Death
(and a demo) called
in 1984, the historic importance of Possessed is a no-brainer. Their 1985 debut, has long been revered as the alpha sperm of the entire DM genre, those four pimply San Fran teens intensifying thrash beyond previous boundaries with rabidly occult lyrical focus, twisted horror atmospheres and an unpredictable hyperactivity, the chaotic charm heightened by the ragged inexperience of youth.
Only frontman Jeff Becerra – wheelchair-bound since being shot by muggers in 1989 – remains from the 80s Possessed line-up, and his unorthodox, distressed rasp is still hearteningly recognisable 32 years after their last studio release. His new band of seasoned scene veterans maintain a neat balance between wild exuberance and slick precision – as does Peter Tägtgren’s uraniumweight production. The twisted guitarwork of Mike Tarrao will always be a crucial aspect of Possessed’s sound and legacy, and it is a shame he’s not onboard
(we can forgive the band’s other ex-guitarist, Larry Lalonde, for being too busy with Primus), but some of Mike’s style has carried over into the crazier, queasier licks, chops and twin harmonies of new team Daniel Gonzales and Claudeous Creamer.
After a glorious quasi-Hammer Horror soundtrack intro, throws down an OTT tempo and attitude that remain impressively full-on throughout the album’s 55 minutes, peaking with the compulsive deathly thrashing speed attack of advance cut (although several tunes run a bit too long, and one or two may be wholly surplus). However, when the pace does moderate a notch, as on and
Possessed reveal more clearly than ever how foundational the Motörhead influence is to their sound. So, Possessed 2019: something old, something new, something borrowed, something to rip your face off. ■■■■■■■■■■
FOR FANS OF: Slayer, Morbid Angel, Behemoth