For the past 15 years, Faber Horbach has traced our connection with the sun through the music of Sowulo, but his new album  journeys into darkness. Written while grieving the loss of both his father and stepfather, NIHT descends into the death of one’s ego, only to reach renewal. 

“Each note responds to the previous one, and all seem driven by the same desire”, writes Act Infernalis, “to guide our minds along this sometimes theatrical path that allows us to contemplate the dreamlike swirls that populate the compositions, as well as the intoxicating vocals”

NIHT was released, Friday, August 29 on Season of Mist, and you can hear all 13 haunting songs by listening to the full album stream on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.

Order the album: https://orcd.co/sowuloniht

With NIHT, Sowulo steps away from the light. But the rising Nordic folk star doesn’t embraces darkness as a form of destruction so much as a path toward transformation. Lead single “Āsteorfan” (To Die) joins ancient instruments with modern production in offering a moment of surrender that echoes far beyond the self. “Sōl ond Māni” (Sun and Moon) uses a broken instrument to give death a voice, while vocalist Micky Huijsmans honors the sacred rhythm of the menstrual cycle on  “Mōnaþblōd” (Moonblood). 

Deep with mystifying atmosphere and backed by ritualistic force, NIHT emerges as a spiritual act of surrender and remembrance. 

Tracklist:
1. Niwe Mōna (1:03)
2. Seolfren Sicol (3:43)
3. Āsteorfan (4:00) [WATCH]
4. Sōl ond Māni (5:24) [WATCH]
5. Full Mōna (4:18)
6. Miċele Steorran (4:33)
7. Mōnaþblōd (4:12)
8. Nihtēagan (4:04)
9. Carnyx (3:46)
10. Eald Mōna (5:22)
11. Swefnian (4:14)
12. Heolstor Sċeadu (4:04)
13. Genihtian (1:35)
Full runtime: 50:18

Sowulo is the evocative musical work of Faber Horbach, blending the spiritual philosophy of ancient Northern Europe with the continuous cycles of the universe.

Through the use of a wide array of historical instruments, melancholic melodies, and philosophical lyrics in Anglo-Saxon, Sowulo crafts an immersive sonic landscape that invites listeners to embark on an inner journey.

Weaving together the sounds of instruments like the Carnyx, Nyckelharpa, Celtic Harp, Shaman drums, Blow horns, Irish Bouzouki, Taglharpa, Lyre, Viola and various traditional vocal techniques, Sowulo shapes its distinctive sound.

The name “Sowulo,” meaning “Sun” in Proto-Germanic, reflects the essence of the music. As we circle the sun, we feel the cyclical nature of life: day and night, the four seasons, birth and death, and the eternal dance between decay and renewal.
᛫ ᛇ ᚩ ᚹ ᚢ ᛚ ᚩ ᛫

Line-up:
Faber Horbach | Vocals, Throat singing, Nyckelharpa, Carnyx, Irish bouzouki, Percussion, Synths & VST
Micky Huijsmans | Vocals
Chloe Bakker | Celtic triplett harp
Maria Angeles Chaparro Fuentes | Viola
Rikke Linssen | Violin
Heleen de Jonge | Cello
Tessa van Genderen | Carnyx, Bukkehorn, Blowhorns
Bart van den Brink | Taglharpa
Tim Elfring | Small percussion

Production Credits:
Recorded at Lil’ Heaven Studios, Arnhem, The Netherlands
Produced by Faber Horbach
Recorded by Faber Horbach & Alain Kalender
Mixed by Fieke van den Hurk & Marie de Koning at DearWorld Studio and Studio MDK
Mastered by Erwin Maas at eMastering

Cover Art:
Album & artwork concept | Faber Horbach
Line artwork and graphic design development | Micky Huijsmans
Graphic design | Travis Smith

Photography:
Sannamari Sallmén
Aldwin Lehr

Follow Sowulo:
Official website: https://www.sowulo.nl/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowulo.music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sowulo
Bandcamp: https://sowulo.bandcamp.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sowuloofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4BkdqpIEhl0tKZ5xpAo5pR
Songkick: https://www.songkick.com/artists/9118989-sowulo/calendar
DoomStar roster: https://doomstarbookings.com/artists/sowulo/

For the past 15 years, Faber Horbach has traced our connection with the sun through the music of Sowulo, but his upcoming concept album  journeys into darkness. Written while grieving the loss of both his father and stepfather, the new single from NIHT is a mythopoetic lament. Looking to Norse cosmology,  “Sōl ond Māni” explores the loss of both light and life by using a broken instrument to give death a voice.

The music video for “Sōl ond Māni” was filmed and directed by Vincent de Fallois. Color grading was done by Micky Huijsmans

NIHT comes out August 29 on Season of Mist.

• Pre-order: https://orcd.co/sowuloniht
• Pre-save on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/6MwgfM76MaUNqyFL8ImNAo

Tracklist:
1. Niwe Mōna (1:03)
2. Seolfren Sicol (3:43)
3. Āsteorfan (4:00) [WATCH]
4. Sōl ond Māni (5:24) [WATCH]
5. Full Mōna (4:18)
6. Miċele Steorran (4:33)
7. Mōnaþblōd (4:12)
8. Nihtēagan (4:04)
9. Carnyx (3:46)
10. Eald Mōna (5:22)
11. Swefnian (4:14)
12. Heolstor Sċeadu (4:04)
13. Genihtian (1:35)
Full runtime: 50:18

Sowulo will make their grand return to Castlefest this Friday, August 1.

“Sōl ond Māni” takes inspiration from Scandinavian mythology. Carried along over a slow pounding of drums by carnyx, tagelharpa and other ancestral instruments, grieving vocals tell the story of the Sun and the Moon being chased by two mythological wolves until the time of Ragnarök. Moving from whispered incantation to feral howl, the song descends into a place where myth, memory and mourning coalesce.

“The wolves will catch the sun and moon when that fated time comes and their light will spill like blood until there will be no light left”, Horbach says. “This will leave the world in fimbulwinter, when only darkness and conflict remains”.

Last year, Horbach lost both his father and stepfather. Their absence echoes throughout “Sōl ond Māni” through the sawing strings of a broken Nyckelharpa. This fiddle-like instrument accidentally fell onto the ground following one of Sowulo’s live performances. “Writing this song became a way to give the death of this instrument a voice”, Horbach continues. “To let it sing through its brokenness and turn that into something meaningful”.      

Sowulo is the evocative musical work of Faber Horbach, blending the spiritual philosophy of ancient Northern Europe with the continuous cycles of the universe.

Through the use of a wide array of historical instruments, melancholic melodies, and philosophical lyrics in Anglo-Saxon, Sowulo crafts an immersive sonic landscape that invites listeners to embark on an inner journey.

Weaving together the sounds of instruments like the Carnyx, Nyckelharpa, Celtic Harp, Shaman drums, Blow horns, Irish Bouzouki, Taglharpa, Lyre, Viola and various traditional vocal techniques, Sowulo shapes its distinctive sound.

The name “Sowulo,” meaning “Sun” in Proto-Germanic, reflects the essence of the music. As we circle the sun, we feel the cyclical nature of life: day and night, the four seasons, birth and death, and the eternal dance between decay and renewal.
᛫ ᛇ ᚩ ᚹ ᚢ ᛚ ᚩ ᛫

Line-up:
Faber Horbach | Vocals, Throat singing, Nyckelharpa, Carnyx, Irish bouzouki, Percussion, Synths & VST
Micky Huijsmans | Vocals
Chloe Bakker | Celtic triplett harp
Maria Angeles Chaparro Fuentes | Viola
Rikke Linssen | Violin
Heleen de Jonge | Cello
Tessa van Genderen | Carnyx, Bukkehorn, Blowhorns
Bart van den Brink | Taglharpa
Tim Elfring | Small percussion

Production Credits:
Recorded at Lil’ Heaven Studios, Arnhem, The Netherlands
Produced by Faber Horbach
Recorded by Faber Horbach & Alain Kalender
Mixed by Fieke van den Hurk & Marie de Koning at DearWorld Studio and Studio MDK
Mastered by Erwin Maas at eMastering

Cover Art:
Album & artwork concept | Faber Horbach
Line artwork and graphic design development | Micky Huijsmans
Graphic design | Travis Smith

Photography:
Sannamari Sallmén
Aldwin Lehr

Follow Sowulo:
Official website: https://www.sowulo.nl/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowulo.music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sowulo
Bandcamp: https://sowulo.bandcamp.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sowuloofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4BkdqpIEhl0tKZ5xpAo5pR
Songkick: https://www.songkick.com/artists/9118989-sowulo/calendar
DoomStar roster: https://doomstarbookings.com/artists/sowulo/

For the past 15 years, Faber Horbach has traced our connection with the sun through the music of Sowulo, but his upcoming concept album, NIHT,  journeys into darkness. Written while grieving the loss of both his father and stepfather, lead single “Āsteorfan” (“To Die”) is a meditation that, while filled with sorrow, finds that death is not a final resting place, but a portal into spiritual awakening.  

“Āsteorfan” marks a threshold in NIHT‘s conceptual journey through the subconscious, cycles of decay and spiritual teachings of the Moon. The song is grounded in ancient instrumentation and ritualistic textures. Nyckelharpa and carnyx merge with deep percussion and throat singing, creating a sonic terrain that feels both ancestral and sacred. The minimal yet immersive arrangement evokes the inner descent into silence and stillness, offering a moment of surrender that echoes far beyond the self.  

The music video for “Āsteorfan” was filmed and directed by Jasper van Gheluwe. Color grading was done by Micky Huijsmans.

NIHT comes out August 29 on Season of Mist.

• Pre-order: https://orcd.co/sowuloniht
• Pre-save on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/6MwgfM76MaUNqyFL8ImNAo

Tracklist:
1. Niwe Mōna (1:03)
2. Seolfren Sicol (3:43)
3. Āsteorfan (4:00)
4. Sōl ond Māni (5:24)
5. Full Mōna (4:18)
6. Miċele Steorran (4:33)
7. Mōnaþblōd (4:12)
8. Nihtēagan (4:04)
9. Carnyx (3:46)
10. Eald Mōna (5:22)
11. Swefnian (4:14)
12. Heolstor Sċeadu (4:04)
13. Genihtian (1:35)
Full runtime: 50:18

Sowulo is the evocative musical work of Faber Horbach, blending the spiritual philosophy of ancient Northern Europe with the continuous cycles of the universe.

Through the use of a wide array of historical instruments, melancholic melodies, and philosophical lyrics in Anglo-Saxon, Sowulo crafts an immersive sonic landscape that invites listeners to embark on an inner journey.

Weaving together the sounds of instruments like the Carnyx, Nyckelharpa, Celtic Harp, Shaman drums, Blow horns, Irish Bouzouki, Taglharpa, Lyre, Viola and various traditional vocal techniques, Sowulo shapes its distinctive sound.

The name “Sowulo,” meaning “Sun” in Proto-Germanic, reflects the essence of the music. As we circle the sun, we feel the cyclical nature of life: day and night, the four seasons, birth and death, and the eternal dance between decay and renewal.

᛫ ᛇ ᚩ ᚹ ᚢ ᛚ ᚩ ᛫

Line-up:
Faber Horbach | Vocals, Throat singing, Nyckelharpa, Carnyx, Irish bouzouki, Percussion, Synths & VST
Micky Huijsmans | Vocals
Chloe Bakker | Celtic triplett harp
Maria Angeles Chaparro Fuentes | Viola
Rikke Linssen | Violin
Heleen de Jonge | Cello
Tessa van Genderen | Carnyx, Bukkehorn, Blowhorns
Bart van den Brink | Taglharpa
Tim Elfring | Small percussion

Production Credits:
Recorded at Lil’ Heaven Studios, Arnhem, The Netherlands
Produced by Faber Horbach
Recorded by Faver Horbach & Alain Kalender
Mixed by Fieke van den Hurk & Marie de Koning at DearWorld Studio and Studio MDK
Mastered by Erwin Maas at eMastering

Cover Art:
Album & artwork concept | Faber Horbach
Line artwork and graphic design development | Micky Huijsmans
Graphic design | Travis Smith

Photography:
Sannamari Sallmén
Aldwin Lehr

Follow Sowulo:
Official website: https://www.sowulo.nl/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowulo.music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sowulo
Bandcamp: https://sowulo.bandcamp.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sowuloofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4BkdqpIEhl0tKZ5xpAo5pR
Songkick: https://www.songkick.com/artists/9118989-sowulo/calendar
DoomStar roster: https://doomstarbookings.com/artists/sowulo/

The re-imagined singles Yule (Revisited) & Ginnungagap (Revisited) highlight the mythic and cyclical themes at the core of Sowulo’s body of work. Both tracks offer a renewed interpretation of the project’s foundational sound.

Rooted in Norse mythology and Anglo-Saxon mysticism, Sowulo is led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Faber Horbach, whose compositions function as both ritual and meditation. These new versions reflect the evolution of Sowulo’s musical direction, shaped by the current live lineup and an ongoing exploration of cyclical spirituality.

Yule (Revisited)
Originally written in 2012, Yule was the first composition created for Sowulo. It captures the spirit of Midwinter—where darkness will give way to light, and endings carry the seeds of new beginnings. The track serves as a ritualistic moment of stillness and reflection within the live set.

“This was the very first song I ever wrote for Sowulo, composed sometime in 2012 on the piano for the ‘Alvenrad’ album.” Faber explains.

“The song was born from my own yearning to create music for celebrating the turning of the seasons, to accompany the pagan feasts that honour the eternal cycle of nature.”

Ginnungagap (Revisited)
Inspired by Norse cosmology, Ginnungagap evokes the primordial void from which existence emerged. First composed for the sophomore ‘SOL’ album in 2016, the revisited version enhances the original’s focus on balance—between chaos and form, emptiness and life. It remains a central expression of Sowulo’s mythic and spiritual foundation.

“Originally composed around 2014 on piano, I then reworked the parts to suit the Celtic harp and Irish bouzouki.” Faber mentions.

“From there, we added viola, Irish whistle, vocals, and percussion. The song expresses the concept of the universe’s origin, as told in ancient Scandinavian mythology.”

Featuring historical instruments, ancient languages, and a thematic focus on nature’s cycles, SOWULO’s work continues to explore immersive soundscapes grounded in ancestral tradition. These revisited tracks function not merely as reinterpretations, but as sonic rebirths of the project as it is ushered into a new era. As new material from SOWULO begins to take shape, these two revisited compositions offer a timely reflection on the project’s origins—and a glimpse of what lies ahead.

The revisited versions of “Yule” and “Ginnungagap” will be performed live for the first time during SOWULO’s upcoming tour across Europe:
April 30: Nijmegen, NL @ Doornroosje
May 1: Stuttgart, DE @ Im Wizemann
May 2: Rillieux-la-Pape, FR @ Ô Totem Live
May 3: Bruguières, FR @ Festival Echos et Merveilles*
May 4: Paris, FR @ Petit Bain

*Without Elektro Shaman

Ticket can be purchased here: https://tourbox.songkick.com/artists/9118989/calendar

Music Artist:
Faber Horbach – Vocals, Nyckelharpa, Irish Bouzouki, Lyre, Taglharpa, Percussion, Carnyx

SOWULO is the work of multi-instrumentalist and composer Faber Horbach, and is inspired by Anglo-Saxon and Viking-age mysticism and philosophy. Captivated by the cyclical nature of existence and an animistic worldview, Faber is determined to express his spiritual path through his music.

With lyrics in Anglo-Saxon and historical instruments, Sowulo creates an immersive sonic universe that challenges both the creator and listener to go on an inner journey and to invoke cyclical wisdom from deep within.

Sowulo means ‘Sun’ in proto-germanic. The music follows our connection with the Sun and tells the story of our inner and outer cycles of day and night, the four seasons, birth and death.

᛫ ᛇ ᚩ ᚹ ᚢ ᛚ ᚩ ᛫

Follow SOWULO:
Official website: https://www.sowulo.nl/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowulo.music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sowulo
Bandcamp: https://sowulo.bandcamp.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sowuloofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4BkdqpIEhl0tKZ5xpAo5pR
Songkick: https://www.songkick.com/artists/9118989-sowulo/calendar
DoomStar roster: https://doomstarbookings.com/artists/sowulo/

Season of Mist is honored to announce the signing of Sowulo, the captivating musical project led by the visionary multi-instrumentalist and composer, Faber Horbach. With a profound connection to the mysticism and philosophy of the Anglo-Saxon and Viking ages, SOWULO embarks on a transformative journey through music that delves deeply into the cyclical nature of existence and an animistic worldview.

“Sowulo has been gaining momentum over the past decade, and it’s beautiful to see how the project has grown steadily and naturally”, Faber says. “Over the last 10 years, I’ve taken on every task myself; from composing, performing, and recording to producing and managing all the record label activities. As the project has expanded, I’ve realized that it’s time to take a new path to unlock Sowulo’s full potential”.

“Teaming up with Season of Mist is a huge step forward for me”, he continues. It will provide me with the space and time I need to focus on creating even more music and developing the live shows with the attention and care they deserve. At the same time, it will make it much easier for fans to engage with my music and enjoy Sowulo’s merchandise.

I’m excited to continue this journey and I’m ready to explore new possibilities and take Sowulo to new heights!”

A live ensemble brings Sowulo’s ancient spirit to life on stage, where Faber is joined by Horbach (Vocals, Nyckelharpa, Irish Bouzouki, Carnyx), Micky Huijsmans (Vocals), Chloe Bakker (Celtic Harp), Tim Elfring (Percussion), Roel Steijvers (Percussion), Rikke Linssen (Violin), Angeles Chaparro (Viola), Heleen de Jonge (Cello), and Tessa van Genderen (Blowhorns, Carnyx, Backing Vocals).

Join us in celebrating this significant milestone and embracing the boundless potential that lies ahead. 

As Sowulo prepares to release new music on their new label home, Faber and company are heading out for a short tour of Europe. They’ll be joined by special guest Elektro Shaman across five dates in The Netherlands, Germany and France. 
ᚠᚪᚱᚪᚦ ᛁᚾᛏᚩ ᚠᚱᚪᚾᚳᚱᛁᚳᛖ
April 30: Nijmegen, NL @ Doornroosje
May 1: Stuttgart, DE @ Im Wizemann
May 2: Rillieux-la-Pape, FR @ Ô Totem Live
May 3: Bruguières, FR @ Festival Echos et Merveilles*
May 4: Paris, FR @ La Machine du Moulin Rouge

*Without Elektro Shaman

Get tickets: https://tourbox.songkick.com/artists/9118989/calendar

SOWULO is the work of multi-instrumentalist and composer Faber Horbach, and is inspired by Anglo-Saxon and Viking-age mysticism and philosophy. Captivated by the cyclical nature of existence and an animistic worldview, Faber is determined to express his spiritual path through his music.

With lyrics in Anglo-Saxon and historical instruments, Sowulo creates an immersive sonic universe that challenges both the creator and listener to go on an inner journey and to invoke cyclical wisdom from deep within.

Sowulo means ‘Sun’ in proto-germanic. The music follows our connection with the Sun and tells the story of our inner and outer cycles of day and night, the four seasons, birth and death.
᛫ ᛇ ᚩ ᚹ ᚢ ᛚ ᚩ ᛫

Follow Sowulo
Official website: https://www.sowulo.nl/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sowulo.music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sowulo
Bandcamp: https://sowulo.bandcamp.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sowuloofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4BkdqpIEhl0tKZ5xpAo5pR
Songkick:https://www.songkick.com/artists/9118989-sowulo/calendar
DoomStar roster: https://doomstarbookings.com/artists/sowulo/