Interviewed by Ishtar, answered by Xaphan Do a brief description of the origins of the band. What stimulates you to create Kult Ov Azazel? The band began in 1999 with myself, Xul and a drummer that within a week after the formation moved out of state. From that point until 2001 many drummers came and went, some made it onto recordings but our vision never wavered. It was after the “Triumph of Fire” recording that I met Hammer of all places in Europe and by the summer of 2001 we had found the final piece of the puzzle. During the writing/recording of “Oculus Infernum” the decision was made to bring a second guitarist into the fold. Since this decision we have had a revolving door so to speak with guitarist. First it was Nocturath and then VJS who appeared on “The World, The Flesh & The Devil” and at the current time the position is held by Necrol. Speak to us about yours inspirations at the moment of composing. Which are yours beliefs and philosophies? Inspiration in the composition of our lyrics come from many various sources. For the most part it comes from my practice and study of the occult. I also draw a lot of inspiration from worldly events and happenings. As for my beliefs, I am a Satanist, I believe Satan is the dark evolutionary force of entropy that permeates all of nature, the drive for survival and propagation inherent in all living things. Satan is the representation of qualities embodying rational self-interest, avoidance of oppressive mentalities, questioning of all, a perseverance towards success and not a conscious entity to be worshipped but rather a reservoir of power inside each human that can be tapped at will. How you have evolved musically from yours beginnings? We have always been a band interested in progression rather than stagnation. So over the years I believe we have evolved very much musically. We have become better at our instruments, our song writing and live performances. Not sure what else to really say on this subject. What meaning has Kult Ov Azazel? Azazel is mentioned in all monotheistic religions as the epitome of all evil, a defiler of humanity and the warring icon dedicated to destroying and corrupting mankind. This rest of the band name I believe is pretty evident. Of what tracks you feel prouder? Overall all I'm proud of every track off "The World, The Flesh & The Devil". Many have happened(passed) for the band batteries, ¿ they were not the suitable ones? Which were the motives in order that they were retiring? We went through 11 drummers from 1999 until 2001. Very few made it to a recording and the ones that did were for the most part only session for the simple fact that Xul and I wanted a real drummer on the recordings rather than a drum machine. We at that time were also searching for a drummer that vibed with the band not just on an instrument but also philosophically. That is were Hammer entered the picture as a permanent member. With several published albums, it is Kult Ov Azazel a band the sufficiently important thing inside the Black Metal scene? Not sure where we stand within the "scene" if we even do. Whether we are important or insignificant does not matter to us. We’ll continue to create and propagate. No compromising, no regrets. You continue with Arctic Music? How they are yours relations? Arctic has been good to us since day one. I have only praise for them since without the help of Arctic we would have not been able to finance the albums we have released or the tours we have done. In what situción one finds the band nowadays? Are you preparing new material? We have been in the pre-production phase for the next album since December. So yes, we are preparing new material. We hope to have it recorded and released by years end. The working title is “Destroying the Sacred” and this will consits of no less than 10 new songs. Some foreseen concert? You have thought come to Spain? We are in talks about some touring for this year but unfortunately Spain is not on the agenda. Financially it is impossible for us to fully finance a European tour without some backing from European promoters. And with us going on our fourth release, in all these years we have never onced received any offers to come to Europe and I doubt that will change. We have come to accept that we will likely never tour Europe. In what countries you have received better response? It's kind of hard to narrow down since we've receieved support from all over. Outside of the Untied States we do get a lot of mail from Iceland and Germany. We prune what to expect in the new blasphemies of Kult Ov Azazel? I myself am not even sure what to expect since everything is still in the creative process. However, I’m pretty positive that it will outshine evrything we have done in the past. The new songs written continue in the same musical direction we were going on the last album just to give a comparison. What bands have called you lately the attention? You know some Black Metal band in Spain? Recently I have been getting into a lot of Stoner and Doom stuff such as Acid King, Electric Wizard, Sleep, Priestess, Sheavy and UFOmammut, stuff like that. Also I really enjoyed the new Celtic Frost as well as the new Belphegor release. In fact the Celtic Frost album is my favorite release of last year. As for black metal from Spain, can’t say I have heard much or any for that matter. I hope to discover some when I am over in Spain during the month of March. You would say what to someone who has never listened to the band in order that it(he,she) was doing it? I would direct them to www.kultovazazel.com and let them decide for themselves. You would change what into the world if you could? You would eliminate what? I would change nothing in the world. I enjoy the fact that this world is heading into oblivion. As for elimination, this one is easy as I would eliminate all abramhamic religions, that being judaism, islam and christianity along with their followers. Yours last words... Perhaps our paths will cross when I am in Spain on the Malevolent Creation/Rotting Christ tour. If not, I hail you for the support and interest in Kult ov Azazel.