For decades, Possessed have stood as one of the most uncompromising forces in extreme music, credited by many as the originators of death metal. Now, after years of anticipation, frontman Jeff Becerra and Possessed are finally bringing their legendary sound to Australian stages for the very first time, marking the 40th anniversary of their iconic debut album Seven Churches.
In a recent interview with Jai That Aussie Metal Guy for Crannk.com, Jeff opened up about his excitement for the tour, the origins of Seven Churches, and the band’s enduring legacy.
Seven Churches – The Beginning of Death Metal
Jeff reflected on the unlikely beginnings of Possessed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, during what he described as a time of “economic depression.” What began with a young Jeff (who was just 11 years old when he wrote “Burning in Hell”) and his bandmates eventually crystallized into something groundbreaking. By 1984, Possessed had branded themselves as “death metal”—not only as a descriptor of their raw, extreme sound but also as a deliberate act of identity in a crowded metal scene.
While the decision set them apart, it also drew criticism that continues to this day. As Jeff put it, “Death metal should represent freedom, not rigid rules. It’s about the music first, not commercial success.”
A Legacy Forged in Fire
Possessed’s Seven Churches remains one of the most influential extreme metal records of all time. Its rawness, extremity, and defiance laid down a blueprint for generations of death and black metal bands.
But the road has not been easy. Jeff himself has faced immense personal challenges, including surviving a shooting in 1989 that left him paralyzed, and more recently, rebuilding Possessed with a new lineup for the acclaimed 2019 album Revelations of Oblivion. Speaking about that record, Jeff noted the immense pressure of living up to the band’s legacy, and how assembling the right musicians—Laura Ricardinius, Christopher Agui, Claudius Kramer, and Daniela Gonzalez—was crucial to its success.
Death Metal’s Evolution
In conversation with Jai, Jeff shared his admiration for the way death metal has grown into a global phenomenon, adapting and evolving across different regions. What began as a niche has become a genre that thrives on diversity and innovation.
And yet, Possessed still hold their ground as pioneers who continue to shape the narrative of extreme music. Their sound remains as vital and furious as ever, a testament to Jeff’s resilience and his refusal to compromise.
A Tour Decades in the Making
Jeff also revealed that the Australian tour is something he’s been trying to make happen for over 20 years. Having already performed across four continents, the upcoming run of shows in Australia marks another long-awaited milestone in the band’s journey.
Fans can expect a career-spanning setlist—including the entirety of Seven Churches, cuts from Revelations of Oblivion, and other classics from Possessed’s catalog.
Possessed Australian Tour Dates 2025
Mark your calendars—this is history in the making.
- Wednesday 29 Oct – Brisbane – The Triffid
- Thursday 30 Oct – Sydney – Manning Bar
- Friday 31 Oct – Melbourne – Croxton
- Saturday 1 Nov – Canberra – The Baso
🎟️ Tickets & Info: Hardline Media
