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Possessed

by Venom

Released: April 01, 1985

Heavy metal, speed metal, black metal

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

It followed their 1984 album "At War with Satan." The album was recorded with the band's classic lineup of Cronos on vocals and bass, Mantas on guitar, and Abaddon on drums. "Possessed" is the third studio album by the English heavy metal band Venom, released in April 1985. "Possessed" continues Venom's exploration of themes such as Satanism and the occult, which were prominent in their previous work.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The original release was followed by reissues that…

The original release was followed by reissues that include bonus tracks and remastered content, further adding to its significance for collectors and fans of the band.

Musically, "Possessed" features Venom's trademark raw and aggressive…

Musically, "Possessed" features Venom's trademark raw and aggressive style, blending elements of thrash, speed, and traditional heavy metal.

The album's reception has grown more appreciative over…

The album's reception has grown more appreciative over time, with some recognizing it as an important part of the band's discography and its role in shaping the metal genre.

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Explore the Album

Venom - Possessed

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Then

Reception

However, the album did not receive the same critical acclaim as its predecessors. Some fans and critics felt that the production was less intense than on earlier albums like "Black Metal," and that the band's sound had not evolved significantly. Despite mixed reviews, it has become a part of Venom's legacy and contributes to their influence in the early development of extreme metal genres.

Now

Legacy

Despite mixed reviews, it has become a part of Venom's legacy and contributes to their influence in the early development of extreme metal genres.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Possessed" is the third studio album by the English heavy metal band Venom, released in April 1985. It followed their 1984 album "At War with Satan." The album was recorded with the band's classic lineup of Cronos on vocals and bass, Mantas on guitar, and Abaddon on drums.

"Possessed" continues Venom's exploration of themes such as Satanism and the occult, which were prominent in their previous work. However, the album did not receive the same critical acclaim as its predecessors. Some fans and critics felt that the production was less intense than on earlier albums like "Black Metal," and that the band's sound had not evolved significantly.

Musically, "Possessed" features Venom's trademark raw and aggressive style, blending elements of thrash, speed, and traditional heavy metal. Despite mixed reviews, it has become a part of Venom's legacy and contributes to their influence in the early development of extreme metal genres.

The album's reception has grown more appreciative over time, with some recognizing it as an important part of the band's discography and its role in shaping the metal genre. The original release was followed by reissues that include bonus tracks and remastered content, further adding to its significance for collectors and fans of the band.