POSSESSED (USA/CA)

One of the prime instigators of the Bay Area Thrash scene. San Francisco's POSSESSED's influence would be felt on the extreme Metal scene, particularly the Death and Black Metal genres, long after the group had disbanded. Indeed, POSSESSED is generally acknowledged to be amongst the very earliest groups to brand their style of music as "Death Metal". Founded as teenagers during 1983 POSSESSED were originally fronted by singer Barry Fisk. The band also formatively included the EXODUS credited Geoff Andrews on bass. Tragedy struck the band early in their career though when Fisk committed suicide, shooting himself in the head in front of his girlfriend. With former MARAUDER and BLIZZARD man Jeff Beccara replacing Fisk the band, including guitarists Mike Torrao and Brian Montana with drummer Mike Sus, cut a 1984 demo which excited the interest of Metal Blade Records. The label gave an inclusion to POSSESSED's 'Swing Of The Axe', culled from a second demo recorded at Dangerous Rhythm Studio in Oakland with engineer Matt Wallace, to their 'Best Of Metal Massacre' compilation but did not sign the band up for an album. The honour fell to Combat Records although not before Montana was fired, apparently for disagreeing with the bands image of leather, studs and inverted crosses. Larry Lalonde, another BLIZZARD recruit, took his place for the Randy Burns produced debut 'Seven Churches' in 1985.

The band released several demos most likely WITHOUT covers. The covers were most likely made by fans.


RELATED BANDS:
Desecration


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Information on all demo covers and tapes. Still need to confirm if these are legit covers!
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DEATH METAL 1984 DEMO

WE JUST HAD A PLACE RUN OFF 90 OF THE DEATH METAL DEMOS. OF COURSE THERE WAS A SECOND DEMO MADE WITH BETTER QUALITY (SWING OF THE AXE, FALLEN ANGEL, DEATH METAL AND I BELIEVE EVIL WARRIORS). THE COVERS ON THE FIRST WERE XEROX AND I DON'T EVEN THINK WE HAD COVERS ON THE SECOND. -JEFF


TRACK LISTING:
- Death Metal
- Evil Warriors
- Burning in Hell 

 

1985 DEMO

No covers. Just a studio tape passed to labels.


TRACK LISTING:
- Fallen Angel
- Swing of the Axe
- Death Metal

 

1991 DEMO

Single Sided Xerox covers, no lyrics. Pro printed tapes on one side!

TRACK LISTING:
- The Martyr's Wake
- The Seventh Sign

1991 DEMO TAPE:


 

1993 DEMO

Xeroxed covers onto Red heavy paper. No lyrics. Legit? Need more info.


TRACK LISTING:
- The Seventh Sign
- Last Ritual
- Human Extermination

DEMO FLYERS

BAND PHOTOS