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 Q. I am sure you are tired of answering this one, but as a fan
of the band since Order of the Fly, I must ask what prompted the change of name?
A. The name change came about solely for the reason that we had tired of being confused with other bands of the same name. We felt we had established ourselves among the black metal hordes
with Order of the Fly but figured a complete name change would mean we'd have to start all over. We had already recorded the tracks for what is now known as the Kult ov Azazel/Krieg split CD and many people
knew that this going to be released. So basically we saw the opportunity to make the name change on the split so people would know that we were still the same band.
The earliest reference to the demon Azazel that I could find in my research was in the Old Testament of the Bible (Leviticus 168). Was the mythology of the demon at all
instrumental in you associating the band with the name? What meaning does it hold for you and why did you choose it?
Well Azazel has shown up in many texts some even before the book of lies. Some of these being the Book of Enoch, The Zohar, The Apocalypse of Abraham, The Koran, as well as literary works by Milton, Bamberger
and Bouisson. Azazel has made appearances in many cultural legends and depending on how you read into them he has been associated with the acts of destruction, the bringer of war, rebellion,
non-conformity, corruption and self-preservation. So yes the many mythologies had a lot to do with choosing to anoint the band with this demons name. All of the symbolism's linked to Azazel are mainly the
topics that we touch on through our music.
 Is there a particular significance to the name "Xaphan"?
Xaphan was an apostate angel condemned a 2nd rank demon. When the supposed war in heaven was being waged Xaphan joined the ranks with the rebelling angels and was the angel to suggest that they set fire to Heaven.
What is the latest news regarding the Black Mass Consecration release? Is that coming out on Arctic as well?
Yes it will be released through Arctic Music and pretty much we have just started writing the new studio tracks that will appear on it. It will be a live album taken from two different shows we have done in
support of Triumph of Fire. It will consist of around 9 live songs, 3 new studio tracks and a Beherit cover. So once these new songs are written we'll be recording them and at that point we'll master the live
songs. I am hoping that this will be done very soon.
What led to the split with Hellspawn? Was it amicable?
He just wasn't into it anymore and we don't need anyone like that associated with the band. To be a member of this band you most show 110% dedication to not just the band but also the ideals that
we hold. We still speak to Hellspawn every now and then when and if we run into him at a show but overall we do not go out of our way to keep contact with old members.
How did you come to acquire the services of John "The Hammer" Goss?
I met Goss on the Hateplow European tour back last February. He was our tour manager and he really like our release and mentioned he played drums. So throughout the month I was in Europe we talked
about getting together just about everyday once we got back and once he came down from Buffalo to tryout back last July everything just clicked.
There has been much talk about the strength of the USBM scene over recent times. While there is a higher caliber of USBM bands active right now, the surge in popularity has
also led to a horde of second-rate bands as well and the scene has developed as many denouncers as it has new devotees. Particularly, both Krieg (Imperial) and Judas
Iscariot (Akhenaten) have been extremely vocal in their distaste for the scene right now. What is your opinion of the current state of USBM?
 I am in agreement with Imperial and Akhenaten as well as yourself. There is indeed a
higher caliber of black metal bands from the States but at the same time it's these 2nd rate bands that destroy things. I used to be very involved and in contact with lots of bands and people among the scene here
but have learned that being in contact with some of these people will only get you mixed up in their little drama and name calling. Therefore I no longer keep contact with but only a few bands that I use to. I
honestly wish to be no part in childish name calling games and out right lies and slander that comes with being a part of any "scene." I figure you don't
subjugate yourself to these types of people then you are better off.
What do you feel are the best and worst USBM releases to date?
Instead of naming releases I will just say that the bands I like that are of this genre are Krieg, Thornspawn, Judas Iscariot, Vukodlak, Weltmacht, Averse Sefira, Inquisition (although originally from
Columbia), Profanatica/Havohej, Black Witchery, Grand Belial's Key, Cryptic Winds, Abazagorath, Bloodstorm, Maskim, Demoncy, Demonic Christ, Gnostic, Infernal Hatred, Humanicide, and Open Grave
are ones I can think of. As far as what bands I dislike or hate I will not give them the pleasure of having their names mentioned in this interview.
What one song do you feel is most indicative of what you hope to accomplish with Kult Ov Azazel?
This song has not been written yet.
What is the first relatively "modern" black metal album (referring to the Norwegian uprising as opposed to the BM forefathers ala Venom, etc.) that really captured you and
sparked your interest in the genre?
I suppose that this would be Darkthrone's A Blaze in the Northern Sky. Once I heard this album I knew that what was once referred to as black metal had now taken on a new form. Just everything about that
album captured my attention, thoughts, emotions and still does to this day. It was an awakening in a sense.
 On that note, what traditional black metal bands do you feel were most important to the
development of the genre?
Venom, Hellhammer, Bathory I would say are the top 3. But in reality there have been many bands that I think have influenced the development of black metal besides just these three. The above were
responsible for the creation of black metal but I think bands like Darkthrone, Mayhem, Gorgoroth, along with others really defined what it is today.
What three books would you say have been most influential in the development of your personal beliefs and philosophies?
The Satanic Bible, Paradise Lost and The Antichrist.
Do you consider yourself a LaVeyian Satanist?
No, I consider myself a modern Satanist. While I do respect and admire LaVey for what he did I do not follow any one set of beliefs or doctrines. I make my own rules and choose my own destiny so in other
words I do not following anybody. There's a big difference from drawing influence from someone and blatantly following them. Followers are weak and have no original ideas of their own and this is not one
of my characteristics.
Supposedly the Church of Satan has fragmented a lot since LaVey's death - have you noticed a difference in the strength and/or organization of the Church of Satan since his passing?
I can't say that I have. There's was some turmoil I believe in the aftermath of LaVey's death but at this point in time I would say the Church of Satan remains strong if not stronger than it was in the previous
years to LaVey's passing.
 Many black metal acts go for a minimalist approach to
recording, insisting on raw production ala Krieg and Darkthrone (Transylvanian Hunger, Under A Funeral Moon, etc.), associating a bigger sound with more commercial black metal acts such as Dimmu
Borgir and Cradle of Filth. The sound on Triumph of Fire is huge in contrast to many of your contemporaries - did you ever consider the raw/minimalist approach and have you experienced any
negative feedback as a result of having a more grandiose sound?
Well let me first say that the sound on Triumph of Fire is exactly what we were trying to achieve. I don't think it has a huge sound at all but instead is very
clear and all instruments are audible. It has its edge and I think we were able to keep the overall raw feel to the songs but at the same time keeping the sound very clear. We have not really been the band that
wanted to go for that raw/minimalist sound in the recording instead we apply this trait in the actual writing of the music. As for peoples reactions and thoughts about the final outcome of Triumph of Fire is
concerned I really could care less. This is my band and not anyone else's so if they don't like what we are doing and creating then they can go start their own band and do things their way. But overall the general
consensus towards the album has been very good.
I read on your site that there are plans to release Order of the Fly on vinyl. Is that still in the works? Any chance of it being released on CD again?
Yes this is true and as far as I know it is still in the works. As for releasing it again on CD, I can't really say.
Much of the focus of black metal is on a general hatred for humanity and spreading this message of hate, as well as scorning most popular media and culture. The popularity of
black metal has grown immensely over the past few years, which leads to the possibility (however unlikely) of black metal bands becoming accepted as a part of popular
culture. If Kult ov Azazel was given the opportunity for major media exposure large tours, video rotation, radio play, etc. would you use this as a platform to further
spread your message or consider it to be in direct conflict with the ideals upon which the band is based?
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I would never want this band to be socially accepted because for one I see society as a whole as nothing but shit. So therefore I will end this band if it gets to
that point. On the other hand I do want to tour, yet will say that video rotation, radio play, and other forms of mainstream marketing would be in a direct conflict with my beliefs. Don't get me wrong, I do
want the message that we are conveying heard but there are only a few that can really understand this and for this reason I find it unnecessary to target an audience that I despise. The last thing I want to see
is every trendwhore buying and wearing Kult ov Azazel propaganda.
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