First the traditional question: What is the story of your band?
Xaphan: Formed in 1999 as Azazel. In 2000 we changed the name to Kult ov Azazel. As far as releases go we did the following: "Order of the Fly" mCD (1999), "Gather Against Humanity" CD (2000 - 4 way split with Obitus, Humanicide and Thylord), Kult ov Azazel/Krieg split CD (2001), "Triumph of Fire" CD (2001) and this year we'll release "Oculus Infernum". At this time our lineup consists of Xul on vocals/bass, Nocturath on guitar/b. vocals, Goss the Hammer on drums and myself on vocals/guitar.
What are your views about all this fucking mess that forms earth?
Xaphan: My view is that it's headed straight for destruction. Total and complete world downfall. Humanity is destined to end. Ave Mortalis Letum!
Xul: Right now is a great time; you can watch true destruction and war on your television. Hypocrisy, greed, and nepotism drive this world of shit. Everyone must continue to contribute to make sure it is destroyed.
What do you think about the actual black metal scene and particularly its different brands?
Xaphan: There are good bands and there are bands that should just sell their instruments. The black metal scene is really split into two parts nowadays. You have the physical scene and then the virtual scene. From my experiences the physical black metal scene is at it strongest right now in my opinion. Lots of great bands keeping the true flame of black metal burning. But the virtual scene is a joke, it's fucking kids and geeks that hide behind a computer talking shit and always praising themselves for how "true" and "grim" they are. This is where the bedroom black metal mentality falls into the puzzle, the internet warrior attitude. So the virtual playground scene is the kind of scene I have no desire for. As for all the different brands, I don't care, if it's black metal it's black metal. All the extra tags don't bother me, I still call it black metal.
Xul: I agree with Xaphan. The scene has been plagued with over-night "True" internet black metal authorities, judging anything and everything like they have been into this for the past 20 years. Fuck off and move on to your next trend. The different brands of metal have always been around and it was a matter of time before black metal would have its hundred variations. I could care less on what everyone else is doing for 'their' own self made sub-genre.
What are you views about the occult and the spirituality (in all its forms including philosophy of course)?
Xul: Without the occult, a large portion, if not all of black metal would not exist. I personally don't follow any particular flavor of any religion or occult philosophy solely. I take what I like from each and form my own thoughts. Mythology interests me but not enough to base my life around anything.
Xaphan: The occult has been an interest of mine since I was a child but I see no need for any kind of spirituality. Spirituality is something that is inherit of religion and I find all religions to be useless tools for controlling people.
To come back to the music, what is you actuality?
Xul: I don't know if I understand your question. I'll try to answer this by saying we base our music/lyrics around satanic principles and mythology, hatred, pain and misery; the eradication of christian philosophy and principles.
How do you compose your songs and what is the most important thing for you regarding your band?
Xaphan: There really is no set way that I compose songs. It can come from many things. Sometimes it's a note I have ringing in my head, other times it could be a complete riff. Sometimes it's brought forth under the influence, other times it's from a single thought or idea. So what is usually done is when I write a song or someone else does, it's then presented to the others. If someone has a riff or idea that works in the structure it may or may not be added into the song. Then the drums are written and lastly the lyrics. The single most important thing that I regard about this band is staying true to ourselves and not compromising a fucking thing!!
Xul: Everyone contributes something to most of the songs. I think the songs that have something from everyone are our strongest hymns. This band is based on what we want to do musically and not for anyone else.
To finish I will ask your opinion on some feelings and aspects of this fucking human life. Just tell me what it inspires to you.
-Pain
Xaphan: With it comes pleasure.
Xul: Lessons learned and strength.
Compassion
Xaphan: Compassion is weakness.
Xul: Fuck off.
Charity
Xaphan: Fuck charity! People need to learn to take responsibility for themselves.
Xul: Don't rely on anyone else but yourself. You can't count on anyone.
Luxury
Xaphan: Is what you make of it. Some need more things than others and others need less, but luxury is really a personal objective.
Xul: If you earned it, more power to you.
Strength
Xaphan: Weeds out the weak.
Xul: Achievement.
Honour
Xaphan: Comes with strength.
Xul: A worthy characteristic trait.
Pretentiousness
Xaphan: Makes me sick. I hate people that that are self important.
Xul: Closed mind sets shed weak people. They will be the first eliminated. What your clueless feeble minds can't comprehend will be your demise.
And to finish this,a little word for the French metallers....
Xul: Many hails for the interview. Keep the black flame burning by killing and destroying your local christian subhuman culture.
Xaphan: Hails for the support and space in your zine. All information and latest releases can be obtained at www.kultovazazel.com or but writing to Kult ov Azazel, PO Box 23308, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33307, USA. Be prepared for the blasphemy to come on "Oculus Infernum". The horrors of hell shall be revealed!!!
