LONG READ INTRO: Yesterday was St David’s Day, and to mark the annual celebration of the patron saint of Wales, Marwolaeth Records officially released the second Iselder ep, Welsh Nationalist Black Metal.

This album has understandably caused a fair bit of controversy and discussion in the group over the last month or so, with its artwork and title that raise every red flag in the book. While this album is a statement of solidarity and pride in its regional history, culture, and traditions, it is not exclusionary or – let’s cut to the chase – fascistic, as one sorry recipient of the early-release tape discovered, to his knuckle-dragging chagrin, on reading the inlay statement declaring Welsh identity to be inclusive of all colours, races and creeds - Welsh Nationalism, NOT White Nationalism, as the slogan goes. So, sorry racists, but this isn’t the album you want it to be.

Yes, the White Eagle of Snowdonia rune (Eryr Wen) adorning the cover art has been co-opted by the farthest-right end of the independence movement (and broader British fascist groups), originally designed in the 60s for the militant Free Wales Army, intended as an emblem of the free spirit of the country; and yes, the title certainly includes the word Nationalist, with its loaded implications of racism and isolationism, so it attracts, supports, and proliferates the messages of the sketchy elements of black metal which could well do without the additional oxygen, but fans and scholars of black metal well understand the precarious nature of the pagan and ancestral themes of the genre, and will not yield the well-intentioned to the weak-minded.

This album is testament to the Welsh people and one in the eye to the English oppressors, who have sought to eradicate its language and traditions. Welsh Not references the practice of corporeal punishment issued to school children that spoke Welsh, the opening track is a tale of intimidation tactics; and the closing track is a cover of the protest folk songs of the former president of Plaid Cymru…..and FINALLY…..somewhat most importantly…….the music rips!

CDs are out in limited quantities now. Digital available at NYP:
[ Ссылка ]

Band: Iselder
Album: Welsh Nationalist Black Metal
Year: 2021
Label: Marwolaeth Records
Country: Wales/UK
Genre: Raw Black Metal

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Album: [ Ссылка ]

Tracklist:
1. Fire Near the Old Farmhouse 00:00
2. Cachau Bant 02:52
3. The Cauldron of Rebirth 06:10
4. Welsh Not 09:39
5. Sosban Fach 12:50
6. Yma O Hyd (Dafydd Iwan cover) 14:43

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- Iselder -
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Uploaded on behalf of Marwolaeth and Iselder, with thanks.

Order ‘Imperial’ and ‘Classic’ logos, by Ivan Gossage

‘Medieval Raw’ thumbnail logo by Kavindra Kryptorgeist Caselli @ Thaumaturge Artworks
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