CoC : Kult ov Azazel - Oculus Infernum : Review

Kult ov Azazel - _Oculus Infernum_
(Arctic Music, 2003)
by: Adrian Magers (6.5 out of 10)

In a word: fierce. The calculated chaos that is Kult Ov Azazel has ushered forth its second full length (their other album _Triumph of Fire_, and initial offering _Order of the Fly_ have both sold out in CD format) and it's a monster. Poised at the forefront of raw American black metal, this four-piece subscribes to a no-frills ideology. No keyboard, no melodic breakdowns, no clean vocals, and strategically roughened production. Luckily, Kult Ov Azazel are a good enough band to not pigeon hole themselves. They write some damn catchy riffs (though only conventional to ears conditioned to harshness), and coupled with the excellent drumming of Goss "The Hammer", _Oculus Infernum_ becomes a lesson in brutality. However, the ongoing unrelenting hatred may become tiresome after a few tracks to some listeners, and the vocals could use a little more variety. Despite a few drawbacks, I found this album to be enjoyable in small to medium doses, despite the fact that I generally prefer this style of metal sprinkled with gothic moments and guitar harmonies. So kudos to KOA for representing America to the rest of the black metal world.

On a side note: _Oculus Infernum_ hasn't been released in the States as of this review, but one can order the CD directly from the band from their website.

Contact: http://www.kultovazazel.com

(article published 3/6/2003)

ALBUMS
12/8/2001	V Eldefors	7	Kult Ov Azazel - Triumph of Fire