Interviewed by Peter & answered by Xaphan

For those not familiar with Kult Ov Azazel, can you give us a brief history of the band so far?

Kult ov Azazel was started by myself (guitar/additional vocals) and Xul (bass/vocals) as just Azazel in April of 1999. As Azazel we self released a mCD titled "Order of the Fly" and a few promo tapes. In June of 2000 we made the name change to Kult ov Azazel and since then released a split CD with Krieg, a few mini-cassettes and last year our first full length titled "Triumph of Fire".

What prompted the change of name from Azazel to Kult Ov Azazel?

We just got sick of being confused with past and present bands going by the same name. It wasn't until after the releasing of "Order of the Fly" that we became aware of at least 7 other bands that have used this name. We felt there should be no reason when our band name is mentioned that people should be like is that the Azazel from Finland or Mexico and so forth. We had made a pretty good name for ourselves with our style and considered starting over with a new name as absurd so we just added to the name.

What would you say are the bands main influences? Do they extend beyond black metal? I notice you covered Mayhem's "Chainsaw Gutsfuck" on your "Of Evil And Hatred" promo tape.

There have been many bands that have influenced both of us. Speaking for myself the main influences for me were Venom, Destruction, Hellhammer, Possessed, Bathory, Darkthrone, (old) Mayhem, and Gorgoroth. I'd say for the most part all my influences are mainly in the metal realm yet I do draw influence from other types of forms such as classical and ritual music. We originally did the cover of Chainsaw Gutsfuck for a Mayhem tribute that never materialized. Since we decided we would put out a promo to promote the Kult ov Azazel/Krieg split and had this track lying around we decided to not let it go to waste. That is why it showed up on the "Of Evil and Hatred" promo.

If you were to attempt to encapsulate the overall philosophy of Kult Ov Azazel what would be the best way to describe it? "No beauty, no atmosphere, no tranquility?"?

I think that best describes this band musically. Overall for the philosophy of this band goes it would be "anti god, anti human, anti you".

Reading your bio on the website it seems that you have had to endure many changes in personnel over the years. Does it prove difficult finding members that share the same philosophies and goals as yourself?

Yes, it's very trying but does not stop us. We have encountered many obstacles since the beginning and will let nothing stand in our path. At this point in time we have found a permanent drummer and he thinks like us, drinks like us and is all around a grim fuck. So it's quite refreshing finally having someone that fits in and has as much dedication as both Xul and myself.

Black metal is certainly one of the forms of metal where there are accepted ideals and a lot of history. What were the qualities of black metal that attracted you to it in the first place?

The overtly satanic imagery got me into it but this was back in the mid 80's. I was a teenager that had grown up listening to hard rock/heavy metal and found the occult side of some of these bands interesting yet it wasn't until I came across Venom's "Welcome to Hell" that I found a band that was not only conveying a satanic image they were actually embracing it in their lyrics. So from there I began my path. I have always been attracted to the dark side of human life and nature and it was because of this that I really found interest in black metal besides the fact that I like extreme music.

America in general, and Florida in particular, has been renowned for mainly death metal bands in the past but is now gaining recognition for the black metal bands that are beginning to gain exposure. Why do you believe it is only now that such recognition is now forthcoming?

I think this is because people believed that only black metal could be played and perfected by European bands. Yet now most of these bands have gone soft or gay and it is here in America that the black metal bands still embrace the old ways of black metal.

The black metal bands that I have heard from the U.S. all seem to have a great deal of aggression and malice. What qualities do you believe make American black metal different from that being produced in the rest of the world?

The United States is a christian state, plain and simple. It's only natural if you despise something so much that this resentment will show through actions you carry out, be it with music, art, and literature or through physical contact.

After releasing split CD's and promo tapes how satisfying is it to finally unleash your debut album "Triumph of Fire"? Tell us a bit about the album.

Yeah it was very satisfying releasing a full length. I am very pleased with the way it came out and what we achieved. Triumph of Fire is an 11 song CD of nihilistic and satanic black fucking metal from the start to finish. That's all I really have to say about it.

With "Triumph of Fire" out at last what do you see as the next step forward for Kult Ov Azazel? Is touring a priority?

There are a few things going on right now. Since Triumph of Fire was released last year it is now being repressed to around 1000 units I believe. It's also being discussed about releasing it on vinyl but this is not confirmed yet. Our "Order of the Fly" mCD that has been out of print for some time now is being released on 12" vinyl though. It will be released through Crooked Crosses Records from Pennsylvania sometime late April. Also Ogham Records from Portugal will be releasing the "Invoking the Satanic Majesty" mini- cassette that is our material from the Kult ov Azazel/Krieg split CD plus 2 live songs. And finally we will be releasing a live CD on Arctic Music soon called "Black Mass Consecration" which will be 40 minutes of live material from "Triumph of Fire" and 3 new studio tracks and a cover of Beherit's "The Gate of Nanna". As for touring who knows, if the offer comes we'll go from there.

Do you have any parting message for the readers of The Black Arts?

Thanks for the interview. For further propaganda visit the website at www.kultovazazel.com. Hails to all the readers that have supported our horde and to the bands that continue to be possessed by black fucking metal!!!