Interviewed by Jean & answered by Xaphan Could you introduce KULT OV AZAZEL to my readers by a history of the band? Kult ov Azazel was formed in the spring equinox of 1999 under the infernal name Azazel and consisting of Xaphan (myself) on guitar/vocals, Xul on vocals/bass and Von on drums. Under this name and lineup we recorded and released “Order of the Fly”. Soon after Von was kicked out and Hellspawn took over drum duties and with this lineup we recorded and released the material on the Kult ov Azazel/Krieg split CD. In the spring of 2000 we kicked out Hellspawn, decided to change the band name to Kult ov Azazel and soon after signed a 4 album deal with Arctic Music. In March 2001 we released our first full length “Triumph of Fire” with Vetis as a session drummer. We have also participated in a 4 way split with Obitus, Humanicide and Thylord and various compilations. Now 2003 sees us release the follow up to “Triumph of Fire” and is the first time we have recorded with a full permanent lineup. Your first album "Triumph of Fire" has been released two years ago. Can you tell us about the reactions you got after this great debut? How do you judge this material now? The reactions towards “Triumph of Fire” were quite good and much better than we had expected. It got killer reviews the world over and we were quite shocked to see that people related to it. As for my feelings on the album now, I am still satisfied with the way it came out and the material we wrote for it. Your second & brand new album is just released on Arctic Music. Can you introduce us this masterpiece of satanic violence, telling us about these new songs & the recording process? The new album is a lot more darker than the pervious from the artwork to the music. It’s definitely not another “Triumph of Fire”. The new music is more varied this time round and personally to me has more feeling to the riffs. “Oculus Infernum” was tracked at Rhythm Track Studios which is now defunct and mixed and mastered at Studio 13 where we recorded “Triumph of Fire”. KULT OV AZAZEL seen a few changes since "Triumph of Fire". Can you present your new line-up to our readers? The new line-up consists of Xaphan (myself) on vocals/guitar, Xul on vocals/bass, Nocturath on guitar/vocals and Hammer on drums. Your black-metal is really raw & chaotic. Do you think black-metal should always sounds primitive & ugly? Black metal can sound however it wants as long as it sticks to the roots of what black metal is all about. I just prefer the primitive and ugly black metal. Lyrically you deals of course with Satanism. Which way do you write your lyrics? Are they an important part of the Kult? Yes the lyrics are a important part of our music because they reflect the feeling of the song. All lyrics are written after the music is composed. For some European people, true black-metal should always come from Scandinavia. What can you answer to these narrow minds? All I have to say to these people is fuck off!!! I’m sure those narrow minds understand that statement! Do you live Satanism as a religion, or is it more a way to denounce christians obscurantism? I live Satanism as a philosophy. I denounce all religions! Honestly, what do you think about French bands like Antaeus, Arkhon Infaustus, Temple of Baal or Mutiilation...? I really like a lot of French Black Metal. The bands you mentioned all rule and I personally think France is producing some of the best black metal at this point in time. Plus you forgot to mention Malleus Maleficarum and Merrimack. Will you tour Europe to promote this new album? What can we expect from your performances? If we do it will be the first. I seriously doubt we will ever come to Europe unless a promoter brings us over. We’d like to but the chances are grim. You also released a live album "Assaulting the Masses". Can you tell us about it? We were contacted by Harry of Autopsy Stench Records about him releasing the “Order of the Fly” on vinyl. After we agreed to this he asked what we thought about a live LP. Being that everyone in this band are vinyl freaks we could not pass the opportunity up! So this live LP is limited to 666 hand numbered copies and consists of two different live shows that we performed in support of the “Triumph of Fire” album. Who did your new album dark cover artwork? What does it represent for you? Nocturath did the artwork and layout for the new CD. It represents the tortures of Hell, the suffering that will be inflicted upon those of the light. Can you tell us about the bonus-track on "Oculus Infernum"? This hidden track is a Beherit cover. This is all I will say on this subject. Last words for your propaganda? Thanks for the interview and for those interested in profane black metal seek out a copy of “Oculus Infernum”. All info on the band can be found at www.kultovazazel.com or we can be contacted at Kult ov Azazel, PO Box 233308, Ft. Lauderdale Florida 33307, USA. Those saved by the lamb shall be torn by the Beast!!!