Iselder ( meaning "depression" or "lowness") is a black metal solo project by Gofid ( meaning "sorrow").
Iselder was formed in 2014 and self-describes as "Welsh nationalist black metal". Gofid cites bands such as Satanic Warmaster, Tsjuder, Leviathan, Nargaroth and Xasthur as influences on the musical style of Iselder. The songs of Iselder cover aspects of Welsh history and folk culture.
Use of the Welsh language Many of Iselder's song titles are in Welsh or contain some Welsh lyrics however Gofid is not a fluent Welsh speaker and many of the lyrics are in English. When younger, Gofid did not learn Welsh, believing the language to be close to dying and not viewing it important that the Welsh language thrived. However their view has now changed and they actively incorporate the Welsh language into their music where they can.
Controversies The release of the album "Welsh Nationalist Black Metal" in 2021 attracted controversy over its use of imagery. The decision to release 33 cassettes, the choice of white as a colour for the cassette and the use of the Eryr Wen were interpreted by some as sympathy with Nazi ideology. This was despite the j-card of this release including a quote saying “Being Welsh means belonging, feeling that we belong, whatever our language, colour or religion.”
The release of Iselder's second album, "Metal Du Gwir Cymreig", was initially planned for later that same year but was delayed when Gofid was arrested under suspicion of inciting arson and criminal damage. The investigation took five months during which time Gofid's phone, PC and all Iselder merchandise were seized, delaying release of the album.
The charges related to a parody t-shirt he created saying "Burn your local holiday home" which both referenced the arson attacks by Meibion Glyndŵr and "Burn your local church" t-shirts. The lyrics to Iselder's song "Llosgi Bwriadol" ( meaning "arson"), which discusses the holiday home burnings in the 1980s and 1990s, also came under police scrutiny before all charges were dropped.
Discography +Release dateTitleFormatLabel6 April 2017OerDemoSelf-released15 December 2017DechrauAlbumSelf-produced25 April 2018GwaglewchEPSelf-released10 July 2018Yma o Hyd (cover)SingleSelf-released17 November 2018AnnûnSplit album with Merciless SavageMarwolaeth Records1 March 2021Welsh Nationalist Black MetalEPMarwolaeth Records1 July 2021Fe Godwn Ni EtoEPMarwolaeth Records15 April 2022Metel Du Gwir CymreigAlbumMarwolaeth Records15 July 2022ShatteredEPMarwolaeth Records17 February 2023CynefinAlbumUkem Records15 September 2024GogoniantAlbumMarwolaeth Records5 June 2026The 36th DivisionAlbumMarwolaeth Records
References
External links
Review of "Fe Godwn Ni Eto"