Interviewed by Sean, answered by Xaphan & Xul Your last album “The World, The Flesh, and The Devil" which came out in 2005 was a furious assault of pure black hatred from beginning to end, and I hear your coming with a new release. What is it called? Xaphan: The title will be Destroying the Sacred. What ideas, or themes will you be covering in this upcoming release? Xaphan: The theme of the album will be exactly what the title implies. Do anticipate that this release will be superior to your previous one? Xaphan: From a musician aspect, I aspire to improve with each new album but on a personal level I do not anticipate anything other than getting into the studio and banging this fucker out. Xul: This album feels more thrash influenced but with the KoA style and feel. We’ve held off recording for too long and we need to get this out of our systems. Your band has been around since 2000, and your music has definitely stepped-up and evolved since then. In your own words, how would you describe the music on this new release, and the direction you wish to take in the future? Xaphan: Correction. We have been around since 1999. We started out as Azazel and changed the name in 2000. I agree as a band we have evolved since the beginning days but as a musician this is a personal goal. I see no sense in releasing the same album repeatedly. Granted there are few attributes on every album such as extreme speed and blasting; that has not changed. On the last album there were a few songs that had more of a thrash feel to them for instance As Temples Burn. I think many of the songs for the next album have that kind of feel to them. Our thrash and speed metal influences come out a lot more on this album. As for the future I just want to keep evolving as a band and not get stuck in a rut like so many others. Xul: Every band evolves as time progresses and its one aspect that makes bands worth listening to after every release. We have already started talking about the direction for our next release and evolution will be taking place. Are there any artists or bands that influence your work individually and as a band? What bands or solo artists do see eye-to-eye with? Xaphan: It is early to mid 80’s thrash and speed metal, first and second wave black metal and 79-89 era punk. Venom and Darkthrone being huge inspirations. Others being Possessed, Hellhammer/Celtic Frost, Beherit, Gorgoroth and a list of others. Xul: My musical taste has broadened over the years but inspiration for KoA songs come from the bands Xaphan listed but also I am into Burzum, Mayhem, Dissection 80’s/90’s Death and Black Metal. Are there any tours planned for the near future? Where will you be visiting? Xaphan: No touring planned as of yet. Once we get closer to recording the album is when we will start concentrating on doing any touring on a bigger scale than one offs. Right now I am talking to different promoters about one offs like fests and stuff but nothing I can announce yet until things are confirmed. Over these many years you had a few line-up changes. What is your bands current line-up for this release? Xaphan: In the beginning it was drummers until Hammer entered the picture. Since then it has been guitarists once we made the decision to incorporate a second guitarist after recording our first studio album. For the most part they have been session members. The lineup for the album is myself, Xul and Hammer. Xul: Having revolving members can be very hindering to a band. Looking back at it all; it shows the persistence and dedication to the music. What exactly influences your work? What philosophical or spiritual/occult beliefs do each of you hold? Xaphan: I am a Satanist. Xul: I don’t really follow any religion/code or have any specific beiefs. Inspiration comes from being a fan of the music. What writers, intellectuals, or literary works speak to you? Xaphan: I like true crime and horror when reading for pleasure. No particular authors to mention. Then outside of that, it is books covering various occult traditions. Writings by Crowley, LaVey, Spare and Carroll all come to mind. Xul: I don’t read any real books these days, mostly internet reading. What general subjects, ideas, or over message do you try to convey through your work? Xul: Hatred and disgust for humankind. Xaphan: Blasphemy, sacrilege and brutality also. What is your view regarding humanity's history, and the direction it's headed in? Xul: I would say that humanity is in a downward spiral. Xaphan: Humanity from the beginning has been flawed. Here’s a toast to our demise! What is it about humanity, and life in general, that enrages you the most? Xaphan: Herd mentality, ignorance/stupidity and the hypocrisy of religion. In an era where we are seeing new disease unleashed upon the world, increased occurrence of natural disasters(hurricanes, tornados, etc), and countries grabbing for the last natural resources left on earth. How would you desire to see the world end? Xul: History repeats itself and to your examples that is how it will eventually end. Xaphan: A blast of blistering light and then sudden darkness. Thanks so much for speaking with us. Any last words for a dying world? Xaphan: Goodbye cruel world! Xul: Kill yourself.