Real good, aggressive and true underground hordes are not easy to find. Often they even act like they own the world and are the greatest that exist. One of the true great hordes and the fastest answer on my questions was done by Xaphan of Kult ov Azazel. Interviewed by Descrator First of all could you tell me something about the bands history and why you decided to change the name from Azazel into Kult ov Azazel? We formed in 1999 with myself (guitar/additional vocals) and Xul (bass/vocals) as the main driving force behind this band. Since this time we have been through many drummers but have managed to release 3 recordings to date which are "Order of the Fly," Kult ov Azazel/Krieg split CD and our latest recording "Triumph of Fire." We changed the name because after the release of "Order of the Fly" we came to find out that there were many other bands out there that had gone by this same name or were still currently going by this name. We did not want to be confused with any other band that had this name of Azazel and figured we'd add to our existing name rather than start all over trying to establish ourselves with a new name. Thus the changing from Azazel to Kult ov Azazel. How do you compose songs? Who writes the lyrics and could you tell me something more about it? Like I said, both Xul and myself are the backbone of this band and both of us write the music pretty much equally. The way songs are composed is we usually just show up at practice with riffs, show them to each other, and then piece together the music. Once this is done the drums are added and then lyrics. Xul writes the majority of our lyrics, except for Destruction to the Throne of God and Altar of Satan were written by me. Our lyrics cover satanic/occult philosophy, resentment towards religion, hate for mankind, and preservation of the elite. What do you wish to express with KOA and what do you wish to express yourself? What inspires you to make the music you make and be what you are? What keeps you going and what do you hate? Our goal and driving force is hatred for humanity, religion and authority. Our wish is to spread satanic propaganda across the entire fucking globe. The world is an ugly place and that is what inspires us to make music. I fucking hate everyone unless you give me a reason not to hate you. I don't trust anyone and that goes for anyone!! My hatred and distrust for all life is what keeps me going. What made you decide to make black metal? And how did you get in contact with this underground style?? What are your musical and philosophical influences? I have been listening to what you would call black metal since the early 80's. I bought the Venom "Black Metal" LP the day it was released and since that point in time I knew that this was the musical style I wished to play. I have always harbored extreme hatred and disgust towards christianity and when I heard bands like Venom, Hellhammer, Possessed and many other bands I immediately identified with these bands. Since then many bands have come and gone and many of these have been very influential on me such as the bands I just mentioned along with Celtic Frost, Bathory, Destruction, Mayhem, Sodom, Darkthrone, Gorgoroth, Exodus, Beherit, Blasphemy, and Hobbs among others. I could list bands for days that have influenced me at some point in time. As for philosophical influences these would be by people such as LaVey, Crowley, Nietzsche, Carroll, Waites, Mathers, Bakunin, and Rand. In my opinion to many faggots and betrayers walk around in the scene (and world)... How do you think about those groups that abuse what black metal stands for and/or create a romantic side to this? At this point in time I don't even worry about this shit any more. Fact of the matter is I never have to associate with these trendwhores. I use to let this shit bother me but the bottom line is all these faggots will come and go because black metal is just something of shock value to them, in other words social rebellion. Once that wears off they will move onto something else that people will consider ghastly or shocking. As far as black metal being romantic, any band that wishes to turn black metal into some sort of romantic bullshit can fuck off! Black Metal is all about anti-life, anti-religion and anti-humanity period! Anyone that says different has no clue what the fuck they are talking about. What are your plans for the future? We'll be recording 3 or 4 new studio tracks that will appear on a full length live cd titled "Black Mass Consecration" that will be out in early 2002. We'll begin writing and recording for the new full length soon also but there's no album title yet for this release. The next full-length studio album will be unleashed around fall of 2002. Could you give me you opinion on why occult themes, satanism; murder and hatred are themes that always seem to be used by black metal bands?? (I use them because it feels as a part of me, to express my disgust for the weakness in mankind, and christianity, to express what I am) I think that a lot of bands use these themes for the same reason that you do. I can't speak for anyone other than myself but personally I find the darker side of nature and life more appealing. These emotions such as hatred, disgust, and resentment are natural feelings for me everyday. There hasn't been a single day that has gone by I didn't feel one of these emotions daily. Satanic themes just come natural since this is the path I chose to venture down and lead my life by. So put all these emotions and ideals together and you get Kult ov Azazel. Feel free to say or add anything that you wish or that I may have forgotten to ask. Hails for the interview. Our website is www.kultovazazel and we can be contacted through there or by mail. All info and bullshit of that nature can be found at our website for anyone that actually gives a shit about finding out more about Kult ov Azazel. Hail Victory!! Hail Satan!!