Nox: You've been in the Church of Satan for many years now. Are Kult of Azazel a church of Satan band like Marilyn Manson once was? Do you feel you have recreated the church’s beliefs like Lex Talionis and personal godhood in your lyrics and music? Is the Church of Satan philosophy in your opinion compatible with the black metal ideology?
Xaphan: My affiliation with the Church of Satan is just that and has nothing to do with Kult ov Azazel. Never has. The answer to the question is we are not a Church of Satan band. I am also very disgusted with your comparison between Marilyn Manson and us! That comparison is so off base. Would you have used this
same comparison if interviewing Acheron in the past? On the subject of our lyrics and music, we are not doing this to for the Church of Satan or anyone else but ourselves. We’ve said that all along, since day one. We have always written music and lyrics that are inline with how we feel, what we think and how we see things. There is no hidden agenda behind it.

Nox: Years ago Norwegian bands took a stand against the Church of Satan and Anton LaVey declaring them both an enemy of Norwegian black metal both Euronymous and Varg Vikernes of Burzum were very outspoken against the church and keeping it out of the black metal scene while American bands frequently praise LaVey and support the church. Do you feel this is an example of the divide that exists between American and European black metal bands?
Xaphan: I see this interview should have been directed to the Church of Satan instead of me. Do people still care about what happened in Norway back in the early 90’s? For myself that’s all in the past and as much contributions those bands had to what is black metal today I don’t understand why so many continue to dwell on these things. As for the divide between bands from the two continents, I think this divide is more so between the people that consider themselves a part of “the scene” as opposed to the actual bands.

Nox: How do you feel about other forms of the occultism like Thelema, Wicca and Norse paganism? Do you believe they are compatible with a black metal ideology or are you opposed to them like many LaVeyans? I see all occultists pagans or otherwise as allies.
Xaphan: Allies in the denouncing of monotheistic dogma maybe I will agree with you there. Yet all in all most of these types are nothing other than hippies cloaked in mysticism, sheep in wolves clothing even.

Nox: What are your plans for the remainder of 2005? Very few American black metal bands ever tour. I must praise you for at least attempting it. Any full tour plans?
Xaphan: The East coast tour will be with Blood Storm, Teratism and Horn of Valere. After we are done with the tour, we will begin writing the next album.

Nox: How do you feel about minorities in black metal? Do you feel black metals elitist worldview is in a sense a European only ideology or that it can be shared with many races? Is it simply too hard for non-whites to understand true misanthropy and black metals call to the pagan soul?
Xaphan: Only over the past couple of years have bands started trying to mix political views and self-preservation into black metal. Personally, black metal is not about race, it’s a state of presence; it’s something that’s in the heart, the soul, the mind! Evil does not choose one by color. I do not know what the deal is and why so many buy into the whole white power message and music being sold under the guise of black metal.
Black metal is not meant to be someone’s political soap box. It is no different from a Christian trying to pass off their nonsense as black metal. This music only exists because of Satanism and anti-christianity. These two things along with occult themes have been intertwined with black metal since day one. This has always been and will always be about the pure glorification of all things evil not about saving the white race and breeding more white babies. There is nothing evil about that at all!

Nox: Christ the mad redeemer influences even the most anti-christians life since his followers run this world but
would you ever consider being active against the church in other ways other than music like the black metal mafia in Norway?
Xaphan: How do you know that I haven’t? Besides bragging about any criminal acts through any kind of “media” is something kids do and not very smart! Look where that bragging got most of them back then. I mean if people want to take it to a more physical level then by no means do I discourage it. Yet again I will say this; I find my existence outside a prison to be more efficient than if I was locked up for criminal actions. Being
outside of a jail means I'm more of a threat to religion than the guy that is locked up and caged like an animal. Other than pure rage filled hatred and misanthropy and the eternal war against yashuas minions what other message would you like your listeners to be bombarded by? That enlightenment is attained by shedding all religious dogma.

Nox: Who or what is Satan to you?
Xaphan: A metaphor for the dark driving force of the soul, the unseen third eye, the subconscious, the representation of adversity to all that is holy and sacred.

Nox: Do you reach out to other bands on the scene who share your views?
Xaphan: Of course. I am in contact with many bands from all over this filthy planet.

Nox: Other than LaVey what other books do you draw inspiration from?
Xaphan: A very wide range of books. Everything from fiction to non-fiction. In addition, it is not just books that from where I draw inspiration, I also get it from movies, music and art.

Nox: Many people feel that black metal is transforming too much becoming to industrial or relying too much on high-end production or just imitating traditional metal in its riffs in order to gain more mainstream success. Black metal is losing its soul in order to increase album sales. Do you agree?
Xaphan: I do not. Those that are scensters are really the only ones that scream this and that about the state of black metal. How come only in black metal is it seen as commercial and selling out if a band sells more albums or gains any kind of following? Shouldn’t this be viewed a good thing, isn’t that what we all want, to enlighten and empower others be it through music, art, media or whatever propaganda tool one decides to use? I will quote Euronymous for you. “All these “underground” rules look great at first sight; it’s a protest against the commercial music industry. This is good but on the other hand it kills the bands.” To paraphrase the rest, he goes on to say that there are only two options, stay underground and slowly take the life of the band or say fuck off to the “rules” and take it to the next level. His final comment about taking it to the next level is “This is of course a much better gain for the true scene.” And with that I agree.

Nox: A few years ago Cradle of Filth played Ozzfest and just last year Dimmu played the main stage. This year I have seen kids I know who mostly listen to rap, korn and limp bizkit wearing black metal t-shirts they bought at hot topic and Sam goody. I cannot imagine one of these mall wiggers understanding the true philosophy of elitism and black metal. Do you feel such crossover will kill the scene? I do.
Xaphan: One must start somewhere. By no means am I here defending anyone but tell me, when you first started listening to music was it black metal? I know I didn’t. I started out listening to stuff like Kiss in the late 70’s and overtime I was introduced to Venom and that’s where it started for me. If people were so protective of music back then like they are today then this band would likely not exist. It’s because I was searching out more evil and satanic music that I found it along with the help of those much older than I turning me onto to the bands of the time. Again, this goes back to what we were talking about just a second ago. It is only the scensters or newcomers who get their panties in a bunch over this subject. How is one supposed to spread propaganda and terror when it’s only circulated over and over to the same people?to use the expression what good is it if you continually preach to the already converted? Keeping shit “limited” for limited sake and status quo is the real problem here. Too many insecure fucks living their life based around how limited the releases they buy are and who feel they must at all times keep their favorite bands secret and safe from those that are not as “true” as themselves. It is ridiculous! People really need to stop protecting black metal as if it is some retarded child.
As I said earlier the scene is very much divided by pagan and satanic bands both very diverse and different ideologies.

Nox: Many consider Satanism simply an offshoot of christianity and in a large sense an invention of it while others view Satanism as a raw form of true paganism. Can there be unity amongst the pagan elite and there satanic brothers or will they always be a barrier between them? Have you ever faced hostility as a LaVeyan from such pagan bands?
Xaphan: I am not a LaVeyan so let us get that straight. In addition, no individual or band has ever fucked with me over my beliefs. I think you also answered your own question about unity when you point out that both have very different ideologies.

Nox: And finally I wonder why the Kult especially on there early releases like Triumph of Fire is so blast oriented? Have you ever considered slowing down your material instead of blasting maniacally on every song? You remind me a bit of Marduk in that sense at least in your constant use of blast beasts.
Xaphan: All I can say is pick up a copy of the new album and after a listen or two tell me if you still hold this opinion. I personally have never understood the Marduk comparison. Many bands use blast beats, not just Marduk and us.

Nox: Well Xaphan I do thank you for the interview. Be well satanic brother!
Xaphan: The appreciation is mutual. Our newest assault, “The World, The Flesh & The Devil” will be released in June through Arctic/Crash Music so be sure to seek out a copy for 9 tracks of pure heretical black metal!