Interviewed by Yusef & answered by Xaphan

For those unfortunate souls, who don't know of KULT OV AZAZEL please tell me a little about the band?

Kult ov Azazel was formed in the spring equinox of 1999 under the infernal name Azazel consisting of Xaphan (myself) on guitar/vocals, Xul on vocals/bass and Von on drums. Under this banner and lineup we recorded and released “Order of the Fly”. Shortly after Von was kicked out and Hellspawn given the position of drums and with this lineup we recorded and released the material on the Kult ov Azazel/Krieg split CD. In the spring of 2000 we gave the boot to Hellspawn, decided to change the band name to Kult ov Azazel and soon after signed a 4 album deal with Arctic Music. In March 2001 we released our first full length “Triumph of Fire” incorporating a session drummer going by Vetis. We also have participated on a 4 way split with Obitus, Humanicide and Thylord and various compilations over the years. The year 2003 sees the release of “Oculus Infernum” and is the first time we have recorded with a permanent lineup. The lineup at this time consists of me on vocals/guitar, Xul on vocals/bass, Nocturath on guitar/b. vocals and The Hammer on drums.

How is your CD "Oculus Infernum" been selling, and what has been the reaction from the Black Metal Underground?

The CD has been doing quite well. I don’t have exact numbers on how many have sold but I do know it is selling and has seen top reviews. The reaction from the majority of people has been even better than our past release. People seem to think that this is by far our best release and I honestly have to agree. I’m very pleased with this release.

What influences your music and lyrics?

Complete disdain for religious ideals/dogma and my ties to nihilistic and satanic ideologies.

How's the scene in USA right now? Any upcoming bands we should look out for?

The US scene has a good amount of bands that are extremely killer. I’m not sure which bands from here that the Peruvian people are aware of and I don’t feel like going through a “name the best US bands” question. Just trust me when I tell you that there are bands here in America that play extreme black art and do it well. There are a lot gems in the scene that are worth searching out that I can assure you.

If you could tour with any band (past or present) who would it be any why?

Past: Possessed. The day I heard “Seven Churches” I was crushed! That album really blew me away back then and it still does to this day.

Present: Don’t have one although I would one day like to do a tour of some sort with Krieg.

Then & Now: Venom. The band that started it all for me, if it were not for hearing “Welcome to Hell” from my next door neighbor back in ’83 I’m not sure where I’d be now – Hails to Mark Shipman where ever on this wretched earth you may be! This is the band that really put a spark under my ass to learn guitar. They are my all time favorite band hands down.

What are your top 5 favorite bands/albums right now?

Can’t say I really have 5 favorites right now. However the past 5 recordings I have listened to have been Twilight Abyss demo, Krieg “Black House”, Holocaust “Hellfire Holocaust”, Satanic Slaughter “Banished to the Underworld” and Leviathan “ The Tenth Sublevel of Suicide”.

What was you most memorable show and why?

I guess it would be the show we did with Bloodstorm and Decieverion a few months back in Philadelphia, PA because this was our first show with The Hammer on drums and was the first time we played any of the songs off “Oculus Infernum” to a live audience. Also this was the first time we had ever played a venue that did not sell alcohol and was a non-alcohol premises. So in short by the end of the night I had been kicked out and asked to leave the premises twice for having a 2 liter bottle of Vodka and for being loaded.

Describe what a night out partying with KULT OV AZAZEL is like?

This can be summed up in 3 words: Lots of alcohol.

Is there anything you don't like about the Black Metal scene today?

Where do I fucking start? In fact I don’t even want to answer this question. I’ll don’t feel like going into a rant right now and that’s what this will end up being. I’ll just say too much and this has more to do with the people/fans than it does with the music or bands.

Favorite horror movies?

Top 3 are The Exorcist, Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Gates of Hell.

What's in the future for KULT OV AZAZEL?

We are currently writing another album which we hope to record sometime in 2004. No title for this yet but I can tell you we have 6 new songs already composed. We’ll be doing another split release with Krieg on 7” format in the near future and will be playing the Northern Lights Festival in Toronto, Canada in June ’04.

Xaphan, thank you for the interview! Anything you would like to add?

Those that wish to obtain information or contact with the band can do so through www.kultovazazel.com or Kult ov Azazel, PO Box 23308, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33307, USA. Thanks for the interview and for your support. Fuck the trends, fuck liars and death to the sheep in wolves clothing! Support real black metal!!