POSSESSED are myth and legend. They are the godfathers of Death Metal; a genre named after the closing track on their debut album Seven Churches - a genre-defining milestone that likewise paved the way for the upcoming Black Metal scene. Yet, the massive new star burnt quickly and only one year later the band’s sophomore Beyond The Gates heralded the end of a cult as the record fell far short the expectations. A last rear up with the Joe Satriani produced EP The Eyes Of Horror and POSSESSED are history. Three years later singer Jeff Becerra was tragically paralyzed following a shooting in a robbery, wheelchair-bound since then he retired from the music scene.
As the sole original member Jeff Beccera decided in 2007 to revive the band and now, some 32 years later, releases the band’s third effort Revelation Of Oblivion. The 2019 version of POSSESSED consists of the master himself, Emilio Marquez (drums) and Robert Cardenas (bass), Daniel Gonzalez (guitar) and Claudeous Creamer (guitar). So far the history in short.
Of course, this is a daring venture that arouses many questions. Is the current version of the band just a tribute or potent enough to create something new and significant? Will the band destroy itself and its legacy? Will they attempt to tie in with Seven Churches or sound completely different?
Well then… Bell-ringing and an ominous intro, then No More Room In Hell crushes in. Hell yes, the first listening makes clear: POSSESSED are back! And POSSESSED are still POSSESSED!
Revelations Of Oblivion picks closely up, where Seven Churches was left of. . That was to be expected. Luckily, Revelations Of Oblivion is no copy of the cult album, yet does not display much of a progress or development either. POSSESSED just continue as have not there been a gap since 1985. And they are better than ever before.
Revelations Of Oblivion is a bit more riff-dominated and groovier than Seven Churches, also a little bit slowed down, yet dynamic and entertaining.
Another killer tracks to check out would be Demon, Omen and Graven. Ritual again seems to bow towards Morbid Angel, while the beginning of The Word spreads a touch of Hypocrisy. No wonder, it is a Peter Tägtgren production, a signature sound that does not leave much to be desired.
No, Revelations Of Oblivion is surely not perfect. That was to be expected too. But this record as an amazing comeback and it is huge fun to listen to!