Amaseffer - When The Lions Leave Their Den

Amaseffer – When the Lions Leave Their Den

Selfreleased



Amaseffer is less of a traditional band and more of a grand project led by drummer, composer, and producer Erez Yohanan. Eighteen years after their 2008 debut, Slaves for Life, Yohanan has finally returned with the second installment of his planned trilogy: When the Lions Leave Their Den. Thematically, it centers on Moses' journey and the ascent of Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments.

Musically, this is prog metal of the absolute highest caliber. The sheer number of guest musicians involved is massive, but Erez Yohanan wrote and produced every bit of it. Middle Eastern rhythms and Oriental musical scales feature heavily—reminiscent of bands like Orphaned Land, but even more bombastic. The songwriting and production are immaculate.

When the Lions Leave Their Den is packed with soaring melodies. Spanning over 70 minutes, it is a massive undertaking, but the payoff is immense. The guitar work and orchestral arrangements are heavy and complex, while Erez’s drumming is nothing short of sensational. Traditional Middle Eastern instruments blend seamlessly with violins, woodwinds, clean vocals, and intense growls.

It is a truly colossal record, particularly in its production value—it sounds enormous and demands to be played loudly to be fully appreciated. Even if you aren't typically drawn to religious or biblical themes, the sheer craftsmanship makes it a fantastic listen.

I only hope we don't have to wait another 18 years for the final chapter of the trilogy, though hopefully all that powerhouse drumming won't wear him out first! Erez Yohanan has crafted something truly exceptional here.