US Black Metal scene keeps rising and growing each passing day. The darkest musical blasphemy is doubtlessly conceived in those parts at the present time. KULT OV AZAZEL set the standards with their long awaited debut "Triumph of Fire" for the development of American Black scene for at least a year. That is indisputable indeed. The band is having long-going plans for the future and is eager to spread their Flame all around the globe. So, may the Darkness plunge all... Interviewed by Krasniy & answered by Xaphan.

Greetings, Xaphan! How are things in your parts? How's your mood today?

Hail Krasniy!

Tell us how it all started, but please, don't cite the official band's biography. Just tell how the things with K.O.A. establishment took place.

I was looking to form a full band and met Xul who shared the same want and we both had the same musical tastes and beliefs. We got together and wrote a few songs and things just clicked. Since then we have been through many drummers and have released 3 recordings, our newest CD being "Triumph of Fire", and been on numerous compilations.

Your debut CD has finally been unleashed via Arctic Music. Give us the details of this deal and some stuff covering the "Triumph of Fire". By the way, how many copies have been printed?

With the deal we were kind of in the right place at the right time. We had asked Gus Rios to help us out on a show we had and at the time he was helping Malevolent Creation with writing on "Envenomed". Since his kit was at the Malevolent warehouse we had to rehearse there. Phil stuck around one night and heard us and a few days later asked if we would sign with Arctic Music. Triumph of Fire was released just last month and I believe the first pressing is 3000 copies. It's 11 tracks of raging American black metal. Black Metal the way it should be played unlike a lot of shit that is out there today.

What were the main musical influences that affected you while you were writing material for "Triumph…"? Will I be right if I claim that early MAYHEM and IMMORTAL were among the most notable ones?

Both of us have been greatly influenced by one band or another, with the above mentioned bands being upon that list. But to draw influence from something and to flat out copy another are two different things. Our purpose was not to try and be another "Gorgoroth" or "Darkthrone" but to have our own identity and style which is something I think we have achieved. You may hear Mayhem and Immortal, someone else may hear let's say Setherial, but we hear Kult ov Azazel.

Hey, what is the situation with Gus Rios (drums)? The CD booklet says he's a session member, but how come? He's a bestially great drummer. His technique reminded me of Hellhammer's style on IMMORTAL's "Battles in the North". Are you guys going to let him go or he might become a full-time member one day?

Gus is a very good drummer indeed but he will never be a full time member of this band. He has helped us out a lot in the past with shows and recording, which we have greatly appreciated, but that is all. He helped out on the new CD and just did one last show with us a few weeks ago and now is history. We are currently speaking with a few different drummers about filling this position.

Why did you break with him? Was there an conflict or anything of this ink?

No, there was no conflict. Gus was only a session member and has never been considered a part of this band. Like I said, he has helped us out many times in the past when we needed to have a drummer. He could have been a permanent member at one point but had declined it. Now we have others lined up to fill this position.

Your lyrics mostly deal with Satanism/Occultism, war themes and alike stuff. I wonder if they reflect your everyday world-perception or they are just fruits of your dark philosophy?

They reflect both. (short, but straight. -Ed.)

Are you involved in any activities apart from K.O.A.? Do you study or work anywhere? By the way, how do you see or lives in let's say 5-7 years' period?

Yes, I am involved in Hate Plow. I was just recently added as a permanent member after doing the European tour with them. As for my day job, I am a sound engineer so when shows come through and need a sound tech, then I work, otherwise I put all my attention towards Kult ov Azazel. In 5-7 years I'll still be the same as I am today if not dead all ready.

Mostly, BM musicians listen to some ambient/classical stuff when they are having a break from Metal. However, in what goes to me, I prefer some jazz, various spiritual stuff and several non-metal artists like Chris Rea, PINK FLOYD, Joe Cocker, Leonard Cohen and some others. What about you? How does your CD collection look like?

Honestly when I'm not listening to metal I'm usually listening to nothing. However I do listen to a lot of styles of music and do not limit myself to one form. But for the most part 95% of my time is spent listening to metal. Currently I have been listen to Judas Iscariot, Belphegor, Impiety, Black Funeral, Celtic Frost, and Thornspawn.

You seem to have numerous supporters in US scene. What are the most notable ones? And generally, how do you evaluate the current Black uprising in the US? By the way, are you into the contemporary US brutal Death Metal (INCANTATION, DYING FETUS, etc.)?

I do listen to some US death metal but can't say I listen to a lot of it (all death metal for that matter). I like a few bands but for the most part there seems to be too many clone bands within the genre. The current state of black metal here is growing and only getting stronger. Right now the strongest bands in the States would be Krieg, Thornspawn, Ibex Throne, Bloodstorm, Vukodlak, Black Witchery, Judas Iscariot, Profanatica/Havohej, Grand Belial's Key, Maskim, Weltmacht, and Averse Sefira.

How many live shows have you given so far? Are you going to tour Europe someday (and especially its eastern part)?

So far we have played around 22 shows or so. We do plan on playing Europe sooner or later.

What is your position on the things that happened in Scandinavia in early ninetees? All those church burnings and grave violations seemed to have truly shocked the christian world. Anyhow, do you support actions of this ink?

I support any and all forms of blasphemy or sacrilege directed towards christianity and it's institutions. People tend to forget it was christianity that went and destroyed older religions and thought. Fuck the christians, they get what they deserve.

Do you feel like moving for the US to any different country? If yes, cite your reasons please. By the way, what is your opinion on the new US administration?

I don't follow politics so I could care less about the new US administration. As far as living any other place, I'm happy where I am right now.

I wonder what's the ultimate Evil for you? Further market globalization, nuclear war, plague epidemic, etc, etc, etc…?

There is no "ultimate" evil for me. That is a christian concept.

Let's imagine that you are given an AK-47 and a right to do anything you want with it. No penalties against you. What will you do then?

I'd go on an all out assault on Vatican City. (just what I'd expected - Ed.)

What is your position on NSBM bands that are heavily flooding the scene at the moment and racism/fascism in general? Do you think Satanism can march together with nazism?

I personally don't see what politics have to do with Black Metal at all but to each their own. I am not wrapped up in politics nor do I follow them. Can the two march hand in hand, probably not. We have already been boycotted so to speak by the NS movement for our satanic view and beliefs. So apparently these groups have a problem with Satanism, and for good reason, Satanism opposes herd mentality, and there's a lot of that in the NSBM movement.

Which contemporary underground publications do you find most supportive?

I doubt these would be considered contemporary but the publications I read and find most supportive are Worm Gear, Erebus, Psicoterror, and Mainstream Resistance. There's also quite a number of e-zines that I read as well. (hope Fortitude is among them - Ed).

Your plans for this year…

This year we'll be playing two different black metal fest. The first is the Blood Fire Death Fest in October with bands such as Krieg, Noctuary, Thornspawn, along with others that will be announced. Then the Sacrifice of the Nazarene Child gathering in December with Profanatica, Black Witchery, Thornspawn, Inquisition, Gnostic, and Noctuary. Besides that we'll be concentrating on booking some shows in the US and if all goes well in Europe. We'll also begin writing for the next release.

Final words and hails…

Thanks for the interview. All information about Kult ov Azazel can be found online at www.kultovazazel.com. We can also be contacted through our mailing address below. Hail to the hordes of hell, blasphemy shall prevail! Hail Satan!