Dutch composer and multi-instrumentalist Faber Horbach, under the project Sowulo, has released Āsteorfan (“To Die”), the first single from the upcoming album NIHT, via Season of Mist. The track, steeped in mourning and transformation, was written during a period of profound grief following the loss of both his father and stepfather, exploring death as a portal to clarity and spiritual awakening rather than an end.
Musically, Āsteorfan features ancient instruments like nyckelharpa and carnyx, blended with deep percussion and throat singing, creating a ritualistic and sacred sonic landscape. The minimal yet immersive arrangement invites a meditative descent into silence, reinforced by Anglo-Saxon verses urging listeners to “die before you die, and know death is not the end,” fostering a release of ego for deeper wisdom. The song marks a threshold moment in NIHT, a concept album delving into the subconscious, decay cycles, and the Moon’s spiritual teachings.
The accompanying music video, directed and filmed by Jasper van Gheluwe with color grading by Micky Huijsmans, is available on Sowulo’s YouTube channel. NIHT is scheduled for release on August 29, 2025, through Season of Mist, with pre-saves and pre-orders accessible at orcd.co/sowuloniht.