"IT MEANS A GRIM INTERPRETATION OF A TORTURE CHAMBER AND ITS DEVICES"....THIS IS THE EXPLANATION OF XAPHAN (VOCALS/GUITARS) ABOUT THE MEANING OF THE COVER OF "OCULUS INFERNUM", LAST EFFORT OF THE USA BLACK METAL WARRIORS KULT OV AZAZEL, WHICH IS UNLEASHING ALL LEGIONS OF DEMONS AND PESTILENCE AGAINST THE CHRISTIANITY. RISE - SEVEN HEADS OF BLASPHEMY.......... Interviewed by Flavvio & answered by Xaphan Let's start this inty commenting about "Oculus Infernum". In my opinion, this album redefines all concepts of "Brutal" and "Fast" Black Metal. You just overreacted, and created one of the most blasphemous sonorous assaults I've ever heard.....Was this brutality a previous intention or it has naturally happened? Our only real intention was to write an album that surpassed the last album. We didn't want to get caught in the rut of being a band that continues to put out the same album. We wanted to keep it fast but at the same time make a very dark album. Our last album was much different I think musically being that it was a non-stop assault and there were really no variations in the songs. With this album we wanted to keep that same vibe but take it a step further and write really dark riffs that were based on feeling and not speed. Plus with the addition of the two new members bringing ideas into the band it has bettered the writing process. So to answer the question it was a natural process with our only intentions being those I have mentioned. The production is just great! I'm very impressed how much you got those unearthly climes and killer break-downs.......And you produced it by yourself. Are you pleased with it? Yeah I'm very pleased with it. I think we achieved the sound that we were shooting for. We took our time with it and had much more time to play around with different approaches to the songs and in the end I think it shows. The artwork of this album is totally dark and nefarious, and even discreet. When I say "discreet", I mean you didn't use a lot of magical symbols or things like that......you preferred to utilize old illustrations and carvings. Do you think the people can also be original? And what do you think of the unjust use and waste of these symbols by some rip-off people? I do think originality can be achieved; this is what we are all about. Some people use things for image but that is not the case here. All visuals and images used are for a specific purpose, not just for visual aesthetics. Please tell what does that cover mean? I couldn't determine precisely....... The cover art of "Oculus Infernum" is a grim interpretation of a torture chamber and its devices therein. It was inspired by a vision of the reversal of parts in a time such as The Crusades. The lyrics to "Oculus Infernum" aid to this vision, as Christianity is the forever sufferer. The woodcuts and photography within the booklet interact as footnotes to the basis of the lyrics/songs - an endless timeline for the never ending suffering and killing of purity and God. Christianity, throughout time, has consistently illustrated, in my eyes, its own death. One by one, tossed into "The Eye of Hell." On "Oculus Infernum", you, Xul and Nocturath divided the vocals. How did you manage that when you were composing and what is your opinion about the results. We didn't do vocals while we were composing the music. Our lyrics have always been the last element added to a song and due to situations that where involved we ended up not doing vocals until we were in the studio actually recording. This was no problem though since when lyrics are written by Xul or me and there's always a knowing of who will be the right vocal for the verse. So going in we knew who would do vocals in the songs and did the vocals on the fly but the results in my opinion are perfect and just how they were envisioned. Are you satisfied with the Arctic Music Group ´s work? Do they offer a true divulgation and distribution? Very satisfied. The guys at Arctic Music have helped us out tremendously. They give us free will to do whatever it is we please from an artistic standpoint. We have had total say in the recording of every album we have done on Arctic and even produced this last effort by ourselves. They have done a great job in promoting our releases and getting them out there. All I can say is that we are very grateful for all the support they have given us since we signed with them. I'm pretty sure that your influences are not "just" Black Metal acts, because we can listen to a lot of unusual ultra-ferocious blasting beats and other details on Kult ov Azazel compositions. Well my top ten albums list at the end will reveal what my influences have been, but you are correct in saying that it's not inspiration from just black metal. I became possessed by the blasphemies I heard back in 1983/1984 and since it's been a driving inspiration in my continuing path of musical journey. You are from Fort Lauderdale (FL), a very traditional "Death Metal" place. So tell me how the Black Metal acts survive there and how is the relationship between Kult ov Azazel and other bands... Black metal bands from Ft. Lauderdale? There are none, we are the only ones. There's more death and grind acts from this area. But the relationships we have with other known bands from the area are good. Today, we can see a lot of Black Metal bands around (even when they don't have "true" intents or attitude) so what aspects can reach your attention in a Black Metal band? For me it's the music, attitude and ideology. These are the only things that matter me. Nothing more. Do you like a more commercial and "easy-listening" kind of Black Metal? Neither. I like raw and violent black metal. Well guy, that's all. Thanks for all. This space is for you... Thanks for the support. All information on the band can be found at www.kultovazazel.com. We can also be contacted via snail mail at PO Box 23308, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307, USA. Now, tell us your top-ten list albums. Venom "Welcome to Hell" & "Black Metal" Destruction "Infernal Overkill" Possessed "Seven Churches" Sodom "In the Sign of Evil" Hellhammer "Apocalyptic Raids" Celtic Frost "Morbid Tales" Darkthrone "A Blaze in the Northern Sky" Beherit "Drawing Down the Moon" Gorgoroth "Pentagram"