In 2017, Lentjes’ career was temporarily put on hold due to his father’s illness. He stepped into the role of caregiver, and it wasn’t until 2020 that he returned with new music — a single, followed by the studio album 'Ex Messiah' in 2021. The album was recorded during the period he was caring for his father; in some tracks, you can even hear the sound of chemo devices in the background. 'Ex Messiah' captures that deeply personal experience and marks a new chapter in Lentjes’ musical journey. It reveals a rawer, darker, and more intense band sound — a clear shift from his earlier acoustic work. Expect more of this darker direction, as Youri Lentjes is now working toward the release of his next album.