Betzefer, an Israeli groove metal band originating from Maccabim-Re'ut, was formed in 1998 for a high school gig. The original lineup included Avital Tamir, Matan Cohen, Roy Berman, and Aviv Tzadok, who was replaced by Menashe "Mashy" Hazan. After the release of their EP Some Tits, but No Bush (2001), Betzefer signed with Roadrunner Records in 2005. Their debut album, Down Low, was released in 2005, marking them as Israel's first heavy metal band to release an album on a major label. The band toured extensively in Europe and the United States, supporting Sepultura and opening for Megadeth in Tel Aviv. In December 2007, Betzefer parted ways with Roadrunner Records. Their second album, Freedom to the Slave Makers, was produced by Warren Riker and released in 2011.
