1. Iselder
started around 2014. Why did you decide to create this project? Did
you know from the beginning that it would be a one-man band? Why did
you choose the name Iselder, and what does it refer to?
Iselder was born
out of a desire to create something musically, and there were many
sounds explored before settling on what you hear on the early
releases. The reason this project started out as a one-man band was
purely because I couldn’t find other like-minded musicians to
create music with. Iselder is the Welsh word for depression, as when
this project originally started it was going to be a DSBM effort
before it changed direction.
2. After about
twelve years active and about to release your fifth studio album, how
would you describe Iselder's trajectory over these years? What
important moments in Iselder's history deserve to be remembered?
Over the years
Iselder’s music has changed in many ways, even adopting a more punk
sound at one point. However, the music has now geared towards a more
aggressive and unforgiving tone when compared to previous releases,
something I could have never achieved without the help of Neidr. The
most important moment of the band’s history for me was when we
played our first live show. I still remember how striking it was to
me that so many people showed up to support us. From talking to fans
to just seeing people wearing our merch, it opened my eyes to just
how much impact my music had had until that point.
3. In the credits
for the new album, Neidr is listed as playing all the instruments. At
what point did Neidr transition from playing live to having a more
prominent role in Iselder? What was the songwriting and recording
process like for the new album? How do you think the sound has
evolved compared to "Gogoniant"? What brands of instruments
did you use in the process?
Me and Neidr
began writing music together in 2023 (some of which appears on the
new album), but I admit I was not the easiest person to work with at
this time due to never writing music with someone else before. After
writing Gogoniant on my own (apart from Neidr helping create the song
Saeson), it became clear to me that what I wanted to achieve with
Iselder was not possible on my own. You see, Neidr is without a doubt
a better musician than me, and together we have written what I think
is the strongest Iselder release to date. For instruments, we used my
Epiphone Les Paul Studio, as well as my old Dean Metalman V bass.

4. The new album,
“The 38th Division,” will be released soon. It's an album focused
on the devastation and death surrounding armed conflicts, presented
with a degree of violence and aggression, but also skillfully
incorporating sections where atmosphere and ambiance play a crucial
role. How would you describe the sound of the new album? What bands
and styles influenced its composition?
This album is our
most aggressive yet, and while there are more melodic and slower
parts it doesn’t pull any punches. The bands that influenced us
this time around are notable acts such as Marduk and 1349, who are
masters at blending combative riffs with chilling atmosphere.
5. Regarding the
lyrics of the new album, what themes do the lyrics of “The 38th
Division” explore? What inspired you to write them? Do the lyrics
adapt to the music, or vice versa?
The 38th
Division is inspired by a British Army unit known for its role during
the battle of the Somme, which led to most of the songs on this album
being about the experiences of the first world war. Usually with
Iselder, the lyrics are often the last piece of the puzzle, though
ideas do float around during the creation of the instrumentals.
6. There isn't
much information available about the recording, mixing, and mastering
process of the new album. With Neidr now involved, has this
significantly altered your approach to Iselder's music? How did you
handle this aspect?
It’s certainly
reduced the stress of having to do everything myself but has brought
with it new challenges, most notably letting someone else have a say
in how the next effort sounds. However, it has made things a lot
easier, and I already can’t wait to see what we create next. Neidr
has brought forward ideas I would never think of, and I can only
thank him for that.
7. You're keeping
the album release with the Welsh label Marwolaeth Records, as you did
with the previous album. Is this a way of safeguarding the band's
Welsh identity? Why did you decide to release it with them again?
This is mostly
due to Marwolaeth Records being a label I manage. I prefer to have a
hands-on approach when releasing Iselder’s music, as this way there
can be no excuses when things go wrong. It brings with it some
challenges but is overall a fun experience.
8. Who designed
the cover art for the new album? What does it represent, and how does
it relate to the album's content?
The album art is
a painting done by Christopher Williams called The
Welsh at Mametz Wood and shows the 38th
Division triumphing over the enemy.
9. In the past,
you were involved in a couple of controversies related to the message
on some t-shirts, as well as an issue connected to Nazism following
the release of some cassettes. Is this something that's been
forgotten, or does it still come up from time to time? What's your
opinion on this tendency to seek controversy between music and
political elements and violence? Perhaps your strong Welsh identity
has worked against you in this regard?
Most of this has
been forgotten, but I still get asked about it now and again when
talking about my band and such. Obviously, we still sell the t-shirts
in question that led to my arrest back in 2021, and yes, I still get
the occasional idiot trying to brand my band as something we’re not
but that’s the risk you take when creating art of this nature. I
don’t think my identity has worked against me. There are people who
seek to distance themselves from what I do for whatever reason and
that’s just something I have to deal with, though I usually pay
these individuals no mind.
10. On the other
hand, you've always sought to bring Iselder's music to the stage, and
to that end, you've surrounded yourself with a series of live
musicians. How important is it for you to be able to present
Iselder's music live? How did you contact and select these musicians
to accompany you on stage?
It was a goal of
mine to bring Iselder to the stage for several years, and although we
have only played a few shows, I already can’t wait to do it again.
I came into contact with Neidr a few years ago now after his interest
to play guitar for Iselder. With our bassist, Shuck, we were
discussing my music when he offered to take up the role. We recently
have enlisted a new drummer to the band, who will be revealed in due
time.
11. What is your
opinion of the extreme metal scene in a country like Wales? What
similar bands would you recommend?
The extreme metal
scene in Wales is growing stronger every year. Some bands I’d like
to point out are Verletzen, Deheubarth, Hiraeth, and Defod.
12. How did you
get started in music: the first concerts you attended, the first
albums you bought? What event in your lives pushed you to want to
become musicians?
The first metal
concert I attended was Judas Priest with Megadeth and Testament back
in 2009, and I immediately knew I wanted to one day bring a band to a
live setting. I can’t remember a lot of the first few albums I
bought, but a notable discovery was when I was recommended to
purchase the unholy trinity by Darkthrone and although it was a bit
jarring to me, it grew my curiosity for this genre I had never heard
before.
13. Which album
represents the essence of black metal for you? What are the most
recent albums you've bought?
I think the album
that best represents the essence of black metal to me is Incipit
Satan by Gorgoroth as it’s the album that cemented my love for the
genre. From production to performance, it’s such a phenomenal album
that these days doesn’t get the love it deserves.
14. Thank you
very much for taking the time to answer these questions for Black
Metal Spirit. If you'd like to add anything for Iselder fans, this is
the place. I hope you enjoy the questions.
I hope you all
enjoy the new album when it releases, and we have more news coming
soon.
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