Moondrape: AZAGHAL's "The Nine Circles of Hell" is at hand. Do you regard the latest full-length debut one of the strongest releases? Is it worth the wait? By the way, thanks for being too quick for the correspondence Narqath.

Narqath: Hmm, sorry but I don't quite understand this question. If you mean that is our forth-coming 3rd full-lenght "Of Beasts and Vultures" stronger than our 2 first full-lenght albums ("Mustamaa" and "Nine Circles of Hell").. Well, I think it's among our best recordings so far & if you liked our past stuff you should also like this album. I don't think I am the right person to judge if it will be worth the wait or not.

Moondrape: Songs like 'Transilvania' deeply reminds us of the mighty pieces written by DARKTHRONE. Are you a big fan of this horde or somewhat attribute some philosophies from our songwriting?

Narqath: When we started we were highly inspired by the early 90s norse scene, but not so much nowadays. And I don't think "Transilvania" sounds like Darkthrone, but I still take it as a compliment.

Moondrape: 'Harmageddon' apparently appeared in The Nine Circles of Hell CD. Is this a remixed version? How work is distributed within each member when molding your true sound?

Narqath: "Harmagedon" (originally released on the limited 7" under the same title) is completely re-recorded for "Nine Circles of Hell".

Moondrape: Is the future of Finland getting better, musically, if we try to look around and see how tremendous change is happening say 3 years from now? Knowing that many bands are sprouting in your country, we are encouraging you to give us few advises.

Narqath: Here are quite a few good bands nowadays. Some that I could mentioned include: Coal (ex-Zygote), Vultyr, Wyrd, Hin Onde, Kingdom of Agony, Grand Beast Sodomy, Nocturnal Winds, Northcrown and Varjosielu. I really don't know what kind of changes the next 3 years will bring.

Moondrape: When AZAGHAL consolidated in '97 how many original members retained, replacements as well?

Narqath: Azaghal was started in 95 by Me and Drummer Kalma. Varjoherra joined in as a vocalist in 97 when we recorded our first demos. In 2001 JL Nokturnal joined Azaghal as a lead guitarist. Drummer Kalma (aka Vrtx, aka V Khaoz) left the band after the recordings of "of Beasts and Vultures". We have now found a new drummer. So at the moment there are 2 core members left.

Moondrape: About the old demos, are they still available "Reh.Demo & "Noituuden Torni"? If you can remember what studio did AZAGHAL frequently entered during those remarkable dates.

Narqath: "Reh.demo" and our 3rd demo "Kristinusko Liekeissä" can be ordered from me directly. "noituuden torni" is not available at all anylonger. "Reh.demo" was recorded with a 4-tracker. Noituuden Torni was recorded at the Cursed Studio (same place where all our albums have been recorded).

Moondrape: Man's extinction - perhaps you can relate your views and direction in order to conceive the band's absolute meaning.

Narqath: Our 4th album will be based almost entirely on this subject, introducing different visions and tales of the end of the world and man's exinction, so these answers will be answered then.

Moondrape: I mentioned the word direction, how long would the next outing be released or recorded? We're so lucky that everything is clear now but one thing for sure - can you ascertain whom will you sign next, now that the band will nearly end its contract with EVIL HORDE RECS, I've read a biography saying you will shoulder two (2) album deal?

Narqath: Our 3rd full-lenght (and second for Evil Horde, the debut "Mustamaa" was released by ISO666) "Of Beasts and Vultures" was already recorded in early 2001 but because of several delays it only being released just now. The release date for this album is set for early April, so you should get your dirty hands on it soon! We have also already composed our 4th album (which will be entitled "King Satan") and we hope to get it recorded during this spring already so that there won't be such a long gap between albums this time. Yes, we will record 2 more albums for Evil Horde.

Moondrape: We will always stay guarded by your music! The black spirit is alive - yet time has come to give your pity for the meek.

Narqath: Thanks for the interview. If anyone is interested in ordering the olde Azaghal demos or various other stuff you can contact me through my website: http://dragonthroneproductions.cjb.net

Classic AZAGHAL photo. Provoking hearts anger. Photo courtesy of Azaghal

Contact the band at:
Azaghal c/o T. Kalliola
Kaskentie 3 as.1, 05840 Hyvinkää
Finland.

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