Beyond the Gates

Infobox Album |
Name = Beyond the Gates
Type = studio
Artist = Possessed


Released = March 30, 1986
Recorded =
Genre = Death metal, Thrash metal
Length =
Label = Relativity Records
Producer = Carl Cannedy; Joe Satriani
Reviews =
* Allmusic Rating|2.5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:j9ftxqr5ldae link]
Last album = "Seven Churches"
(1985)
This album = "Beyond the Gates"
(1986)
Next album = "The Eyes of Horror"
(1987):"For the 2005 film starring John Hurt, see Shooting Dogs.""Beyond the Gates" is the second album released by death metal band Possessed. It took a different direction from their debut, "Seven Churches". Unlike "Seven Churches", "Beyond The Gates" takes a step down and has a more technical feeling along with a muddy sound due to poor production which received mixed reviews. Some fans were very disappointed by the album for the sound and production while others were happy with the direction of the band. Something interesting about the album is that their instrumental "Intro" flows very smoothly into the album and sets the mood for the album which then goes into the heaviness of the rest of the album. The tracks "The Heretic", "Tribulation" "March To Die", "No Will To Live" and "Beasts Of The Apocalypse" became the highlights of the album. The "Satanic" element is still present in the songs. However, Beyond The Gates became a sign of Possessed's decline as they only released the EP "The Eyes Of Horror" before they officially disbanded.

The vinyl release of the album featured an enhanced gatefold-style format: the "gates" of the front cover opened outward, exposing several flaps that opened further to reveal a large illustration of a line of demonic creatures approaching over a desert landscape. Lyrics were included on an inner sleeve that held the album itself.

In a recent Guitar World magazine, Possessed lead singer Jeff Becerra said that "Beyond the Gates" was going to be more commercial record. On their previous album, it had been banned from all major record stores because of the upside down cross. "Beyond the Gates" was more commercial in order for the band's dream of becoming famous would come true.

Track listing

# "Intro" - 1:23
# "The Heretic" - 2:40
# "Tribulation" - 4:48
# "March to Die" - 3:12
# "Phantasm" - 4:23
# "No Will to Live" - 6:47
# "Beyond the Gates" - 2:55
# "The Beasts of the Apocalypse" - 3:13
# "Seance" - 3:03
# "Restless Dead" - 2:59
# "Dog Fight" - 1:23