Iselder – Welsh Nationalist Black Metal (2021)

July 8, 2021

Iselder’s controversial first EP is not the strongest black metal release of the year, but it is an interesting listen and I did enjoy my first run through the works of this project. Unfortunately, I was a few days late when it came to the tape release, and missed out on a copy, which I would love to have.

The artwork on this thing is something that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Up here, in the Welsh valleys, this symbol could be found everywhere, sprayed alongside cocks and balls or unsavoury swastikas during the heyday of the Free Wales Army (like the IRA but fake and shit). I’ve oft considered using this symbol myself on artwork, and claiming it back from what could be considered fascist or the militarised nationalists, using it instead as a powerful symbol of Welsh pride and heritage, rather than something a bit more sinister. Iselder has done exactly that, and despite receiving a bit of backlash for doing so, has defended his use of thy symbol well (specifically in the most recent issue of the Endless Disappointment zine by the FHED label).