Horror Score Tag

The Sounds of Nightmares 4 by Kevin Hartnell cover art

The Sounds of Nightmares 4: Horror Anthology Score by Kevin Hartnell

The Sounds of Nightmares 4 by Kevin Hartnell cover art

The Sounds Of Nightmares 4: Music Composed For Campfire Radio Theater

Kevin Hartnell presents “The Sounds of Nightmares 4,” a collection of 31 tracks of fiendish audio composed for the horror anthology podcast Campfire Radio Theater.

This volume focuses heavily on two standout stories: “The Thing on the Ground Floor” and “Gerald.” Whether you are a fan of horror scores, dark ambient soundscapes, or 80s-inspired synth music, there is plenty here to scratch that itch.

Have a listen, in the dark, preferably with headphones.

The Thing on the Ground Floor

This two-part episode required a unique sonic approach. Creator John Ballentine requested a theme song for a fictional “Cops”-style television series referenced in the story. It had to evoke the energy of the famous “Bad Boys” theme while standing on its own. The result was the track “Busted,” a fun diversion from the otherwise dark and tense score.

Gerald

Originally written by Bill Gray for the CBC’s Nightfall anthology series, this story is set in 1983. Having grown up in the 80s with a love for analog synthesis, this score was something I could really sink my teeth into. The music leans heavily into the era, utilizing vintage synth textures to build a creeping sense of dread.

Stream & Download

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#AudioDrama #Horror #Soundtrack #Score #CampfireRadioTheater #KevinHartnell

Umbra by Kevin Hartnell - cover art

Kevin Hartnell: “Umbra” – Dark Ambient Album (1999/2013 Re-issue)

Umbra by Kevin Hartnell - cover art

Kevin Hartnell: “Umbra” (Dark Ambient)

Overlook Hotel Records presents the re-issue of the 1999 Dark Ambient classic “Umbra,” originally released on MP3.com.

I have just re-issued my Umbra project from Overlook Hotel Records. This collection of ambient and dark ambient compositions was born back in the late 90’s and was greatly inspired by my love of horror and science fiction film scores.

Unlike my rock projects, there are no drums on this release. Some of the music may make you feel calm and relaxed, while other tracks, like “The Pear in the Garden” or “Rue Lake,” may simply give you the creeps.

Chart Success on MP3.com

Long before modern streaming, this project found a massive audience on the original MP3.com platform.

On December 22, 2000, the opening track “Charon’s Journey” hit #1 on the MP3.com Dark Ambient / Noise Charts, topping a list of global independent artists. It remains one of my most widely distributed tracks, having been licensed for film and appearing in strange places all over the web.

Umbra tops the charts

Stream the Album

The album is available for free streaming or download. I have also released The Dusk Single, which features two popular ambient tracks that include rare percussion elements.

Tracklist

Tracklist:

  1. Charon’s Journey (06:26)
  2. Dementia (part 1) (05:41)
  3. The Pear In The Garden (05:04)
  4. Imprecation (05:17)
  5. Lucid Coma (02:53)
  6. Libidinous Orison (04:19)
  7. Dementia (part 2) (07:04)
  8. Rue Lake (05:41)
  9. Aurora (05:15)

Credits & License

Originally released in 1999 on Overlook Hotel Records (R237-003).
Artwork and design by Hector the Rat for Overlook Hotel Records.