The most well-known lineup (both LPs & the EP) was Becerra,
Lalonde, Torrao, and Sus.
Possessed are hailed as the godfathers of the death metal genre
(not to be confused with the 70's psychedelic rock band from the
UK.) They're considered the first death metal group with the name
coming from their first demo entitled, "Death Metal."
After the album "Beyond the Gates" was released, Larry Lalonde
started to have guitar lessons with Joe Satriani, who ended up
producing the "The Eyes of Horror" EP.
Possessed was formed by guitarist Mike Torrao and drummer Mike Sus
(both around age 14 at this time), who then decided to bring in
Barry Fisk on bass. Fisk committed suicide shortly thereafter, and
Jeff Becerra from Blizzard (US)
came into the band, and soon was joined by second guitarist Brian
Montana. This lineup recorded the 1984 demo "Death Metal", and also
an appearance on Metal Massacre VI with the song "Swing of the
Axe".
At this time, Brian Montana was let go due to his subpar guitar
playing, and also because he did not fit in well with the band's
image. Larry Lalonde, previously in Blizzard with Jeff, was brought
in, and after some gigs with Exodus and
other bands, the band was signed by Combat records, and the
legendary "Seven Churches" was recorded. After some US touring with
Slayer (US),
Venom, and
others, a second album was released, "Beyond the Gates". This album
led to a European tour with Voivod and
Deathrow, and a US tour with Dark Angel
(US), the legendary Gates of Darkness tour, as Dark Angel (US)
was touring in support of "Darkness Descends".
Tensions were rising within the band, and a final EP, "Eyes of
Horror", was released. There were two gigs with Megadeth,
and then Possessed broke up, with Mike Torrao putting the band on
hold. Larry went to Blind Illusion,
where he found Les Claypool and founded Primus, of all bands! In
1991, Torrao recruited Bob Yost on bass, Walter Ryan on drums, and
Mark Strausberg on guitar, and recorded a demo tape and played
three gigs. Then, Yost left, and was replaced by Paul Perry, and a
second demo was recorded in 1993, and that was just about the end.
Jeff Becerra was shot in a robbery, and paralyzed from the chest
down, but has had a successful career since (he did not go insane,
or become born again!). Mike Torrao works as a landscaper and has
some musical projects happening too, while Mike Sus got a degree in
psychology, and is a counselor in a drug treatment clinic.
Possessed is now reformed with Jeff's long-time friends from
Sadistic
Intent filling in on all instruments, while Jeff now only
handles vocals due to his disability.
(Most of this info taken from Lord Vic's site...
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Alley/1409/possessed/posmain.htm
)
Funny fact: It's interesting when Larry Lalonde is asked about his
past being in this very "satanic" group, he denies having any part
in Possessed. Strange...
