These new compositions are inspired by 'The Book of Gostlye Grace', which was written by nuns in the convent of Helfta in the 1290's. It depicts an intense religious and even erotic desire to get closer to God. Playing around the dichotomy of eros and thanatos, Van Wissem paints a vivid and engrossing picture. He got the help from Jarboe, Nikolaj Komiagin and Thor to get his take on Ex Mortis come to full fruition. Jozef Van Wissem will extensively tour 2020 to promote Ex Mortis. The idea of Ex Mortis, or 'From Death', is inscribed on the lute used to record this album, and refers to the renaissance of lute music as carried out by Van Wissem. All compositions by Jozef Van Wissem With Guests: Jarboe (Swans), Thor (Swans), Nikolaj Komiagin (Shortparis). "Both an avant-garde composer and a baroque lutenist, and thus no stranger to dichotomy." - New York Times "Pushing the lute's agenda out of the academy and into more accessible circles." - Pitchfork