Interviewed by Torsten & answered by Xaphan Hail! In the beginning of the interview please let us know something about the history of the Black Metal horde known as KULT OV AZAZEL! We formed in beginning months of 1999 under the moniker Azazel. Under this infernal name we recorded the "Order of the Fly" demo mCD. After coming across many bands using the same name we decided in 2000 to change the band name to Kult ov Azazel. After re-anointing ourselves under this banner we participated on a 4 way split with Obitus, Humanicide and Thylord titled "Gather Against Humanity". Also in 2000 we signed with Arctic Music and then in 2001 we released our first full length through them titled "Triumph of Fire". The Kult ov Azazel/Krieg split Cd was released also in 2001 in collaboration with Genocide Music. So now here we stand in 2003 and will soon release our newest blasphemy "Oculus Infernum". Your new album "Oculus Infernum" will come soon. What can you tell us about this release (differences to earlier material etc.)? Yes, the release date is planned for June. What can I tell you about this release? I can tell you that it is the best material we have written and recorded to date. I think that it will satisfy the people that have listened to us and supported us from the get go, but it will also change those minds that hated what we did on "Triumph of Fire". We put a lot of time into this album and it will show. Things are a lot different being that I am now doing vocals as well as Xul, we've added a new guitarist which has brought a lot of new ideas into the fold and we have a maniac demon behind the kit now. Just expect pure blasphemy!! We also added a track from this album to our site for any doubters! How was until today the response on your music? Are you still satisfied with your older material or are there things you would have made different? The overall response I guess has been good. I don't really thrive on what people think about our band. I meet people that totally support us and people that hate what we are doing. Does it really matter? Nope, since we are not doing this to satisfy people. The only thing that matters is that we are content with what we have done. To an extent we are with all the past releases, I mean there's always going to be something that in the end you wish was different but for the most part I am completely satisfied with the older material. What is the meaning of the name of the band? As I said earlier when we formed it was under the name Azazel. We choose this infernal name because this was the demon that taught men how to wage war as well as being a personification of evil. Who is responsible for the lyrics and what are they about? What are inspirations? Much of the older material Xul penned the lyrics to the songs where I have written many lyrics this time around on "Oculus Infernum". Much of our stuff touches on occult practices, satanic philosophy and nihilistic ideology. As far as inspiration goes for me to write songs, it's the music that inspires me. I believe it's the same with Xul since lyrics are always the last thing to be done. How would you describe the musical style of KULT OV AZAZEL? What can the listener expect before experiencing you the first time? We play black metal. I don't know how else to describe it. One can expect to be obliterated by satanic might! Is there a special KULT OV AZAZEL song you like most or you connect special memories or emotions with? I have a few of them. They are "Destruction to the Throne of God", "My Misanthropy", "Rex Infernus in Excelsis" and "Perpetual Demise of the Bastard Son", the latter two being new songs. Are you influenced by other bands? If yes, of whom and in what kind of way? I think inspired would be a better word here. The bands that hold the most inspiration for me are Venom, Destruction, Possessed, Sodom, Hellhammer/Celtic Frost, Darkthrone, Mayhem, Gorgoroth, Beherit as well as other bands. Was there a special aim you wanted to reach by forming a band like KULT OV AZAZEL or is there a special message you wanted or still want to spread? The only aim this band has is to play black metal with no compromises. To express ourselves and create music that we envision. To continue carrying the torch of black metal without betraying its tradition. What music do you like in private life? Extreme metal and ritual/chamber music. If you could take only 5 albums to a lonesome island, which ones would that be? Venom "Black Metal", Destruction "Infernal Overkill", Possessed "Seven Churches", Darkthrone "A Blaze in the Northern Sky" and Beherit "Drawing Down the Moon". And which releases you would count to the worst of all time? I can't even begin to name all of them, let's just say fucking many! How can we imagine the band members in private life? What hobbies do you have etc.? I can't speak for the others as I am not constantly around them outside the band. Both the drummer and other guitarist live out of town. Xul and I get together on weekends sometimes since we are the only two that live in the same city. My life outside the band consists of me running sound be it here at my house gig or on the road with Malevolent Creation. Other than that I design websites for a few bands/labels. My private life isn't what one would call exciting, maybe back in my 20's but certainly not now although I'm content with it. My hobbies are alcohol and drug abuse. With which bands do you have good contact? Is there a specific scene you feel as a part of? We have established many good contacts with bands both here and abroad. There's too many to begin to name but over the years we have been in contact and have made many comrades. We're not interested in being in any scene. We aren't doing this to gain acceptance. What can you tell us about the U.S. American Black Metal scene? What do you think about it? More and more good bands are coming from across the Atlantic, not to forget the older ones… I completely agree with you that there are great hordes from this side of the Atlantic, both new and old. But at the same time you have kids that record garbage claiming they are true and elite black metal or bands that are more into image and other trivial matters that all they do is complain more than accomplish anything. It's the same everywhere, you have killer bands and you have bands that just suck so bad it's a wonder they embarrass themselves by releasing such shit. You are releasing a split with SATANS BLOOD soon, and then a 3-Way-Split. Some information about these releases? Our portion of the split w/ Satan's Blood will consist of a new song from the forthcoming album and a cover of Hellhammer's "The Third of the Storms". It will be released through Autopsy Stench Records in May. The 3 way split will be done with Operation Winter Mist and Decieverion through Regimental Records. So far we plan to record 3 new songs for this and a cover of "Blasphemer" by Sodom. When and where could one see you on stage? Is there a possibility for German maniacs to watch a KULT OV AZAZEL gig soon? At this point in time one can only see us here in America. There are no plans for us to come to Europe although we'd like too. I wouldn't rule out the possibility of us getting over there but at this point in time there's no glimpse of it. Do you think a change of your musical style is possible in the future? No. What do you think spontaneous when you hear the following words: Christians: Are hypocritical, worthless scum Beer: One Heineken and a shot of Jager pronto! Women: Leather and Hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Politics in BM: Useless Ok, thank your for your time to answer or questions! In the end its your space to say what you want… Hails for the interview. Those interested in obtaining any of our releases or to acquire any additional information can contact us through www.kultovazazel.com. Hail Satanic Supremacy!!!