10 Most Anticipated Metal Albums Of 2018
6. Possessed – TBA
Given how hugely influential the band are, the thrash/death metal titans Possessed rarely receive the kudos that they deserve for the gigantic mark that they have made on music. The band’s debut, Seven Churches (1985), is often cited as the first death metal album, displaying brutal drumming and vocal techniques that would soon become subgenre mainstays.
Probably the most aggressive-sounding band of the ‘80s California metal scene – the same scene that would spawn Metallica, Slayer and more – Possessed’s impact would be felt very quickly, inspiring such similar pioneers as Death and Sepultura. The group would release one album and an EP after their underground debut, but would enter inactivity shortly afterwards, not reuniting until 2007.
Rumours of a third full-length from Possessed have been circulating since 2012, but it wasn’t until May this year that things began to truly take shape, as the band announced they were signing with Nuclear Blast Records and hoping for new music to see the light of day in 2018.
In interviews, frontman Jeff Becerra has called the new album “very Possessed-ey, but not quite as dated,” promising to bring the band into the 21st century while keeping their violent DNA intact.