Interviewed by Countess Bathory & answered by Xaphan How would you define Black Metal? Is it just the way of expressing hatred and blasphemous nihilism, of unveiling your individuality, the way of living and complete dedication or something else? Black metal equals anti-god, anti-human, anti-life. It embraces a nihilistic outlook on life. Its roots firmly planted in Satanism and the Occult. It's the musical embodiment of evil and hatred. It is the celebration of death and pain, the mental passage from this world to the infernal regions and the call for destruction to monotheistic ideals. American Black Metal scene is developing. Now days, there are bands respected all over the world like Krieg, Thornspawn, Absu, Black Funeral and Kult ov Azazel (of course). What is the major difference between American and European BM bands? I think the American bands are staying more true to the roots of black metal. The bands over here tend to play a more brutal style of black metal, more aggressive and stick closely to the roots of past hordes. Yet there are many great bands coming out of Europe right now, more so than there were a few years back. I do see a resurgence of good black metal bands coming forth from Europe. But all in all I don't really care where a band is from, I don't listen to music according to geography like most fucks these days tend to base what they listen to on. Do you have any side projects? Nope. No one at this point in time is involved in any side projects. You released “Triumph of Fire” in 2001, a masterpiece of extreme Black Metal. What is your next step? Next is to release the newest recording titled "Oculus Infernum". This is our follow up to "Triumph of Fire" and should rear its ugly head in April. It will consist of 8 songs, all new material, and is the first time we have recorded with a full lineup. Now that we have Goss "The Hammer" on the drums and Nocturath on guitar this band has stepped up its blasphemous onslaught. The newer material I think is the best yet and you'll see more dual vocals from Xul and me on this one. Also up on the slate is the re-release of our demo mCD "Order of the Fly" on 12" vinyl, along with a live LP on vinyl as well. These will be out I would think by March. We'll also be doing splits with Operation Winter Mist (CAN) and Satan's Blood (GER) this coming year as well. It is obvious that Satanism and Occultism inspire you. What are your other influences? Music has always been a big influence on me. As well as horror movies. I think between Satanism, Occultism, Horror Flicks and Extreme Metal just about covers all my influences. Are you going to tour Europe soon? Would you be willing to come over here and do you support any Black Metal bands from Southern/Eastern Europe? There's no immediate plan to tour Europe at this point. Yes we would come over and support other black metal bands from there but this is something that's never been asked of us. Maybe one day it will, until then there's no plans to come over. OK, thank you for this interview. May you find the darkest paths of your mind and stay true and dedicated! Ave Satanas! Last words are yours… Hails for the interview and the interest in the band. We can be summoned at www.kultovazazel.com or by mail at Kult ov Azazel, PO Box 23308, Ft. Lauderdale FL 33307 USA. Ave Mortalis Letum!!"