2 possessed The Exorcist (Seven Churches, 1985)

Before its current acclaim as classic, eradefining cinema, 1973’s The Exorcist was reviled as sick, corrupting filth. the VhS was banned by the time Bay area teens Possessed wrote their take, for a debut that was ground zero for death metal. the film’s theme, Mike oldfield’s Tubular Bells, was plucked out on synth by young producer randy Burns (soon to become the go-to thrash/ death sound guy), and the lyrics come from the perspective of a turbulent, Pazuzu-infected mind. the film’s happy(ish) ending is reprised in Jeff Becerra’s demonic roar: a soul is saved, but at what mental cost?

CHOICE LYRIC: “Exorcism takes control / Beneath my body help my soul”