As to the record, I must say that I am quite impressed by "The World, The Flesh, & The Devil", KoA's 3rd full length album. Once the music commences, the riffing and drumming immediately abuse the listener to the point of submission. A quick survey of the song titles indicates a record with a decidedly blasphemous slant, which is no surprise since this is Black Metal. And while the lyrical content is nothing really new, the music is great, if not completely original itself.

Regardless, damn near everything on this record is executed well, from the maniacal blast beats and great drum fills, to the suitably rumbling bass, to the mid-range Black Metal rasps, to the twin axe assault. The riffs clearly rule and keyboards are noticeably (thankfully?) absent. That is to say keyboards are rendered unnecessary as the fury with which the music is played would surely bring them to obsolescence. Erik Rutan mastered this bloody epic and the clarity is exceptional. This is particularly evident as individual cymbals can be easily discerned.

When one thinks of Florida, particularly in terms of extreme music, Death Metal is the order of the day. Perhaps Kult ov Azazel are here to change that perception with their brand of Black Metal. To compare KoA with other bands might be unfair, but a considerable debt is likely owed to the sorely missed Immortal and a favorable comparison can certainly be made to their American compatriots in Goatwhore (especially on "Trampling the Cross"). The more I listen, the more I like. Simply put, this is Black Metal done right.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 36.00