
Spoil Engine
Stam1na
Striker
Suffocation
The Agonist
The Faceless
Toxik
Trollfest
Venom
Vio-Lence
Whiplash
Without Waves
Wintersun
OpEd
Greekbastard: My Top Five Albums Of 2019
My Top Five (Actually Six…) Albums Of The Year
5. Imperium Dekandenz – When We Are Forgotten
I actually reviewed this album for another blog I write for, The Sludgelord, a stoner/sludge related blog of all things. The band’s PR rep requested an album review, I was really pleasantly surprised because I usually never review bands I’ve never heard of before. While listening to the opening track, I was already preordering a vinyl version for my collection. This two-piece black metal band from Germany fills out their sound to perfection. I stated in my review that I would make sure this album ended up on any end-of-year list of mine, and here it is. Take a chance on this album as I did, you won’t be disappointed.
4. Batushka – Hospodi & Krzysztof Drabikowski - Панихида
Both versions of this band in included in this list by design. I was a fan of Batushka way before the onset of the ridiculously messy, never ending divorce. I’ve read the clickbait articles and watched a bunch of the YouTube videos showcasing the soap opera like drama. I refuse to pick a side because in the end, it’s the music that’s important to me. Krzysztof dropped his album first and I have to say that this sounds closest to the legendary Litourgiya album of the two. However; the production is lacking just a little. Bart’s version was released a short time after Krzysztof’s and had the better overall sound, but fell a little short on the trademark Orthodox feel. In short, both albums garnered a lot of listening time from me and I’m happy I didn’t fall for the drama about which version was the “true” Batushka.
3. Mgla – Age of Excuse
The Force is strong with Poland this year! The follow-up to 2015’s “Exercises in Futility” did not disappoint at all! This band continues to grow and master their unique black metal prowess. If I had to pick my favorite song overall for 2019, Age of Excuse III would be the winner by a mile. It may even be their best song ever, but that’s a subjective argument because of Exercises in Futility V. I foresee Mgla touring extensively during the “Age of Excuse” album cycle and landing on a shit ton of festival bills next summer. A well-deserved accomplishment indeed.
2. Gaahl’s Wyrd – Gastir – Ghosts Invited
I waffled back and forth between my top two picks for the better part of a day, it was really that close of a call. This album was in a constant rotation on my turntable for the greater part of a few months, never getting old. This isn’t black metal, and it’s definitely not Gorgoroth…It’s so much better than that. Gaahl has found his true voice with this album and his gothic ways are the strength of it. Don’t get me wrong, there are black metal passages, but with the Peter Murphy style vocal phrasings on top of them, it takes it to another level. Trust me, it works.
1. Possessed – Revelations of Oblivion
It wasn’t an easy choice to make, but this was the best album of 2019 for me. Possessed is one of my favorite bands of all time by a mile, but there is no favoritism here. This overall number one pick is well deserved. When I initially heard that they were recording a new album after a 20+ years absence, I braced for impact. In my experience these coming out of retirement albums usually don’t go over too well. “Revelations of Oblivion” was unequivocally the exception.
Possessed obviously took note of the sound that made them a favorite among death metal fans in the first place and IMPROVED ON IT! Jeff Becerra’s vocals have never been so brutal, and he never lost the harshness that was a Possessed trademark among the cacophony of death metal vocal styles out there. In my humble opinion, his vocals are even better now! Even the guitars on this album have the Possessed style riffing from yesteryear. Everything is improved and most importantly, the overall sound and clarity of the album is spectacular. Only if “Seven Churches” had this production…
Overall, I thought this was a great year for metal releases, here are a few honorable mentions that I silently debated with myself while coming up with my top five:
Abbath – “Outstrider”
Rotting Christ – “The Heretics”
Sorxe – “The Ark Burner”
Tomb Mold – “Planetary Clairvoyance”
Wormwood – “Nattarvet”
Festivals I Attended in 2019 Ranked:
1. Brutal Assault – First and foremost, the lineup was incredible this year with such heavyweights as Anthrax, Meshuggah, Carcass, Triumph of Death (Hellhammer) and Rotting Christ being a handful of the great bands that played this legendary festival. This was my 2nd Brutal Assault and just like last time, it was incredibly well organized. The organizers really go out of their way to make this a fun time for the attendees and they’ve nailed it both times that I’ve been. Check out some photos of this year’s Brutal Assault within Metalunderground.com’s photo galleries.
2. Metal and Beers (Philadelphia) – This is the most genius idea for a metal festival EVER. A metal festival and a craft beer festival combined? Truly a match made in hell... Both Testament and Enslaved played exclusive sets and that was just part of the allure of this delicious festival on top of all the tasty brews that surround you while the bands destroy your ears. Read my road report about it here!
3. Psycho Las Vegas – After Psycho Las Vegas was unceremoniously booted from what felt like a natural home at The Hard Rock Casino and Hotel, I wondered if it would lose some of its magic at the new digs of Mandalay Bay. Not at all. In fact, this festival will continue to grow in popularity and in lore. Power Trip playing the beach stage this year is probably my favorite set from this festival throughout its entire existence.
Possessed Posts New Music Video Online
For the first time in three decades, Possessed have released a new album entitled Revelations Of Oblivion. Today the band premiere the official music video for new song 'Graven'. The video was directed by Scott Hansen of Digital Thunderdome (Willie Nelson, Deicide, Carnifex, Prong) and stars renowned Swedish actor, Peter Stormare (Fargo, Prison Break, The Big Lebowski). Watch the video below.
Jeff Becerra comments, "We are extremely excited to release our new music video for the song 'Graven'. This is actually our very first cinematic music video. I want to say thank you to my good friend Peter Stormare for everything and for being such an amazing inspiration. Of course, thank you to my band mates. And to Nuclear Blast." More...
Cadaver Premiere New Song & Music Video
Norwegian death metal veterans of Cadaver premiere their first new song and music video in 15 years called "Circle of Morbidity", taken from their upcoming new album "Edder & Bile", which will be out in stores later this year. Mainman Anders Odden is joined by drummer Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth, ex-Soilwork, etc.). The new single features a guest appearance from Possessed vocalist Jeff Becerra.
Check out now "Circle of Morbidity" below.
Possessed Premiere New Song & Live Video
Possessed premiere their second single called “Shadowcult” from their impending new album “Revelations Of Oblivion“ in the form of a live video shot during the band’s 2017 appearance at the ‘Bloodstock Open Air‘ festival in the UK. “Revelations Of Oblivion“ will land in stores on May 10th and will be the Possessed's first new release in over three decades.
The full live set will be featured in a limited edition box set edition of the outing on both CD and Blu-ray.
Possessed Posts First Documentary Episode Online
The first name in death metal, Possessed, recently revealed the title of their first album in over three decades, "Revelations Of Oblivion." The album will be released on May 10th via Nuclear Blast Records.
Today, the band releases the first trailer for "Revelations Of Oblivion." Watch below as they discuss the creation of death metal.
The band comments, "Right from the get go, we wanted to create the heaviest music that we possibly could - in the world - something that represented what we wanted to hear rather than what was being sold as metal back then."
Possessed has also today announced their return to UK shores for this summer. The godfathers of death metal will play a one off show at London's Underworld on the 6th June in support of their first album in 33 years "Revelations Of Oblivion."
Harbinger of blasphemy Jeff Becerra comments "We are very much looking forward to coming back to London once again. UK shows are always something that me and my guys are excited about and to be out here touring the new album, "Revelations Of Oblivion" along with our original album material is going to be better than ever. Hoping to see all of you at our London show, up in the front row and ready to destroy! In Fire & Hell, Jeff Becerra" More...
Possessed Posts New Visualizer Video
Possessed, arguably the world's first death metal band, has posted a new visualizer video online for the song, "No More Room In Hell." You can check it out below. The song comes from the band's forthcoming new album, "Revelations Of Oblivion," which will be released on May 10th through Nuclear Blast Records and is their first release since the 1987 EP, "The Eyes Of Horror" and their first full length since their 1986 sophomore album, "Beyond The Gates."
Tracklisting:
1. Chant Of Oblivion
2. No More Room In Hell
3. Dominion
4. Damned
5. Demon
6. Abandoned
7. Shadowcult
8. Omen
9. Ritual
10. The Word
11. Graven
12. Temple Of Samael
Possessed Reveals New Album Release Date
Death metal pioneers Possessed has revealed that the title of their long awaited new album will be, "Revelations Of Oblivion." Furthermore, the group has also released the artwork for the album, which can be seen below, as well as confirming that the record will be released through Nuclear Blast Records on May 10th. The album has long been anticipated by fans and will be their first full length album since their sophomore, "Beyond The Gates" in 1986, which was follows by the Joe Satriani produced EP, "The Eyes Of Horror" in 1987 before disbanding that same year.
Tracklisting:
1. Chant Of Oblivion
2. No More Room In Hell
3. Dominion
4. Damned
5. Demon
6. Abandoned
7. Shadowcult
8. Omen
9. Ritual
10. The Word
11. Graven
12. Temple Of Samael More...
Possessed Premiere New Track "Abandoned"
Death metal godfathers Possessed premiere a new song titled "Abandoned" which is their second new recording in 25 years.
Check out now "Abandoned" below.
Create A Kill Pre-Release Full-Album Streaming
Create A Kill - founded by two ex-Malevolent Creation drummers, Gus Rios (now on guitar) and Alex Marquez (now on vocals), with Daniel Gonzalez (Possessed) on second guitar - premiere the pre-release full-album stream of the band's upcoming album "Summoned To Rise", which will be out in stores July 13th via Bandcamp.
Check out now "Summoned To Rise" in its entirety below.
Possessed & Belphegor Kicking Off European Tour
The godfathers of the death metal genre Possessed and Austrian blackened death metal veterans Belphegor will be kicking off their European tour next week, supported by America's finest black metal export Absu. Co-Headliners Belphegor and Possessed will be rotating each night playing 1 hour sets, do not miss this tour of legends!
Check out all dates of the “Evil Over Europe”-Tour below:
Possessed (Rotating Headliner)
Belphegor (Rotating Headliner)
Absu
From Hell
Cold Raven (02.12-10.12)
Sariola (11.12-20.12) More...
First Bands Announced For Bloodstock 2017
Bloodstock is thrilled to announce a bumper batch of Ronnie James Dio main stage bands for 2017, including the Friday night headliner, Amon Amarth.
Chief berzerker Johan Hegg declares: "What's up UK! On August 11th 2017, we are invading Bloodstock! It's going to be a fucking awesome party, with immense bloodshed and you better be there!"
Landing the special guest slot on Friday are power metal kingpins Blind Guardian, Bay Area thrash beasts, Testament, and hardcore kings Hatebreed. Also hitting the Ronnie James Dio main stage over the weekend are Tennessee deathcore beasts, Whitechapel, seminal death metallers Possessed, and flying the flag for English heavy metal, Bloodstock favorites, Hell. More...
Bloodstock Announces First Wave Of Bands For 2017
Promoters for Bloodstock announced the a bumper crop of acts to play on the Ronnie James Dio main stage for the 2017 edition of the annual festival, including the Friday night headliner! Bloodstock will be held at Catton Park, Derbyshire on August 10-13, 2017.
Prepare your drinking horns!! Swedish overlords, Amon Amarth will be sailing the Viking longboat on to the Catton Park shore as Friday night’s headline band! Chief berzerker Johan Hegg declares, "What's up UK! On August 11th 2017, we are invading Bloodstock! It's going to be a fucking awesome party, with immense bloodshed and you better be there!"
Landing the special guest slot on Friday are power metal kingpins, Blind Guardian. The set will be a UK exclusive for 2017.
By Area thrash beasts, Testament are set for a Friday slot. The band just issued the crushing nww album, "Brotherhood Of The Snake" a week ago via Nuclear Blast.
Hardcore kings, Hatebreed make a welcome return to Catton Park on Saturday, August 12th.
Also landing a spot on the Ronnie James Dio main stage over the weekend are Tennessee deathcore beasts, Whitechapel, seminal death metallers, Possessed and flying the flag for English heavy metal, Bloodstock favorites....Hell. More...
Cold Raven Joining Possessed / Belphegor Tour
Cold Raven will be embarking on "The Evil Over Europe" double-headliner tour featuring Possessed and Belphegor, with additional support from Absu.
Dates for the trek are available below. Cold Raven is also currently writing new material for a next album, so stay tuned for more details in the near future.
02.12 - Paris (Fra) “Glazart” (no Absu)
03.12 - Brescia (ITA) “Circolo Colony”
04.12 - Zurich (SUI) “Dynamo”
05.12 - OFF
06.12 - Kosice (SVK) “Collosseum”
07.12 - Ljubljana (SLO) “Kino Siska”
08.12 - Ostrava (CZE) “Barrack Club”
09.12 - Wroclaw (POL) “Alibi”
10.12 - Berlin (GER) “Nuke Club” More...