Belgian darkwave and postpunk trio Factheory release their new single “Bird of Time”, featuring guest vocals from Michel Sordinia, frontman of the legendary Belgian postpunk band The Names. Dominique Nuydt composed the track during a school trip to Buchenwald. After touring the concentration camp and watching historical footage, he took a moment alone with a guitar, and the foundations of “Bird of Time” emerged. Bruno Uyttersprot wrote the lyrics, which reflect childhood memories and the passage of time. Thomas Neidhardt mixed the single at Ivy Room Studio and Jack Gallows mixed at Canal 10 Studio. Pascal Courcelles created the cover artwork.
A music video for “Bird of Time” has also been released, directed by Stéphane Manzone, a filmmaker originally from the south of France who divides his time between Brussels and Marseille. Known for his work in TV, film and music videos, Manzone filmed the video in Brussels’ Bois de la Cambre park and at the New Rocky Pompadour bar on the Parvis de Saint Gilles. Production was handled by diFFéré. The band extended thanks to bar owner David Lacour for his support.
Factheory expressed appreciation for Sordinia’s involvement, calling it a significant honour. The Names first emerged in the late 1970s and became associated with Factory Records after meeting the label at a Joy Division show in Brussels. The band recorded their influential single “Nightshift” in Manchester in 1980 with producer Martin Hannett. The Names remain active and will perform on 6 December in Meschede, Germany, with Factheory joining as the opening act. Factheory will mark their tenth anniversary with a special show in Brussels in March 2026, where The Names will also appear on the bill.