This is the end of Kult Ov Azazel. The black metal unit from Fort Lauderdale has decided to put the band to rest. Their last album, 2009's Destroying The Sacred, will then be their swansong. Guitarist/vocalist Xaphan was the only remaining original member in the band at this point. Kult Ov Azazel cites a lack of passion and drive of some of the members as the cause.

The group released a lengthy statement explaining this decision: "On June 10th a decision was made to disband Kult Ov Azazel. This was a hard decision to make and still is bitter pill to swallow. After having to cancel all dates for the Archons ov Darkness tour it's become apparent that over the past couple of years the band has ended up with employees rather than mates. This was a big factor in the decision to end the band. It's become a financial burden to continue under the current circumstances. When camaraderie comes with a price attached it's also a sign to the end. This was not the way Kult Ov Azazel was intended to be. The band begun with two guys with a shared vision which in turn sought out other like minded individuals to create music with. It was not about money. It was not about fame. It was to write music that spoke directly to us. It was our conduit and was something we were passionate about. Some where down the line this ended. Passions changed with certain members, members came and went and what was left was one person trying to hold it all together, trying to keep things moving forward.

"That has increasingly become harder over the years. A band requires all members to have that drive otherwise stagnation begins to set in. And what is a band if only a few have that driving passion? It becomes an obstacle. That's where the cards have fallen here. It's unfortunate but at some point one has to stop dreaming and look at the cold hard reality of things. After facing reality it was evident that this decision had to be made. Thanks to all the members in current form and past that have marched within the ranks over the past seventeen years. Some of those bonds made will hold forever. Hails also to all those that have supported the band over these many years! With all that said, just remember that with death comes birth... Rest In Chaos, Kult ov Azazel, 1998-2015."

Source:	kultovazazel.com
Band profile:	Kult Ov Azazel