POSSESSED: New Lineup Unveiled

The first photo of the new lineup of the reactivated California death metal pioneers POSSESSED can be seen below.

POSSESSED 2011 is:

* Jeff Becerra - Vocals
* Emilio Marquez (SADISTIC INTENT) - Drums
* Tony Campos (STATIC-X, PRONG, ASESINO) - Bass
* Kelly Mclauchlin (DIABOLIC, UNHOLY GHOST, PESSIMIST) - Guitar
* Daniel Gonzalez (NAILSHITTER, OCCISAS) - Guitar

Commented Becerra: "I am quite happy with this new lineup and truly respect every member in the band now. It just makes everything so much easier and worthwhile whenever everyone is as into the music as I am. Also the professionalism and dedication is unwavering. These guys came in with guns blazing and knew the songs so well that even the first time around they were playing them almost perfectly.

"Kelly is great guy. Easily one of the coolest musicians that I have ever met. Daniel is also just a nice guy all the way around, but such a mean player at the same time. And, of course, Tony is an amazing bass player and technically perfect.

"It was incredible for me to see and hear my songs played the right way for the first time in over 20 years. I just couldn't ignore the many fans that were writing, calling, and telling me in person, respectfully, that POSSESSED didn't sound right tuned down. Also I was able to sit with these guys and go through every single part of the songs and work them out technically so that they once again sounded great.

"I want POSSESSED to be like the old days which, while very fun, were also very serious in our presentation and meticulous and fully dedicated to the music and playing well as a whole.

"Finally, for the first time since the '80s, I have found a group that are able to not only play well but also have the brotherhood and respect for one another that just makes it so much better.

"I just can't help but feel that this lineup was meant to be... and no matter what happens in the future good or bad, I am honored that I have the chance to play music with these guys and am hoping for the best.

"These guys, like me, are down for the work and the music and have a work ethic that is beyond reproach."

POSSESSED's last lineup featured sole original member Becerra backed by musicians from California's SADISTIC INTENT.

In the October 2008 issue of Guitar World magazine, Becerra talked candidly about the 1989 shooting that left him paralyzed from the chest down, his battle with drugs and alcohol, the early days of the Bay Area thrash metal scene and his future as a wheelchair-bound frontman for the death metal legends.

Regarding the robbery that left him paralyzed, Becerra said: "The first bullet went into my chest about six inches above the nipple, went through the lung and stuck on the inside of my spine. I put my hand up as I was going down, and the second bullet clipped the top of my ring finger off. But at least it didn't hit me in the head. So I was on the ground, and the first guy put the gun to my head and pulled the trigger, and the gun jammed — luckily for me, some criminals don't know how to clean their automatic weapons."

On performing at the 2007 Wacken Open Air festival in Germany, Becerra told Guitar World: "The show was amazing, and it was a great way for me to get back into the scene — but I was terrified, just shaking onstage in front of like 60,000 people. It was really emotional for me to be back out there, and I was really hoping that people wouldn't look at the chair and see 'poor Jeff.' I just didn't want to make a fool of myself and of the POSSESSED name — I didn't want to lose the only thing I ever was, you know?"

Guitar World has posted exclusive interview outtakes and photos of Jeff at this location.