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Possessed is one of those bands that is frequently mentioned as an influence by many death and black metal bands, as well some thrash bands. Seven Churches is probably their best known work, often referred to as the originator of death metal.

Seven Churches is 39 minutes of unrelenting thrash attack, fast-paced from start to finish. With song names such as Pentagram, Burning in Hell and Satan's Curse, surely they must have given the PMRC some ammunitions back in the 80's! :)This is "Satanic" music done in a time when the bands didn't take themselves too seriously like some Black metal bands of today (maybe they should take note?) No need for overdone imagery here, as the music speaks for itself. The hellish guitar solos and especially the wicked vocals giving the music all the evil feel it needs. The vocals are of a thrash style, but the vocalist has a certain edge to his voice that gives the impression that the vocals are coming from way down below. Very effective. Who needs unintelligible BM screams when you have a voice like that.

While Seven Churches was described as either death or black metal, I'd say I ear more of a mix of thrash influences from bands such as very early Metallica and Slayer, but with a more aggressive edge. Lyrically however this is definitely in the satanic category - black metal? Who cares. I just enjoy the onslaught and call it Possessed.

Seven Churches is one of those classic albums that is timeless, and fans of today's extreme music should pick it up not only to hear the originators, but also to treat their ears with some extremely well done metal music. A lot of today's extreme bands should maybe pick this up as well and learn a thing or two, rather than try to clone the latest "truer than thou" band. In short, this albums kills. Get it.

Additional Information

- Originally released in 1985