Let's start from your history as well as musical and lyrical concept
behind ANARAZEL...

- ANARAZEL was formed early in 1996, although back then we were only playing covers.  We did some death metal material which really sucked, so we scrapped it and started again with a clean slate. By that stage we had all matured and had time to develop as a band. The musical concept is quite simple.  We want it to be aggressive, fast, dark and at the same time, just a little melodic.  The lyrics aren't quite so simple.  The subject matter is varied but is usually conveyed in the form of a story.  I would rather not scribble a bunch of thoughts onto a piece of paper and call it a song.  ANARAZEL discusses hate, war, evil and all of the usual black metal topics but the way it comes together is what separates us, makes us unique.

I still can't figure out whether "Rise Of The Tempest" is a demo CD or some kind of an 'official' effort, perhaps you tell me??? Any plans to unleash a full-length in time to come?

- Certainly we wish to release a full-length CD, that will be our next studio project. "Rise Of The Tempest" is a demo, we are not a signed band and the cd was 100% ANARAZEL.  We did it all ourselves and while we could have released it as an EP, it was always essentially a demo.

Somehow I believe that DARKTHRONE appears as your main source of
inspiration... am I correct? Also, it seems like you managed to escape that 'CRADLE OF FILTH-syndrome' (female voices, synths and stuff), eh?

- You are right in saying that DARKTHRONE is a great inspiration for us.  They are a major influence for me personally, and perhaps for the other guys to a lesser degree.  Anarazel will never suffer from COF syndrome.  I have nothing against synth or female vocals if they are used in the right way.  Unfortunately, nine times out of ten, bands fuck it up.  We have no plans to travel down that path.

Roman's drumming appears as something truly outstanding! I wonder if
he played anywhere else before and, furthermore, where did he learn to play drums so skillfully?

- Roman is fully self taught.  Give him a kit and let hate do the rest.  He has been known to boast: 'I am immortal... my drumsticks were forged in hell!!!'

Can you tell me how long does it take to complete one song for
ANARAZEL?

- It usually takes a few weeks to get it right.  Stuart will write some riffs and play them at rehearsal.  Roman puts some drums to it and the song comes together.  In the meantime, I absorb the music, let it take over for a moment.  More often than not, it inspires a vision or a feeling that I will then put into words.  Sometimes it can take months for a song to really take its form.  We have postponed some great material in the past because the finished product didn't live up to our expectations.

Where did you take that name, 'Anarazel'? Your cover says that it is
'one of the demons charged with the guardianship of subterranean
treasure, which he carries from one place to another, to hide them from men' etc, however I can't recall any familiar mythological cycle which could mention this name...

- The name 'Anarazel' was simply taken from an old occult dictionary I have.  We liked the description it gave at the time and the name just stuck.  I have conducted some research of my own to learn more of the demon's origins however my efforts have so far been unsuccessful.

Haven't you got a deal with any record company yet? Is there any
label whose offer you would decline?

- We haven't signed a deal with anyone yet and it is not through lack of interest.  Of course we will only sign to a label which supports our direction and which only promotes bands we respect.

Does anyone in the band have a side project? If so, what is it and
will there be anything released?

- No one has a side project for now, although we were considering a band side project for a while.  We were discussing the idea of recording some experimental material under a different name.  The idea is currently on hold as ANARAZEL is our priority.

Name the best and the worst band you have ever heard and tell us what
is the ultimate release of 1999? What are your thoughts upon this
current speed / thrash metal boom? Don't you think that all these
neophyte bands should leave the old 'kings' alone thus stop mocking
their heritage?

- You know, it is very hard to single out a best and worst band because there are so many sub-genres in metal and some bands just can't be compared to others.  Early SLAYER and MORBID ANGEL are at the top of my alltime favourite list, as well as DARKTHRONE and perhaps IMMORTAL.  Predictably, the worst band I have heard is Marylin Manson. I can't really comment on current trends in the metal scene, basically because I tend to be still worshipping the old stuff!  Ultimate release of 1999?  The only release I have heard which comes close to achieving that title is the new IMMORTAL.

Don't you think that death metal is making a comeback while BM is on
it's way out? This is nothing but a pure nonsense in my opinion, however it seems like lots of people adhere to this point of view...

- There will always be death metal fans who stay true to death metal and likewise with black metal.  The people who can't make up their minds and follow whatever is 'cool' at the time, are probably still searching for their ideal musical experience.  I like both actually, but I believe black metal has a greater lasting appeal.

Have you ever seen the Norwegian black metal's TV document called
"Det Svarte Alvor"? If the answer is "yes", may we have your opinion on it?

- No, I don't believe I have seen it.

Australia has been always known as the country which gave birth to
plenty of the N/S black metal bands, such as DESTROYER 666 or VORAK, for example. Hence I'd like to get enlightened regarding the political views shared by the members of ANARAZEL... What about totalirARYAN dictatorship? It strikes as a lot of your countrymates consider it to be a good thing...

- ANARAZEL is not a political band.  That is not to say we don't have strong political views, but each member of ANARAZEL has his own individual beliefs which makes it very difficult to make a band statement.

Are you acquainted with that "war metal theory" a lot of Australian
bands' works are based on? Any comments on it?

- Yes, it is a very popular theme amongst the Australian bands and although we don't use war as our main source of inspiration, we still discuss it to some degree.  The lust for war runs through our veins just as it does in every human, why deny it?  Whether we take it out onto the football field or the battlefield, there will always be an opposition to conquer.

Unfortunately, I'm familiar only with few metal bands coming from
Down Under (such as ENFORCE or SAMAIN, for example), therefore I hope
you wouldn't mind telling us few words concerning Australia's black
metal scene as well as marking out most worthy acts...

- Here in Melbourne, the focus is on live performances rather than producing a CD it seems. DESTROYER 666 and ANATOMY both have new CDs on the way.  Some other notable acts from around Australia are NAZXUL, LORD KAOS and KILLENGOD.  There aren't many Australian bands who are strictly 'black metal'.

Is there any question left you'd like to be asked?

- No.

ANARAZEL contact -
Email: hellraiser@labyrinth.net.au