Kevin Hartnell Tag

Saltanath - 888 by Antoni Tashev

Saltanath – 888: Progressive Rock & Guitar Virtuosity from London

Saltanath - 888 by Antoni Tashev

Saltanath: Progressive Folk & Guitar Virtuosity

We are thrilled to announce the release of “888” by Saltanath. This 8-track instrumental album is the brainchild of Antoni Tashev, a guitar virtuoso originally from Bulgaria and now based in London.

Drawing from classical training and a deep respect for his heritage, Tashev weaves complex “Math Rock” time signatures with the soulful melodies of Bulgarian folklore. The result is a sound that is technical yet deeply emotional, a true journey for fans of progressive rock and instrumental storytelling.

Track Highlight: “Spiritual Slumber”

A standout moment on the record is track 4, “Spiritual Slumber.” It perfectly encapsulates the project’s fusion of styles—balancing intricate, clean electric guitar work with driving percussion. It moves with a restless energy that defies its title, showcasing Tashev’s ability to make complex arrangements feel accessible and melodic.

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Tracklist

  1. Euphoria (06:08)
  2. Medieval Dreams (05:14)
  3. 25th Century (02:31)
  4. Spiritual Slumber (04:16)
  5. Memorable Days (06:51)
  6. The Pilgrimage (05:08)
  7. Banished Tears (07:02)
  8. Saturn (06:04)

Album Credits

Saltanath is:

  • Antoni Tashev: Electric and acoustic guitars, Tambura
  • Kevin Hartnell: Drums, percussion, keys, bass guitar

All songs written by Antoni Tashev.
Produced and arranged by Kevin Hartnell and Antoni Tashev.

Mixed by Kevin Hartnell | Mastered by Hector the Rat at the Overlook Hotel.
Cover photo by Petya Tasheva | Design layout by Hector the Rat.

#ProgressiveRock #InstrumentalRock #MathRock #GuitarVirtuoso #Saltanath #NewMusic

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.

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

Plastic Horizon debut album cover art

Plastic Horizon: Self-Titled Synthwave Debut Album

Plastic Horizon debut album cover art

Plastic Horizon: A Synthwave Journey Begins By Kevin Hartnell

After ten months of writing and production, I am proud to announce the release of the self-titled debut album from Plastic Horizon.

Synthwave has been a fascination of mine for years. It is a rebirth of 1980s synth music with a modern, cinematic twist. Having survived the 80s and being a lifelong synthesizer fanatic, this genre feels like a perfect fit for my musical DNA. This album is a love letter to neon skylines, analog warmth, and the retro-futuristic dreams of a bygone era.

Track Highlight: “Memory Waves”

The standout track of the collection, “Memory Waves,” has quickly become a listener favorite. It captures a specific kind of “endless summer” nostalgia, shimmering keys, a driving mid-tempo beat, and a melody that feels like a fading photograph. It is the perfect soundtrack for a late-night drive or a moment of reflection.

Listen
Recommendations

Tracklist

  1. TCKR (03:09)
  2. The Crush (03:43)
  3. Chasing The Night (03:42)
  4. End Of The Road (03:36)
  5. Memory Waves (03:35)
  6. Autumn Wind (03:47)
  7. Fading Memories Of You (03:19)
  8. A Dream Within A Dream (03:54)
  9. Nightscape (part 1) (01:40)
  10. Nightscape (part 2) (02:27)

Album Credits

All tracks written & produced by Plastic Horizon.
Mixed and mastered by Hector the Rat.

Recorded from May 1, 2020 – February 12, 2021.
Released February 13, 2021.

Follow Plastic Horizon: Bandcamp | Facebook | YouTube

#Synthwave #Retrowave #Outrun #PlasticHorizon #NewMusic #80sVibe

Memory Waves by Plastic Horizon - video thumbnail

Plastic Horizon – Memory Waves: Melancholic Synthwave Ballad

Memory Waves by Plastic Horizon - single cover art

Plastic Horizon: “Memory Waves”

Kevin Hartnell presents “Memory Waves,” the most popular track from the self-titled Plastic Horizon album. Recorded between May 2020 and June 2020, this slower-paced synthwave ballad captures a specific, melancholy vibe, a strong sense of nostalgia for growing up in a small town in the 1980s.

“Recently, my daughter was describing how she felt a wave of great memories flooding her mind. It was a bittersweet observation from the point of a child in the middle of a pandemic, closed schools, and being isolated from her friends. It inspired me to create this track and recall quite a few great memories of my own. Writing this track was an emotional journey for me, and I hope it is for you as well.”

Insights

“Memory Waves” functions less as a retro pastiche and more as an emotional recollection filtered through synthwave aesthetics. Rather than leaning on overt genre signifiers like aggressive arpeggiators, the track adopts restraint and patience. The title is well chosen; the music unfolds in gentle swells rather than linear development, mirroring how memories surface unpredictably and recede just as quietly.

The melancholy here is subdued and sincere. It suggests quiet streets, late evenings, and small-town stillness rather than neon skylines. Sustained synth pads and gently voiced melodic elements carry the emotional weight, creating a polished piece of “Dreamwave” that feels personal and introspective.

Credits:

  • Written & Produced by: Plastic Horizon
  • Mixed & Mastered by: Hector the Rat
  • Catalog: R237-027 ©Overlook Hotel Records
  • Released: February 13, 2021

#PlasticHorizon #Synthwave #Dreamwave #KevinHartnell #OverlookHotelRecords

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TCKR by Plastic Horizon - single cover art

Plastic Horizon – TCKR: New Synthwave Project Debut

TCKR by Plastic Horizon - single cover art

Plastic Horizon: “TCKR”

It is with great pleasure that I announce a new music project called Plastic Horizon! For those who grew up in the 80s, you will understand the appeal of Synthwave, Stranger Things, and the nostalgia for the colorful decadence of that era. So, sit back in your La-Z-Boy chair, press play on the VCR, and enjoy the retro/future sounds.

The debut single, “TCKR,” is inspired by the series Black Mirror (created by Charlie Brooker) and the fictional neural research company TCKR Systems. You can read more about the lore behind the title at tckrsystems.tech.

This track sets the tone for the project: driving beats, neon-soaked synths, and a heavy dose of cinematic nostalgia.

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Recommendations

#PlasticHorizon #Synthwave #Retrowave #BlackMirror #TCKR #KevinHartnell

Before After Again debut album cover art

Before After Again – Self-Titled Debut: Atmospheric Darkwave & Post-Punk

Before After Again self-titled album cover art

Before After Again: Self-Titled Debut

Overlook Hotel Records is proud to present the self-titled debut from Before After Again. A collaboration between Jason Whitcomb and Kevin Hartnell, this project draws upon darkwave, post-punk, synthpop, and electro-rock styles to create a dense, atmospheric soundscape.

Released on January 1, 2020, this album marks a unique moment in the label’s history. Parts of the record were tracked in the original Overlook Hotel Records studio prior to its remodeling. As a result, the drum tracks capture a specific, “lost” room sound that no longer exists and can never be replicated.

Project Personnel

Before After Again is:

  • Jason Whitcomb: Vocals, Backing Vocals, Synths, Drum Programming, Bass, Guitars
  • Kevin Hartnell: Drums, Percussion, Bass, Guitars, Synths, Drum Programming, Backing Vocals

Special Guests:

  • Ty Whitcomb: Guitar on “Faux Devox”
  • Vic Bonato: Piano on “Core”

Mixed and mastered by Hector Ratt. Catalog R237-020.

Connect with Before After Again

Music Video: “Allison’s Gone”

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#BeforeAfterAgain #Darkwave #PostPunk #Synthpop #Industrial #KevinHartnell #JasonWhitcomb #OverlookHotelRecords

The Harvesting by THAL - album cover art

THAL – The Harvesting: Heavy Stoner Doom (Doom Charts #5)

The Harvesting by THAL - album cover art

THAL: “The Harvesting”

Overlook Hotel Records presents “The Harvesting,” the thunderous 2019 release from THAL (The Heathens Are Loose). Debuting at #5 on the Doom Charts, this album wraps up the year with a heavy dose of fuzz, groove, and misery.

The album transports listeners to a world of hardship and conflict, whether in medieval Europe or modern-day America. With massive riffs and stellar hooks, it takes everything that made the previous THAL releases great and amplifies it by ten.

Critical Reception

“The Harvesting” was met with immediate acclaim in the heavy music community:

  • Doom Charts: Debuted at #5 (December 2019).
  • Metal Temple: “9 out of 10… It takes everything that made the previous album great and just amplifies it by ten.”
  • Outlaws of the Sun: “Crank that dial up to 11 and ROCK THE HELL OUT WITH THAL.”
  • Desert Psychlist: “Transported to a world of hardship, conflict and misery… riffs that are as fuzzy as my face is bearded.”

Project Personnel

THAL is:

  • John “Vince Green” Walker: Vocals, Lyrics, Guitars, Keys
  • Kevin Hartnell: Guitars, Bass, Drums, Keys

Special Guest:

  • Margherita Bandini: Featured vocals on “Tonguerazor”

All songs written, recorded, mixed, and mastered by John Walker and Kevin Hartnell.

Lyrics: “Tombs”

Live at the base of a mountain
Ready to blow and release its fire
Every sound may be your last
The slightest move crushing every desire

Any man with a face is bound to fall
Another victim of the rules
Water drowns but please don’t thrash around and disturb this peaceful tomb

The solitude is wonderful down here
When it’s time to go I’ll do it without fear
Never place my fortunes in the hands of another man
Escape to the dusty tombs

As the walls they close in
Ready to bow down and ready to tap out
Then I clutch my chest and remember my way
Am I born to carry the load?
I made a pact with the devil and it’s time to go
Never again will the moon shine quite the same

Follow me to the fallen angels
Kingdom full of wretched names

Connect with THAL

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Recommendations

#THAL #TheHeathensAreLoose #StonerRock #DoomMetal #HeavyMetal #KevinHartnell #JohnVinceGreenWalker #OverlookHotelRecords

Silent Kings & Queens by Elektrik Warfare - cover art

Elektrik Warfare – Silent Kings & Queens: Debut Metal Album

Elektrik Warfare: Silent Kings & Queens

Overlook Hotel Records is proud to announce the release of “Silent Kings & Queens” (Catalog R237-019), the debut album from Elektrik Warfare.

Founded by Stockholm-based songwriter and artist Anders Plassgard, Elektrik Warfare delivers ten heavy tracks reflecting influences such as Black Sabbath, Motörhead, Judas Priest, and The Ramones. The album features blistering guitar work from Tony Inosencio and dystopian themes that echo the classic New Wave of British Heavy Metal era.

Recorded between April 2017 and September 2018, this release is highly recommended for fans of classic heavy metal and driving hard rock.

Project Personnel

Elektrik Warfare is:

  • Anders Plassgard: Vocals, Keys
  • Tony Inosencio: Rhythm & Lead Guitar
  • Frank Motor: Rhythm & Bass Guitar
  • Kevin Hartnell: Drums, Rhythm Guitar

Guest Musician:

  • Mat Williams: Rhythm & Lead Guitar

Credits:

  • Artwork: Anders Plassgard
  • Mixing: Kevin Hartnell & Tony Inosencio
  • Mastering: Hector Rat at The Overlook Hotel
  • Production: Elektrik Warfare

Lyrics: “Silent Kings & Queens”

The darkest ages, they are here
Evil rules the World and there´s bloodlust in the air
Somebody’s profit is someone’s misfortune, Gold in the pocket and death of a child
Guilty are those who stand watching in silence, They with the answers, they with the truth
Silent witness on the Shore
Stare into the sea they’re all gone forevermore
We follow a path into eternal darkness, Black empty souls and our heart´s made of stone
God is a Devil who plays with his children, Then leaving them all alone

Silent Kings and Queens just don´t want to see
They just close their eyes, Won´t give you no pity
Silent Kings and Queens they just let it be
System has failed it’s corrupt and inhuman
System has served for the eyes that never see

And all the gossip, all the lies
People spread their shit without a blink or thinking twice
Poor little thing who is begging for mercy, Mercy is not in the plan for you
Evil has come for a feast in all glory, nothing that you can do
The darkest ages, so they say
Evil rules the World and the weak they just obey
Somebody’s profit is someone’s misfortune, Gold in the pocket and death of a child
Guilty are those who stand watching in silence, They with the answers, they with the truth

Silent Kings and Queens just don´t want to see
They just close their eyes, Won´t give you no pity
Silent Kings and Queens they just let it be
System has failed it’s corrupt and inhuman
System has served for the eyes that never see

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#ElektrikWarfare #SilentKingsAndQueens #HeavyMetal #NWOBHM #AndersPlassgard #KevinHartnell #OverlookHotelRecords

The Sounds of Nightmares 2 by Kevin Hartnell - cover art

The Sounds of Nightmares 2: Original Music for Campfire Radio Theater

The Sounds Of Nightmares 2: Music Composed For Campfire Radio Theater

Kevin Hartnell presents “The Sounds of Nightmares 2,” featuring 38 tracks of original music composed for the horror anthology podcast Campfire Radio Theater. This release captures the expanding sonic palette of the series, moving from atmospheric dread to high-octane terror.

This collection features scores from four distinct tales: “Woods Ferry,” “Rites of Autumn,” “Abduction At Willow Woods,” and “Ravenous.” My connection with Campfire Radio Theater has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. My love for audio drama began as early as my interest in music, so contributing to this art form feels like coming home.

Please consider supporting the show by listening to the full episodes where these tracks appeared at Campfire Radio Theater.

Quick navigation

The Sounds of Nightmares 2: what this volume covers

This volume represents a deeper collaboration with the show’s creator, John Scott Ballentine. In addition to composing the score, I took on full production duties for the episode “Ravenous,” which offered a unique opportunity to shape the sound design alongside the music. Whether it’s the Halloween nostalgia of “Rites of Autumn” or the sci-fi intensity of “Abduction at Willow Woods,” each score in this set was built to enhance the specific tension of the script.

Below, you can play the episodes directly on the page. If you prefer to jump straight to listening to the scores, use the Spotify and Bandcamp embeds at the bottom. Bandcamp is also the best option if you want to support the work directly.

Woods Ferry

Weekend explorers on a quest for antique treasures stumble upon a lost town at the end of a long dirt road and soon uncover the unspeakable truth behind the decades past evacuation of Woods Ferry.

Rites of Autumn

A young boy spends an autumn afternoon with his grandpa who passes on a few very unique Halloween traditions.

Abduction at Willow Woods

Two old friends unearth lost secrets from their youth when they revisit the wooded site of an otherworldly encounter. (A 3D binaural audio experience! Headphones/Earbuds recommended!)

Ravenous

Investigating the disappearance of a colleague, BBC journalist Albert Titus lands the scoop of a lifetime in the Scottish coastal village of Redmayne as he unravels a terrifying mystery perhaps tied to a sinister cannibal clan of legend.

Listen to the Scores

If you prefer uninterrupted listening, use the full-album players below. Spotify is convenient for streaming and playlists. Bandcamp is ideal if you want high-quality playback and direct support. If you are sharing the release, linking to this page is also useful because it keeps the episode scores and album players in one place.

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Recommendations

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

Death Will Flee by wytCHord - cover art by Nate Burns

wytCHord – Death Will Flee: Debut Doom Metal Album

Death Will Flee by wytCHord - cover art by Nate Burns

wytCHord: Death Will Flee

Released on Halloween 2016, “Death Will Flee” (Catalog R237-013) is the debut full-length album from wytCHord.

Loaded with heavy riffs and powerful vocals, the album features Vince Green (THAL) delivering a performance often compared to the offspring of Neil Fallon and Glenn Danzig. Green is joined by guitarist David Jones (Black Mountain Creeper) and drummer Kevin Hartnell (Ironleaf, THAL) to create crushing, fuzz-laden grooves.

Fans of Black Sabbath, Clutch, Kyuss, and Queens of the Stone Age will find much to embrace in this “sludgy, funerary” collection of songs.

Project Personnel

wytCHord is:

  • Vince Green: Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Lyrics
  • David Jones: Lead Guitar
  • Kevin Hartnell: Drums, Guitars, Keys, Mixing

Credits:

  • Artwork: Nate Burns
  • Production: Kevin Hartnell

Critical Reception

Metal Nexus:
“…riff-driven slab of somber doom, dense grooves with rhythmic enchantments, and detonating drum play.”

Chairthrower Reviews:
“Its malefic albeit stylish cover art withstanding, Ohio’s Wytchord is a fairly nascent doom act gratifyingly alternating between sludgy, funerary guitar riffs backed by a plump, menacing rhythm section which sounds like it’s rising from six feet under… With ‘Death Will Flee’, Wytchord has stoutly carved its niche among its peers – no easy feat when it comes to doom metal.”

Fan Reactions:

  • “Masterfully crafted, this album finds a well earned spot among the first four Black Sabbath albums.” – brofistnate
  • “Packed to the absolute brim with crushing doom tinged riffs… a dark, superbly crafted slab of rock and roll.” – Jacob Andrew
  • “Brilliant Doom/Stoner with tonnes of originality!” – OWNED BY 2 CHIHUAHUAS

Lyrics: “The Queen They Left To Die”

She begs her wretched God from a cage of her own design,
He rises from the orchard filled with trees of wasted lives,
The time has come to feast on every soldier,
Bloody skies.
When the rebels came to conquer,
She’s the Queen they left to die.

She took the crown with her beauty and grace,
Then she ruled with ruthless hate.

They move through every village,
The stench of blood underneath her nails.
This Queen and her wretched God,
Come forth encased in serpent scales.
She’ll draw her blade and catch the sun before he hides his face.
And in the morning, before dawn,
The corpses take her place.

She took the crown with her beauty and grace,
Then she ruled with ruthless hate.

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#wytCHord #DeathWillFlee #DoomMetal #StonerRock #HeavyMetal #KevinHartnell #VinceGreen #NateBurns #OverlookHotelRecords