Betzefer
Encyclopedia
Betzefer is an Israel
i groove metal
band, originating from the communal settlement
Maccabim-Re'ut. The band was formed up in 1998 and was signed to Roadrunner Records
from 2005 to 2007. Betzefer is notable for becoming Israel's first heavy metal
band to have released its debut album on a major heavy metal
label.
Betzefer's biggest influence is Slayer
, while Pantera
and Sepultura
are also credited as being major influences. The band's upcoming album will be produced by Down
producer Warren Riker.
". The original lineup included singer Avital Tamir, guitarist Matan Cohen, drummer Roey Berman and bassist Menashe "Mashy" Hazan. Following the usual gigs as a cover band and several replacements of the bass players, Betzefer started their own songwriting. 1999 saw the release of their first demo followed in 2000 by the EP, Pitz Aachabar ("Pitz the Mouse"), a parody on a popular Hebrew children song. In 2001 they released the EP Some Tits, But No Bush
and later in 2003 the EP New Hate
with new bass player Evil Haim (Haim Binyami), all self-financed and self-released.
Not long after the release of the EP, Evil Haim left the band, and stayed only to work as the band's soundman
, additionally for the new band he formed after the departure from Betzefer, Whorecore. Rotem Inbar replaced him as the bassist.
to record their first full-length album, Down Low
, with producer Kris Belaen to whom they were introduced by Sven De Caluwe of Aborted
and Whorecore. They eventually recorded the album with Belaen, while the final mixing and mastering was done by Danish
producer Tue Madsen
. During the recordings, the band was offered by Fear Factory
to tour with them as their supporting act. During their performances the band was noticed by the major label Roadrunner Records
who signed the band to a 4 album contract. After the signing, the band came back to the studio to finish the recording.
On May 19, 2005, Down Low was released independently in Israel, and then on June 6, 2005, it was released internationally by Roadrunner
, after which the band toured Europe intensively to promote it.
Beginning March 2007, They toured with Sepultura
supporting their Dante XXI
tour, supporting Lamb of God
and Soulfly
on their German tours and Chimaira
on their UK tour, and through 2007 performed in such events as With Full Force
festival in Germany
and Planet Music in Austria
. They were joined by Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser
a few times for a performance of "Thunderstruck
" by AC/DC
. On July 2, 2007, Betzefer opened for Megadeth
at the Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv
, Israel
.
In December 2007, Betzefer parted ways with Roadrunner Records
, stating that the record label doesn't fit anymore for what the band is looking for, although various sources has stated that the band was dropped by the label due to personal issues with the band. At the time, the band also stated they have already written most of the material for the upcoming album, which will not be released by Roadrunner.
at the Theater Club in Tel Aviv
. At the show, the band performed all the songs from their upcoming second album. A few days later, the band entered the studio to start recording the new album.
On May 21, 2008, it was announced that Betzefer's upcoming 2nd studio album won't be mixed and produced by Tue Madsen
after all as previously announced, and that it will be instead mixed and produced by Grammy Award
winner Warren Riker, who has produced albums for Down
, Santana
, Lauryn Hill
and more. The band has commented that as much as they liked working with Madsen, they decided to work with Riker instead, since they have the option, because they do not want the new album to sound like the latest one, and they hope Riker will bring the new sound they look for. The band stated that their new songs will combine the old elements of the band's music along with new experimental
material.
On May 25, 2008, Betzefer finished the recording of their second studio album and announced that the album is in its final mixing stages. They then performed at the Hellelujah Open Air, a donation heavy metal festival in Herzliya
, Israel
, on May 30, 2008, in which they said they were recording the crowd for a new song called "Doomsday" in which vocalist Tamir stated they needed to have people shouting gang vocals of the word "Day" in the chorus, for the record. At the show the band also played two new songs: "Doomsday" and "Best Seller". It was then announced that the current title for Betzefer's second studio album is Freedom to The Slave Makers
and that the album will be released in September 2008 and not July 2008 as it was said before. Yet, since then, the album was delayed once again, this time to an unknown date in 2009.
On April 24, 2009, the band played at the 2009 edition of the Hellelujah Open Air in Herzliya
, Israel
, which was the band's only live performance for 2009. During the performance, the band has announced that the album was once again delayed to an unknown date in 2010 since it was not mastered yet, and performed a new song, entitled "Heavensent", along with Tomer Jones of Whorecore.
In May 2009, it was announced that the album will go into the mastering stage between May 18–25, 2009, at West West Side Music Studios, in New Windsor, New York
by Alan Douches, who previously worked with such bands as Through the Eyes of the Dead
, Beneath the Massacre
and A Life Once Lost
.
On August 27, 2010, the band played their first show of 2010, at the Heavy Metal Tel Aviv as their alter ego band HC/DC which features the band members, with additional guitarist Alex Schuster, though the band played strictly AC/DC
covers, and not any songs from Betzefer. Alongside the band played such acts as Sabaton
, Tim "Ripper" Owens, Nightmare
and Almana Shchora
.
On September 28, 2010, the band performed as part of Ozzfest
, taking place in Israel
for the first time, alongside Ozzy Osbourne
, KoЯn, Soulfly
and Almana Shchora
. The band has played the whole new album at the show and has also hinted on a possible soon to be announced release date for the long delayed album.
On October 24, 2010, the band has announced on its Facebook
page that artwork for the album has been completed. It was done by Shahar Hemo and Nir Doliner, with photography by Gal Hamo.
On November 3, 2010, it was finally announced that the band has signed a new record deal with AFM Records
, who will release the band's second album Freedom to the Slave Makers
worldwide in February 2011. On January 5, 2011, it was confirmed that the album would be released worldwide on February 18, 2011, with a special release show at the Barby club in Tel Aviv
, Israel
, to follow on March 3, 2011. On January 6, 2011, the band revealed the album's artwork and tracklist. On January 10, 2011, it was announced that the album will be released in the US on February 22, 2011, through E1 Music.
On January 20, 2011, the band released the song "Nothing But Opinions", the first single from the upcoming album, for free listening through such Israeli sites as Walla!, Nana 10
and Musicspot. On February 16, 2011, the album was uploaded for free streaming on the band's Facebook
and Myspace
pages.
On June 16, 2011, Betzefer went on their first European tour in support of Freedom to the Slave Makers
, and their first international tour since 2007. The tour included some headlining dates as well as supporting slots for Cavalera Conspiracy
and GWAR
, and a slot on the With Full Force
festival, on which the band haven't played since 2005. The tour ended on July 2, 2011.
and thrash metal
, influenced by bands such as Pantera
, Slayer
and Sepultura
, although on an interview with an Israeli extreme sports magazine, vocalist Avital Tamir
also stated Guns N' Roses
and Metallica
, as influences, additionally to Pantera
.
They are described by many as metalcore
, groove metal
, thrash metal
, post-thrash and even alternative metal
and nu metal
, but the band disproves any labeling on their genre and vocalist Avital Tamir
stated in an interview that their genre is purely rock
or alternative rock
, and that they see themselves mostly as part of the Israeli alternative rock
scene, and that no one of the band members even saw himself as a metalhead before, and the connection between the band and metal
music is simply because the music is fast, heavy and harsh.
In another interview with Avital Tamir
and Matan Cohen
, they stated AC/DC
, Aerosmith
and Black Sabbath
as their rock
-rooted influences. They also mentioned they have influences ranging from hard rock
and heavy metal
, through punk
and even blues
.
Slayer
is thought to be the band's biggest influence, since in their biggest hit single "Down Low" the last verse of the song praises Slayer's album Reign in Blood
as "the best damn fuckin' album ever". They also play the opening riff of the Slayer song "Raining Blood
" in almost every concert, as a finish to their song "Down Low".
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
i groove metal
Groove metal
Groove metal is a subgenre of heavy metal. It was often used to describe Pantera and Exhorder.- Characteristics and origins :Pantera's Cowboys from Hell album from 1990 was described as "groundbreaking" and "blueprint-defining" for the groove metal genre...
band, originating from the communal settlement
Communal settlement (Israel)
A community settlement is a type of town in Israel. While in an ordinary town anyone may buy property, in a community settlement the town's residents, who are organized in a cooperative, can veto a sale of a house or a business to an undesirable buyer....
Maccabim-Re'ut. The band was formed up in 1998 and was signed to Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
from 2005 to 2007. Betzefer is notable for becoming Israel's first heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band to have released its debut album on a major heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
label.
Betzefer's biggest influence is Slayer
Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and...
, while Pantera
Pantera
Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
and Sepultura
Sepultura
Sepultura is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, formed in 1984. The band was a major force in the death metal, thrash metal and ultimately groove metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their later experiments melding nu metal, hardcore punk and industrial.Sepultura...
are also credited as being major influences. The band's upcoming album will be produced by Down
Down (band)
Down is an American heavy metal supergroup that formed in 1991 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The band's current lineup consists of vocalist Phil Anselmo, guitarist Pepper Keenan, guitarist Kirk Windstein, bassist Pat Bruders and drummer Jimmy Bower. Since their formation, Down has gone on hiatus twice...
producer Warren Riker.
Early years (1998–2004)
Betzefer was formed in 1998 for a one-off high school gig. This fact is the origin of the band's name, which is an ad lib translation of the Hebrew term "Beit Sefer", meaning "schoolSchool
A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools...
". The original lineup included singer Avital Tamir, guitarist Matan Cohen, drummer Roey Berman and bassist Menashe "Mashy" Hazan. Following the usual gigs as a cover band and several replacements of the bass players, Betzefer started their own songwriting. 1999 saw the release of their first demo followed in 2000 by the EP, Pitz Aachabar ("Pitz the Mouse"), a parody on a popular Hebrew children song. In 2001 they released the EP Some Tits, But No Bush
Some Tits, But No Bush
Some Tits, But No Bush is the debut EP to be released by the Israeli groove metal band Betzefer. It was self-produced and released on January 1, 2001.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Avital Tamir - lead vocals*Matan Cohen - guitars...
and later in 2003 the EP New Hate
New Hate EP
New Hate is the second EP by groove metal band Betzefer, released in May 2003. It was mixed by ex-Eternal Gray guitarist Eyal Glotman and recorded in his studio, with mastering by Maor Appelbaum....
with new bass player Evil Haim (Haim Binyami), all self-financed and self-released.
Not long after the release of the EP, Evil Haim left the band, and stayed only to work as the band's soundman
Audio engineering
An audio engineer, also called audio technician, audio technologist or sound technician, is a specialist in a skilled trade that deals with the use of machinery and equipment for the recording, mixing and reproduction of sounds. The field draws on many artistic and vocational areas, including...
, additionally for the new band he formed after the departure from Betzefer, Whorecore. Rotem Inbar replaced him as the bassist.
Down Low, signing and departure from Roadrunner (2004–2007)
In June 2004 the band took off to BelgiumBelgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
to record their first full-length album, Down Low
Down Low (album)
Down Low is Israeli groove metal band Betzefer's first full-length studio album and major label debut on Roadrunner Records, as well as their only album on that label. It was released on May 19, 2005, in Israel and June 6, 2005, worldwide...
, with producer Kris Belaen to whom they were introduced by Sven De Caluwe of Aborted
Aborted
Aborted is a Belgian death metal band formed in Waregem, Belgium in 1995. The group comprises vocalist and founder Sven de Caluwé, guitarists Eran Segal and Mike Wilson, bassist J.B. Van Der Wal, and drummer Ken Bedene. The band members of Aborted are from Belgium, France, Israel, United Kingdom,...
and Whorecore. They eventually recorded the album with Belaen, while the final mixing and mastering was done by Danish
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
producer Tue Madsen
Tue Madsen
Tue Madsen is a Danish music producer and sound engineer, who is well known in metal genre for his work with bands like The Haunted, Mnemic, Hatesphere, Ektomorf, Cataract, Exmortem, and Born from Pain. His first work as a producer was the album Embraced by the Absolute by Autumn Leaves in 1997...
. During the recordings, the band was offered by Fear Factory
Fear Factory
Fear Factory is an American industrial metal band. Formed in 1989, they have released seven full-length albums and a number of singles and remixes. Over the course of their career they have evolved from a succession of styles, as well as steadily pioneered a combination of the styles death metal,...
to tour with them as their supporting act. During their performances the band was noticed by the major label Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
who signed the band to a 4 album contract. After the signing, the band came back to the studio to finish the recording.
On May 19, 2005, Down Low was released independently in Israel, and then on June 6, 2005, it was released internationally by Roadrunner
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
, after which the band toured Europe intensively to promote it.
Beginning March 2007, They toured with Sepultura
Sepultura
Sepultura is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, formed in 1984. The band was a major force in the death metal, thrash metal and ultimately groove metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their later experiments melding nu metal, hardcore punk and industrial.Sepultura...
supporting their Dante XXI
Dante XXI
Dante XXI is the tenth studio album by Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura, released in 2006 through SPV Records. It is a concept album based on the three sections of Dante Alighieri's The Divine Comedy; Inferno , Purgatorio and Paradiso .- Album information :Dante XXI was originally titled...
tour, supporting Lamb of God
Lamb of God (band)
Lamb of God is an American heavy metal band from Richmond, Virginia. Formed in 1994, the group consists of vocalist Randy Blythe, guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler, bassist John Campbell, and drummer Chris Adler...
and Soulfly
Soulfly
Soulfly is a heavy metal band formed in 1997 based in Phoenix, Arizona. The original lyrical content revolved around spirituality and religious themes, with later albums encompassing other themes including war, violence, aggression, hatred and anger. Soulfly is led by former Sepultura frontman Max...
on their German tours and Chimaira
Chimaira
Chimaira is an American heavy metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1998, the group is a notable member of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal scene. The band's name is derived from the word Chimera, a monstrous creature in Greek mythology...
on their UK tour, and through 2007 performed in such events as With Full Force
With Full Force
With Full Force is a metal, hardcore and punk festival held annually in Germany since 1994. The 2011 edition took place on July 1 and July 3 at the Roitzschjora airport in Löbnitz near Leipzig in the Saxon county of Delitzsch.-2010:...
festival in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
and Planet Music in Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
. They were joined by Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser
Andreas Kisser
Andreas Rudolf Kisser is the lead guitarist for the metal band Sepultura as well as the rock supergroup HAIL!-Biography:...
a few times for a performance of "Thunderstruck
Thunderstruck (song)
"Thunderstruck" is the first song on the 1990 AC/DC album The Razors Edge.The song peaked at No. 5 on U.S. the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. It was released as a single in Germany, Australia, and Japan. The song is said to be inspired by lead guitarist Angus Young's hair-raising experience...
" by AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
. On July 2, 2007, Betzefer opened for Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
at the Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv , officially Tel Aviv-Yafo , is the second most populous city in Israel, with a population of 404,400 on a land area of . The city is located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline in west-central Israel. It is the largest and most populous city in the metropolitan area of Gush Dan, with...
, Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
.
In December 2007, Betzefer parted ways with Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
, stating that the record label doesn't fit anymore for what the band is looking for, although various sources has stated that the band was dropped by the label due to personal issues with the band. At the time, the band also stated they have already written most of the material for the upcoming album, which will not be released by Roadrunner.
Freedom to the Slave Makers (2008–present)
On March 10, 2008, Betzefer opened for Machine HeadMachine Head (band)
Machine Head is an American heavy metal band from Oakland, California. Formed on October 12, 1991, the group was founded by Robb Flynn and Adam Duce. There have been 4 member changes since their inception. The current lineup of the band comprises Flynn , Duce , ex-Vio-Lence guitarist Phil Demmel ,...
at the Theater Club in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv , officially Tel Aviv-Yafo , is the second most populous city in Israel, with a population of 404,400 on a land area of . The city is located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline in west-central Israel. It is the largest and most populous city in the metropolitan area of Gush Dan, with...
. At the show, the band performed all the songs from their upcoming second album. A few days later, the band entered the studio to start recording the new album.
On May 21, 2008, it was announced that Betzefer's upcoming 2nd studio album won't be mixed and produced by Tue Madsen
Tue Madsen
Tue Madsen is a Danish music producer and sound engineer, who is well known in metal genre for his work with bands like The Haunted, Mnemic, Hatesphere, Ektomorf, Cataract, Exmortem, and Born from Pain. His first work as a producer was the album Embraced by the Absolute by Autumn Leaves in 1997...
after all as previously announced, and that it will be instead mixed and produced by Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
winner Warren Riker, who has produced albums for Down
Down (band)
Down is an American heavy metal supergroup that formed in 1991 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The band's current lineup consists of vocalist Phil Anselmo, guitarist Pepper Keenan, guitarist Kirk Windstein, bassist Pat Bruders and drummer Jimmy Bower. Since their formation, Down has gone on hiatus twice...
, Santana
Santana (band)
Santana is a rock band based around guitarist Carlos Santana and founded in the late 1960s. It first came to public attention after their performing the song "Soul Sacrifice" at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, when their Latin rock provided a contrast to other acts on the bill...
, Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Noelle Hill is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress.Early in her career, she established her reputation as a member of the Fugees. In 1998, she launched her solo career with the release of the commercially successful and critically acclaimed album, The Miseducation of...
and more. The band has commented that as much as they liked working with Madsen, they decided to work with Riker instead, since they have the option, because they do not want the new album to sound like the latest one, and they hope Riker will bring the new sound they look for. The band stated that their new songs will combine the old elements of the band's music along with new experimental
Experimental music
Experimental music refers, in the English-language literature, to a compositional tradition which arose in the mid-20th century, applied particularly in North America to music composed in such a way that its outcome is unforeseeable. Its most famous and influential exponent was John Cage...
material.
On May 25, 2008, Betzefer finished the recording of their second studio album and announced that the album is in its final mixing stages. They then performed at the Hellelujah Open Air, a donation heavy metal festival in Herzliya
Herzliya
Herzliya is a city in the central coast of Israel, at the western part of the Tel Aviv District. It has a population of 87,000 residents. Named after Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, Herzliya covers an area of 26 km²...
, Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
, on May 30, 2008, in which they said they were recording the crowd for a new song called "Doomsday" in which vocalist Tamir stated they needed to have people shouting gang vocals of the word "Day" in the chorus, for the record. At the show the band also played two new songs: "Doomsday" and "Best Seller". It was then announced that the current title for Betzefer's second studio album is Freedom to The Slave Makers
Freedom to the Slave Makers
Freedom to the Slave Makers is Israeli groove metal band Betzefer's second full-length studio album, due for release on February 18, 2011, after it was delayed a few times between 2008–2010...
and that the album will be released in September 2008 and not July 2008 as it was said before. Yet, since then, the album was delayed once again, this time to an unknown date in 2009.
On April 24, 2009, the band played at the 2009 edition of the Hellelujah Open Air in Herzliya
Herzliya
Herzliya is a city in the central coast of Israel, at the western part of the Tel Aviv District. It has a population of 87,000 residents. Named after Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, Herzliya covers an area of 26 km²...
, Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
, which was the band's only live performance for 2009. During the performance, the band has announced that the album was once again delayed to an unknown date in 2010 since it was not mastered yet, and performed a new song, entitled "Heavensent", along with Tomer Jones of Whorecore.
In May 2009, it was announced that the album will go into the mastering stage between May 18–25, 2009, at West West Side Music Studios, in New Windsor, New York
New Windsor, New York
New Windsor is a town in Orange County, New York, United States. The population was estimated at 25,244 in 2010 by the US Census.The Town of New Windsor is in the eastern part of the county, bordering the Town of Newburgh and the City of Newburgh....
by Alan Douches, who previously worked with such bands as Through the Eyes of the Dead
Through the Eyes of the Dead
Through the Eyes of the Dead is an American deathcore band from Florence, South Carolina, formed in 2003. They have released three full-length albums, one EP, and one split album with The Knife Trade.-History:...
, Beneath the Massacre
Beneath the Massacre
Beneath the Massacre is a Canadian death metal band from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Their debut album, Evidence of Inequity, was released in 2005, under Galy Records. In early 2006, the band signed with Prosthetic Records and has since released their first full-length album, Mechanics of...
and A Life Once Lost
A Life Once Lost
A Life Once Lost is an American metalcore band formed in 1999 in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After releases on Robotic Empire and Deathwish Inc., A Life Once Lost released their successful album, Hunter on Ferret Music in 2005...
.
On August 27, 2010, the band played their first show of 2010, at the Heavy Metal Tel Aviv as their alter ego band HC/DC which features the band members, with additional guitarist Alex Schuster, though the band played strictly AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
covers, and not any songs from Betzefer. Alongside the band played such acts as Sabaton
Sabaton (band)
Sabaton is a Grammis-nominated power metal band from Falun, Sweden formed in 1999. The band's main lyrical themes are those of historical wars. This is heard in albums Primo Victoria, Attero Dominatus and Coat of Arms where all of the songs, except final tracks, take inspiration from historical...
, Tim "Ripper" Owens, Nightmare
Nightmare (French band)
Nightmare is a power metal band, native of Grenoble, France. The band was influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal phenomenon developing in the UK in the 1980s and started their career playing classic heavy metal, that later changed to power metal with death and thrash influences.-Early...
and Almana Shchora
Almana Shchora
Almana Shchora is a heavy metal band originating from Tel Aviv, Israel.-History:The band was founded in 1991 and stay active until these days as well, Although the only surviving original member of the band is the guitarist and founder Eli Zulta, who wrote and sang most of the songs...
.
On September 28, 2010, the band performed as part of Ozzfest
Ozzfest
Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States featuring performances by many heavy metal and hard rock musical groups. It was founded by Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne, both of whom also organize each yearly tour with their son Jack Osbourne...
, taking place in Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
for the first time, alongside Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
, KoЯn, Soulfly
Soulfly
Soulfly is a heavy metal band formed in 1997 based in Phoenix, Arizona. The original lyrical content revolved around spirituality and religious themes, with later albums encompassing other themes including war, violence, aggression, hatred and anger. Soulfly is led by former Sepultura frontman Max...
and Almana Shchora
Almana Shchora
Almana Shchora is a heavy metal band originating from Tel Aviv, Israel.-History:The band was founded in 1991 and stay active until these days as well, Although the only surviving original member of the band is the guitarist and founder Eli Zulta, who wrote and sang most of the songs...
. The band has played the whole new album at the show and has also hinted on a possible soon to be announced release date for the long delayed album.
On October 24, 2010, the band has announced on its Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
page that artwork for the album has been completed. It was done by Shahar Hemo and Nir Doliner, with photography by Gal Hamo.
On November 3, 2010, it was finally announced that the band has signed a new record deal with AFM Records
AFM Records
AFM-Records GmbH is a music label based in Schwalmstadt, Germany. They focus on the heavy metal musical genre, signing bands such as U.D.O., Doro, Kotipelto, Masterplan, Nostradameus, and Annihilator....
, who will release the band's second album Freedom to the Slave Makers
Freedom to the Slave Makers
Freedom to the Slave Makers is Israeli groove metal band Betzefer's second full-length studio album, due for release on February 18, 2011, after it was delayed a few times between 2008–2010...
worldwide in February 2011. On January 5, 2011, it was confirmed that the album would be released worldwide on February 18, 2011, with a special release show at the Barby club in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv , officially Tel Aviv-Yafo , is the second most populous city in Israel, with a population of 404,400 on a land area of . The city is located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline in west-central Israel. It is the largest and most populous city in the metropolitan area of Gush Dan, with...
, Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
, to follow on March 3, 2011. On January 6, 2011, the band revealed the album's artwork and tracklist. On January 10, 2011, it was announced that the album will be released in the US on February 22, 2011, through E1 Music.
On January 20, 2011, the band released the song "Nothing But Opinions", the first single from the upcoming album, for free listening through such Israeli sites as Walla!, Nana 10
Nana 10
Nana 10 , previouslly Nana , is an Israeli Web portal, one of the biggest in Israeli web media. The website is owned by Israeli web and communication company 013 Netvision, and Israeli news Channel 10, and consist of Internet forums, which it is especially known for, news, culture sections, an...
and Musicspot. On February 16, 2011, the album was uploaded for free streaming on the band's Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
and Myspace
Myspace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
pages.
On June 16, 2011, Betzefer went on their first European tour in support of Freedom to the Slave Makers
Freedom to the Slave Makers
Freedom to the Slave Makers is Israeli groove metal band Betzefer's second full-length studio album, due for release on February 18, 2011, after it was delayed a few times between 2008–2010...
, and their first international tour since 2007. The tour included some headlining dates as well as supporting slots for Cavalera Conspiracy
Cavalera Conspiracy
Cavalera Conspiracy is a Brazilian heavy metal band founded by brothers Max and Igor Cavalera , along with American guitarist and bassist Marc Rizzo and Johny Chow. The band originally formed in 2007 as Inflikted but changed its name for legal reasons...
and GWAR
GWAR
Gwar is a satirical heavy metal band formed in Richmond, Virginia, United States, in 1984. The band is best known for its elaborate science fiction/horror film inspired costumes, obscene lyrics and graphic stage performances, which feature humorous enactments of politically and morally taboo...
, and a slot on the With Full Force
With Full Force
With Full Force is a metal, hardcore and punk festival held annually in Germany since 1994. The 2011 edition took place on July 1 and July 3 at the Roitzschjora airport in Löbnitz near Leipzig in the Saxon county of Delitzsch.-2010:...
festival, on which the band haven't played since 2005. The tour ended on July 2, 2011.
Musical style and Influences
Betzefer's musical style is mostly regarded as groove metalGroove metal
Groove metal is a subgenre of heavy metal. It was often used to describe Pantera and Exhorder.- Characteristics and origins :Pantera's Cowboys from Hell album from 1990 was described as "groundbreaking" and "blueprint-defining" for the groove metal genre...
and thrash metal
Thrash metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
, influenced by bands such as Pantera
Pantera
Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
, Slayer
Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and...
and Sepultura
Sepultura
Sepultura is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, formed in 1984. The band was a major force in the death metal, thrash metal and ultimately groove metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their later experiments melding nu metal, hardcore punk and industrial.Sepultura...
, although on an interview with an Israeli extreme sports magazine, vocalist Avital Tamir
Avital Tamir
Avital Tamir is an Israeli musician best known for his work as the lead singer for successful metal band Betzefer and for his experimental pop trio On Shoulders of Giants...
also stated Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses
Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band, formed in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, in 1985. The band has released six studio albums, three EPs, and one live album...
and Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
, as influences, additionally to Pantera
Pantera
Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
.
They are described by many as metalcore
Metalcore
Metalcore is a subgenre of heavy metal combining various elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. The name is a portmanteau of the names of the two genres. The term took on its current meaning in the mid-1990s, describing bands such as Earth Crisis, Deadguy and Integrity...
, groove metal
Groove metal
Groove metal is a subgenre of heavy metal. It was often used to describe Pantera and Exhorder.- Characteristics and origins :Pantera's Cowboys from Hell album from 1990 was described as "groundbreaking" and "blueprint-defining" for the groove metal genre...
, thrash metal
Thrash metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
, post-thrash and even alternative metal
Alternative metal
Alternative metal is a genre of alternative rock and heavy metal that gained popularity in the early 1990s. Most notably, alternative metal bands are characterized by heavy guitar riffs and experimental approaches to heavy music.-Origins:...
and nu metal
Nu metal
Nu metal is a subgenre of heavy metal. It is a fusion genre which combines elements of heavy metal with other genres, including grunge and hip hop...
, but the band disproves any labeling on their genre and vocalist Avital Tamir
Avital Tamir
Avital Tamir is an Israeli musician best known for his work as the lead singer for successful metal band Betzefer and for his experimental pop trio On Shoulders of Giants...
stated in an interview that their genre is purely rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
or alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
, and that they see themselves mostly as part of the Israeli alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
scene, and that no one of the band members even saw himself as a metalhead before, and the connection between the band and metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
music is simply because the music is fast, heavy and harsh.
In another interview with Avital Tamir
Avital Tamir
Avital Tamir is an Israeli musician best known for his work as the lead singer for successful metal band Betzefer and for his experimental pop trio On Shoulders of Giants...
and Matan Cohen
Matan Cohen
Matan Cohen is an Israeli musician best known for his work as the guitarist for successful groove/metalcore band Betzefer and the recently reunited melodic death metal band Nail Within...
, they stated AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
, Aerosmith
Aerosmith
Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many...
and Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
as their rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
-rooted influences. They also mentioned they have influences ranging from hard rock
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
and heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
, through punk
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
and even blues
Blues
Blues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads...
.
Slayer
Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and...
is thought to be the band's biggest influence, since in their biggest hit single "Down Low" the last verse of the song praises Slayer's album Reign in Blood
Reign in Blood
Reign in Blood is the third studio album and the major label debut by the American thrash metal band Slayer. It was released on October 7, 1986 through Def Jam Recordings. The album was the band's first collaboration with record producer Rick Rubin, whose input helped the band's sound evolve...
as "the best damn fuckin' album ever". They also play the opening riff of the Slayer song "Raining Blood
Raining Blood
"Raining Blood" is a song by the American thrash metal band Slayer. Written by Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King for the 1986 studio album Reign in Blood, the concept deals with religion, specifically said to be about overthrowing Heaven...
" in almost every concert, as a finish to their song "Down Low".
Current members
- Avital TamirAvital TamirAvital Tamir is an Israeli musician best known for his work as the lead singer for successful metal band Betzefer and for his experimental pop trio On Shoulders of Giants...
- lead vocals (1998–present) - Matan CohenMatan CohenMatan Cohen is an Israeli musician best known for his work as the guitarist for successful groove/metalcore band Betzefer and the recently reunited melodic death metal band Nail Within...
- guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(1998–present) - Rotem Inbar - bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(2003–present) - Roey Berman - drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(1998–present)
Former members
- Evil Haim - bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(2001–2003) - Menashe "Mashy" Hazan - bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(1998–2001)
EPs
- Pitz Aachabar 2001
- Some Tits, But No BushSome Tits, But No BushSome Tits, But No Bush is the debut EP to be released by the Israeli groove metal band Betzefer. It was self-produced and released on January 1, 2001.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Avital Tamir - lead vocals*Matan Cohen - guitars...
2003 - New HateNew Hate EPNew Hate is the second EP by groove metal band Betzefer, released in May 2003. It was mixed by ex-Eternal Gray guitarist Eyal Glotman and recorded in his studio, with mastering by Maor Appelbaum....
2005
External links
- Official site
- Betzefer at The BNR Metal Pages