Beyond the Gates is the second album released by death metal band Possessed. It took a different direction from their debut, Seven Churches. Compared to Seven Churches, Beyond the Gates has a more technical feeling and, due to poor production, a muddy sound. Reception was mixed, with some very disappointed by the album for the sound and production, while others were happy with the new direction of the band. 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 the inner sleeve.
In a recent Guitar World magazine, Possessed lead singer Jeff Becerra said Beyond the Gates was meant to be more of a commercial record, as their previous album had been banned from all major record stores, because of the upside down cross on the cover.
Read more about Beyond The Gates: Track Listing, Personnel
Famous quotes containing the word gates:
“Listen to me, as if I were Sybaris barking with all his heads, at the gates of Hell, I will tell you where to take it. But don’t ... don’t open the box!”
—A.I. (Albert Isaac)