Interviewed by Eymeric & answered by Xaphan. Can you tell us a few words about the band? Kult ov Azazel was formed in the spring of '99 by Xul (bass/vocals) and myself (guitar/additional vocal). We have been through many drummers since our inception but have managed to release three recordings to date. Our first release was the "Order of the Fly" mCD released by us under the name Azazel and then later reissued by Blood Fire Death Records under Kult ov Azazel. After that we recorded the tracks for the Kult ov Azazel/Krieg split CD put out by Genocide Music and then our newest offering "Triumph of Fire" which is released through the label we are now signed with Arctic Music. "Triumph of Fire" is fuckin' great!! What was the reaction of your fans? So far, the reaction has been good from the people that have kept a close eye on us since the beginning days but in all honesty, I could care less whether people like it or not. We are not in this to gain widespread appeal for ourselves or "make millions." If people like our music then fine, if they do not we will not lose any sleep over it! We play this form of music because it is a passion to us. Tell us more about the track "Le Messe Noir" (a title in French) Le Messe Noir is passages taken from LaVey's "Satanic Rituals" along with some additional lyrics that I added. The version that appeared in LaVey's book was the one performed by the Societe des Luciferiens in late nineteenth/early twentieth century France. It maintains the degree of blasphemy necessary, without dwelling on inversions just for the sake of blasphemy, and used to elevate the concepts of Satanism to an honorable and logical degree. The whole purpose of this ritual is to reduce or repel stigma inherited through past indoctrination and as a vessel for revenge against acts carried out in the name of Christianity. Florida is famous for its Death Metal bands ... What about Black Metal down there? And what is your point of view about Black Metal in the US? There are not too many black metal bands from Florida. I can think of us, Black Witchery and Cryptic Winds and that is about it. As far as the US scene goes, I think it has its good moments and its bad moments, its good bands and its bad bands but that goes to say in any scene. There are quite a few killer bands from here in the States but you must look hard to find them. What are your influences? There are many things that have influenced me over time and most of these influences come from books, movies, music and a day-to-day basis. They are deeply rooted in the Satanism/occult, various philosophies, personal interests and observations of what I see but the biggest influence and drive of this band is hatred, disgust and no compassion for religion and the mindless fools that blindly follow it. Tell us more about your gigs... We have quite a record of accomplishment for being a black metal band. We have played over 26 show to date sharing the stage with many bands. There is not much to one of our shows since we do not feel the need to make our shows a big drama act. We don't rely on theatrics or stage props, so instead what you will see when seeing us in a live setting is 3 guys up there performing a 45 minute ritual through music and blasphemy. A last word to the French readers? Many hails for giving us our first interview in a French zine!! Be on the look out for the "Black Mass Consecration" CD that will be out soon. This will be a live CD with four new studio tracks. We will also be re-releasing the "Order of the Fly" for the first time ever on vinyl. The LP will be limited to 300, first 100 on red vinyl, and will have two bonus live tracks. For more info on either of these releases or just for more insight on the band visit the website at www.kultovazazel.com or write to us at our mailing address. Horns up to all our brethren in France!!! Christian, Muslim, Hindu or Jew, the eradication of religion will culminate with the unmerciful end to your existence - the open grave you shall possess will be the result of total, terrible, universal, and vengeful destruction!!!!!!!