Death Metal Guitarist Brian Montana Killed in Deadly Standoff
What began as a seemingly minor dispute over tree clippings ended in tragedy, leaving the Bay Area music community in shock.
Brian Montana, a longtime guitarist for the death metal band Possessed, was fatally shot by police following a violent confrontation with neighbors, raising questions about what led the 60-year-old musician to open fire in his own neighborhood.
Authorities reported that Montana brandished multiple firearms during the dispute. Officers responding to the 300 block of Arroyo Drive in South San Francisco around 6 p.m. were met with gunfire.
According to reports, Montana fired a handgun, shotgun, and rifle at the responding officers, who took cover behind patrol vehicles before returning fire, ultimately striking Montana. The standoff lasted roughly 30 minutes, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Possessed honored Montana with a tribute on Instagram Stories, posting his photo with the simple caption: “Rest In Peace Brian Montana.” He is remembered as a key figure in the band, which helped pioneer the death metal genre and influence countless artists worldwide.
Conclusion
Brian Montana’s death marks a tragic and shocking moment for both the Bay Area community and the global metal scene. Celebrated for his contributions to Possessed’s groundbreaking music, his life ended in a violent confrontation over what began as a seemingly ordinary dispute.
His passing is a stark reminder of how quickly everyday conflicts can escalate—and leaves fans mourning a musician whose impact on heavy metal will not be forgotten.