Interviewed by David Chuca answered by Xaphan Tell us more about the history of KULT OV AZAZEL. Xul and I, Xaphan, formed the band back in April of 1999. Over the years and with the utilization of session members we have recorded and released “Order of the Fly”, “Assaulting the Masses”, “Triumph of Fire”, “Oculus Infernum” and the newest release “The World, The Flesh & The Devil” along with numerous compilations and splits with Krieg, Horn of Valere, Satan’s Blood, Humanicide, Obitus and Thy Lord. The current lineup is myself (vocals/guitar), Xul (vocals/bass), VJS (guitar) and Hammer (drums). Why that name...what’s the meaning behind it. Azazel throughout religious texts and through myth has been linked to war, rebellion, defiance, nonconformity, hate and destruction. He’s long been regarded a defiler of humanity, a demon with 7 serpent heads, 14 faces, and 12 wings, known as “Lord of Hell, Seducer of mankind”, and was also the angel who refused to bow down before Adam. Kult is the German spelling of Cult, which by definitions means a group of individuals bonded through a common philosophy or set of beliefs. For these reasons we choose to anoint our horde under this moniker. Give us a brief description of each KULT OV AZAZEL disc? "Order of the Fly" had its own style/vibe to it yet and wasn’t in my eyes fully developed. The tracks on the split w/ Krieg had faster material and our songwriting begins to get better. "Triumph of Fire" was very harsh and barbaric, our first approach at using guitar harmonies in songs and ended up being an attack of blistering black metal. "Oculus Infernum" was an album of cold, dark, vicious black metal. With the new album, “The World, The Flesh & The Devil”, you get a full on album of heretical black metal, an album that truly identifies and defines what Kult ov Azazel is all about. What about your latest disc, the world the flesh and the devil? It is nine songs dedicated to evil. The evil we are born into. The evil that runs amok among humanity. The evil force that guides the hand of fate. Why that title and the artwork? We choose the title because it reflects and summarizes the atmosphere and the lyrical context of the entire album perfectly. The artwork shows and signifies a human goat (Baphomet) surrounded by ruins (decay) rising up through a mound of flesh (humanity) holding the earth (creation) impaled by the sword (death). What’s your inspiration to do black metal (real black metal)? Musically in the beginning it was Venom and then later Darkthrone became a big influence although these I don't believe show. Outside of music it is many different philosophers and occult authors. Did you go on tour with the last disc? Will you come to South America? Yeah, we just finished a US tour with Blood Storm, Horn of Valere, Teratism and Tenebrous. No plans for a South American invasion anytime soon. What did you fell with Dimebag Darrell die? I didn’t know the guy nor do I listen to any of the music he created so honestly I thought nothing. Death happens everyday no matter how violent or passive it may be and unless I know the person personally I don’t care. Describe to us a KULT OV AZAZEL show? 50 minutes of blasphemy, hate and total aggression. What’s the best and the worst aspects to being a black metal musician? I will just say there are equally good and bad aspects to playing black metal. What do you think about religious metal??? There is no such thing as christian black metal… the concept is an oxymoron. The idea completely invalid. Do you know of any South America band? Of course, Sarcofago, Levfier, Darkest Hate Warfront, Sextrash, Dark Celebration, Grave Desecrator, Endless War, Cultus Infame are the ones off the top of my head and our brothers in Krisiun. Well to finish, leave the last words to the readers...... For those interested the new album “The World, The Flesh & The Devil” seek it out, obtain it, revel in the blasphemy!! Also thanks for the interview and the support of Litany Zine. Propaganda and more info can be obtained online at www.kultovazazel.com. Ad Majorem Satani Gloriam!!