Beyond Possession

One of the most savage bands of the eighties was Beyond Possession from the hinterlands of Calgary, Alberta. Initially, they had a seven inch e.p. “Tell Tale Heart” and some tracks on a few compilation albums. They had their own metal influence mixed with some punk skate energy. Then, they released a lone album on Death Records (then home of Corrosion Of Conformity and DRI), went on tour, and eventually came down to Raleigh NC on April 26, 1987.

They played a wailing set. The guitarist James (from the Unwanted) had some VoiVod looking guitar. Singer Ron contorted and bellowed. Drummer Phil pummeled his drum kit, a nonstop blur. The thing that stuck out most to me was their bassist Jamie played like…Steve Harris of Iron Maiden, but looked just like either Benjamin Orr of the Cars or Dave Murray of Iron Maiden. I couldn’t decide which.

Afterwards they sat at the bar of the Fallout Shelter and watched hockey (of all things). They ended up staying where I lived with Mike Dean and we all had breakfast the next morning at a restaurant before sending them on their way.  Nice guys. Beyond Possession were also, along with SNFU, the first Canadians I had ever met.

I have gotten to know Phil a little bit over the years and we worked on some projects together before this one. I’m happy that we get to do this Beyond Possession shirt and we hope you all like it. Thanks to both Charles and Phil for making this happen. Cheers! -Brian Walsby

LIMITED TO 150 SHIRTS. Printed on American Apparel heavy cotton tees.