Possessed

Released in 1985, Possessed (often referred to by its full title Possessed by Venom) represents a pivotal moment in the band's discography. While their earlier work laid the foundational 'Black Metal' blueprint, this album leans harder into the speed metal and thrash elements that were dominating the mid-80s underground. Recorded with the classic lineup of Cronos, Mantas, and Abaddon, the album is characterized by its notoriously 'shambolic' production - a lo-fi, bass-heavy sound that became a badge of honor for the band. Critics often note that while it lacks the sheer shock value of their debut, it compensates with more structured songwriting and a persistent rock and roll groove. It stands as a testament to the band's influence on the extreme metal scene, bridging the gap between the theatricality of heavy metal and the raw aggression of the second wave of black metal. The track 'Too Loud (For the Crowd)' remains a definitive statement of their sonic identity.