Some words with Xaphan of demonic horde KULT OV AZAZEL... now it's time to spread the plague! Support this great US band!!! Interviewed by Aryan Wolf.
Ave Xaphan, first of all introduce us into the black plague of christ’s abort called KULT OV AZAZEL! And what you decided to change the name in KULT OV AZAZEL after the first name AZAZEL?
I originally started Azazel out to be a solo project which eventually became myself and Xul at which time he was doing a solo project called Erebus. We combined what songs Xul had and songs I was working on and decided at the time to keep the name Azazel opposed to Erebus. We released a mCD titled Order of the Fly under this moniker but changed the name to what it is now after finding out there were other bands going by Azazel at the time. Since then we have done numerous split releases and been on many compilations, a live album and 3 studio albums to date.
In the past some of your are members of Church Of Satan. Actually the COS have some problems or all is good?
I am the only member with ties to the CoS. As for their status, I can't say as I have not been in close contact with anyone from the CoS for many years now.
What is your opinion of the not “free liberty” of American way? About censorshit, moralism, messiah of the last days, mormons, religions television and other shit?
I know it is the big rage in Europe to hate America and Americans for a number of things but to be honest with you I have been in countries where freedom and liberty aren't possible or only thoughts in the minds of the citizens. I mean fuck look at Germany for example, if you say sieg heil, possess anything considered nazi propaganda or even remotely show interest in National Socialism you are jailed. Not in America, I can wear swastikas, shout sieg heil and carry a portrait in praise of Hitler and I'm free to do that if I wish. However, I am just giving examples of freedom as I do not promote any kind of political agenda. It's just here we have the freedom to do so and do what we feel without the fear of oppression. As for censorship, it is something that has never affected me or the band. Religious television on the other hand annoys the fuck out of me and at times is a good catalyst for songwriting.
So, now speaking of your music. Why “Assaulting The Masses” are exit only in LP format? Are planning a eventually official dvd of KOA? Describe about a typical KOA live show and speak some words about the cult live show of “Sacrifice Of The Nazarene Child Festival”.
The live album was released on vinyl only because at the time Autopsy Stench Records out of Germany was the only label interested in putting out a live release by us. Vinyl was the format they wanted to release it as. Eventually we will release a live DVD of some sorts. Can't say exactly when but there are plans to do one. As for the Sacrifice festival, it is one of the only true black metal festival going in the States. Blackthorn always puts together good festival lineups. Fortunately for us we have had the pleasure of doing two of them.
KULT OV AZAZEL are very active with split vinylz... speak some words about the choose and the split.. for example with the HORN OF VALERE, VROLOK (USA) or SATAN’S BLOOD. And about the four way split cd “Gather Against Humanity” are available from you or now is sold out? A future release on vinyl format are possible? Some labels have interested to re-print this work on vinyl format, you say? Or not?
The Gather Against Humanity split has been long out of print to my knowledge. If any other formats are planned it would be up to the label that released it. If other labels are interested they should maybe contact the label that originally released it, I myself would not be opposed to it. Don't know how the other bands that participated on the split would feel about it. Outside of that split we have been in control of who we do the splits with. I can't give much detail as to how they all came about but most have been proposed by me to the other bands. I like to work with bands I enjoy when it comes to splits so therefore all the splits have been done with bands I personally like what they were or are doing.
Speak about the choose of the cover.. for example the POSSESSED or SODOM songs cover. Maybe BEHERIT are the most covering in your side? And at last, speak about the cover of POSSESSED and the partecipation of Jeff Becerra.
All covers I choose to do are a reflection of my influences and to pay tribute to the bands I grew up listening to. We have covered Chainsaw Gutsfuck from the classic Mayhem lineup, Black Arts by Beherit, The Third of the Storms by Hellhammer, Blasphemer by Sodom and other planned covers are Holy Hell by Possessed, Hang the Pope by Nuclear Assault and My War by Black Flag. On the topic of the Possessed cover, the original plan was to have Jeff come to Florida and do vocals on it and I was going to have him do some backup vocals on the next album as well. However, this does not look like it will be the case. Many things have come up and a lot of overhead will be paid out to do the album and we just don’t have the funds to fly Jeff to Tampa for the recording. My plan is now to do the tracking of the music and see if Jeff can record the vocals in San Francisco. Last time I mentioned this he was not so thrilled about that option but at this point that's the only way to make it happen. Regardless of what happens we will still be doing a Possessed cover. Outside of Venom, Hellhammer and Celtic Frost they were a huge influence for me!
You have some news about the fourth coming album called “Destroying The Sacred”? Speak about this new album as possible.
Nine original tracks are planned. It will be tracked, mixed and mastered in a two week period. We will begin the last week of October at Mana Studio where we recorded the last album.
What is the many differences from this new opus and the other album? Sounds, texts, etc...
Not sure if it will be any different. Actually that's incorrect because those familiar with our past releases will hear our speed and thrash metal influences a little more on this next album. Outside of that not much will change. We write fast, blasting heretical black metal and this next album will be the same. It's been our blueprint since 1999 and we've stuck to it. There's also one slow song which has become a trademark on albums since Oculus Infernum. But all in all it will be a Kult ov Azazel assault.
Actually you are under the contract of Arctic Music. What offer to you this label? Is a good label for propaganda the satanic message of KULT OV AZAZEL?
This is our last album under contract of Arctic Music. In 2000 when they offered us a four album contract and that was great for us. Not to mention as a label they have helped us out tremendously many times. My opinion is any label is good for a band if it helps to get that bands propaganda out there. Arctic has been great at doing that for us. I have nothing bad to say about the relationship. But this is the last contracted album and we have been talking to some bigger labels about the future of this band. Only time will tell what will happen with us signing to another label or doing an open ended contract with Arctic for future releases.
You are satisfied with the work of Marie of CUM Records? Speak about this picture of your last work! What is the many differences from the cd version and this picture disk?
Only difference between that and the CD version are the obvious, one was on vinyl and the other on CD. Track wise both are the same. The picture LP also came with a poster, something the CD version did not have. I was very satisfied with Marie and CUM Records. Marie and I use to talk quite often so the communication and the way it was all handled were excellent. When she handed them to me in San Antonio at the Sacrifice fest I was very pleased with how it came out. I still have a few copies of the pic LP if anyone reading this is interested in obtaining a copy.
You come from the magical and occult side of America: Florida! So, at the last time is succeded some problems with your bands cause catholic / christians extremist? Some thing against the bands cause probably act of profanations, rituals or other similar? If is yes, what is your reactions?
We have never had any problems with any religious organization or extremist. Kind of weird that no one has ever protested us or whatever here in Ft. Lauderdale with all the religious groups and churches there is in this city.
What is second your opinion the best method for destroy the monotheism, especially the judeo-christians plague? Massive use of propaganda in every way or a particular and precise sign?
The best way to destroy monotheism is with knowledge. The problem with that is monotheists shun knowledge. They don't want to be truly educated on the wrongs, hypocrisies and myths of their religion. To them what is said in a book is all the knowledge they need. In a perfect world religion would be eliminated, wiped from human conscience.
Speak about your parallel project. In what other bands you play? And in what bands you are more active?
Outside of Kult ov Azazel I am the live bassist for Hateplow. Hateplow however hasn't done anything since 2003 so it's not a band that is very active. Xul and I have put together a satanic doom project recently that we have been working on. Eventually we'll let the name be known as it develops more. Right now it's something we are just doing on the side.
Some of your opinion about: A) European Black Metal, B) nowadays Satanism, C) Marylin Manson trend, D) Goth bitches, E) Coral Castle, F) Voo Doo,
a.) Has churned out many great bands. Continues to do so as well.
b.) I don't even know what the definition of nowadays Satanism means. I would need some examples.
c.) He hasn't been a trend for many years now in America.
d.) Remind me of Marilyn Manson.
e.) Never seen it. Didn't know much about it until you asked and I researched it online. Seems like a cool place to visit but I'm not about to drive there to see it. If I ever end up taking a trip to the Florida Keys I might check it out while passing through depending how I feel when that happens. I generally do not like Miami-Dade County. It's a place I like to stay away from.
f.) I think of Serpent and the Rainbow. Good movie, check it out.
Is started the collaboration with PROFANATICA? Is in program a future release with this great band?
Are we collaborating with Profanatica on something? This is the first news I have heard about it! That's killer. All kidding aside, as far as I know there is nothing planned between us and Profanatica. Yet if Ledney ever wants to collaborate with us I would make it happen. Profanatica is a band I highly respect.
What are your opinion on nowadays Black Metal scene? And about last good American Satanic Death / Black Metal album? And, what is the most hated thing from your country and the most good thing from this 2008?
I don’t pay much attention to the scene anymore. I focus on what this band is doing and don't care what others are up to. I stopped caring a long time ago. On American metal the last death metal album for me is Malevolent Creation's Doomsday X. I don't care for death metal these days, in fact nothing past 1994. Being that I am Malevolent's sound guy there may be some bias in my next comment. But in my opinion out of all the early bands that made death metal what it is today MC are the only band I enjoy hearing new releases from. Black Metal wise it will be the next Krieg album. The most hated thing in my country for me is Barak Obama. I hate politics and I hate phony politicians looking to promote their own self interest even more. Best thing to come out of 2008 so far has been the hurricanes.
Future planes with KULT OV AZAZEL? Some words about your future release? Any live date are planned in Europe?
Future plans are to keep spreading blasphemy via music. No live dates are planned for Europe.
So, at last.. all free space to you Xaphan.. thanx for your time and for your good music and spirit.. let’s keep in touch.. A.M.S.G.
Thank you my friend for asking us to be a part the next issue! Bestial hails to all the Italian maniacs who have supported us and also to the European heathens that have lent us the same support! For those interested in contacting us we can be reached at PO Box 23308, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33307, USA and online at www.kultovazazel.com. Expect Destroying The Sacred to be out early 2009. Liberation through decimation!!!!
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