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Memory Waves by Plastic Horizon - video thumbnail

Plastic Horizon – Memory Waves: Melancholic Synthwave Ballad

June 11, 2020
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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Before After Again debut album cover art

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

March 9, 2020
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

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The Harvesting by THAL - album cover art

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

December 20, 2019
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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#THAL #TheHeathensAreLoose #StonerRock #DoomMetal #HeavyMetal #KevinHartnell #JohnVinceGreenWalker #OverlookHotelRecords

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Silent Kings & Queens by Elektrik Warfare - cover art

Elektrik Warfare – Silent Kings & Queens: Debut Metal Album

March 25, 2019

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

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Death Will Flee by wytCHord - cover art by Nate Burns

wytCHord – Death Will Flee: Debut Doom Metal Album

October 31, 2016
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

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Kraken Mare animated art

Kraken Mare: The Score – Original Soundtrack by Kevin Hartnell

December 19, 2015

Kraken Mare: The Score

On November 10th, Matthew McLean from YAP Audio Production and the Audio Drama Production Podcast contacted me needing someone to score his latest audio drama. I gladly accepted the offer and began working on music for his excellent science fiction/horror story “Kraken Mare.”

When I began working on scoring the story, the first thing that struck me was the fantastic soundscapes Matthew had created. On top of that, quality acting and writing truly inspired me! It was a pleasure to create music to help illuminate the production.

The Story

Nine years ago the Wells-Dyson satellite picked up images of what appears to be some sort of wreckage on the floor of Titan’s biggest hydrocarbon ocean – Kraken Mare. The discovery prompted eccentric billionaire Jennifer Barrie to fast-track an expedition to the mysterious moon of Saturn.

The three British astronauts who have just arrived in Titan’s orbit have only one job – find out what’s lying under Kraken Mare. And potentially answer one of humanity’s biggest questions: Are we alone in the universe?

Listen to the Audio Drama

You can listen to the full production of “Kraken Mare” below. This production was created by YAP Audio Production, the makers of the hit audio drama series A Scottish Podcast.

Stream the Score

The original score was released via Overlook Hotel Records (Catalog R237-015).

Credits:

  • Story & Production: Matthew McLean (YAP Audio Production)
  • Original Score: Kevin Hartnell
  • Artwork: Kessi Riliniki

Cast:

  • Jamison: Robert Cudmore
  • Butler: Caitlin Sneddon
  • McGovern: Jim Balfour
  • Barry: Fiona Thraille
  • News Reporter: Owen McCuen

#KrakenMare #AudioDrama #SciFiHorror #Soundtrack #Score #KevinHartnell #MatthewMcLean #YAPAudio #FictionPodcast

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Deanna in space

Trinity & Triage Release New Track: “Tilting”

September 25, 2015
Tilting by Trinity & Triage - cover art

Trinity & Triage Release New Track: “Tilting”

Trinity & Triage have released a new track today called “Tilting.”

A melancholy ballad blending elements of psychedelic, folk, and progressive rock, the track strips away percussion entirely to rely on atmospheric textures and songwriting. This sound perfectly encapsulates the various changes going on in the lives of the band members.

In particular, Ralph Feetham recently survived a severe fire in his home that damaged the second floor. Fortunately, everyone is fine. The same cannot be said about some of the guitars. Ralph is busy trying to get things back in order and we wish him and his family all the best during the turmoil created by this horrific life event.

There are quite a few songs started by the prolific Mr. Feetham waiting for work to be done. It’s a matter of time (and lots of money) at this point.

About Trinity & Triage

Born from the songwriting of Ralph Feetham, then later joined by Deanna Quijada and Kevin Hartnell, Trinity & Triage began working on their first demo together (“Scorn”) back in 2011. The project encapsulates a blend of progressive, psychedelic, indie, folk, world, and retro rock sounds.

Trinity & Triage is:
Deanna Quijada · Vocals
Ralph Feetham · Guitars
Kevin Hartnell · Synths

Free Stickers

Have a listen to “Tilting” below. There are also free Trinity & Triage stickers available. If you would like one, send me a message with an address to ship it to. Thanks for listening. We greatly appreciate it!

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The Antoni Tashev Project logo animated

The Antoni Tashev Project: 6 Tracks of Guitar Magic

June 28, 2015
The Antoni Tashev Project cover art

The Antoni Tashev Project: 6 Tracks of Guitar Magic

Overlook Hotel Records is proud to announce the release of catalog item R237-011: The Antoni Tashev Project. This release represents a significant milestone for the label and the artist.

When I first started working on The Antoni Tashev Project, Antoni was just sixteen, yet he played with a maturity way beyond his years. He began playing guitar at a very young age, and his dedication is audible in every track. Studying classical guitar, folkloric/traditional music, and 70s rock truly inspired this incredibly talented guitarist to create his very own brand of music.

I am honored to be a part of this album, contributing drums, percussion, and keys, and I hope you will enjoy the music as much as I have.

About The Antoni Tashev Project

You will hear some unique guitar work accented by wild bends, vibrato, and a strong ear for melody and harmony. Don’t let the fact that it is a collection of instrumental songs convince you that it’s a guitar solo-riddled shredfest. In fact, quite the contrary.

Antoni focuses on melody and the interplay of the instrumentation. When I was his age, I was playing in a cover band and completely clueless without having written anything worth listening to, so hearing what he has accomplished already shows me just how much time I have wasted. It also inspires me to work harder and to keep hammering away at creating music because I love it.

Antoni told me how he was inspired by legendary guitarists like Peter Green and Jimmy Page. While you may hear hints of these artists in his work, he is a complete original.

Stream the Album

Please give the album a listen below. You can stream via Spotify or download it for at Bandcamp.

Official Tracklist & Credits

The album features six tracks of original composition, totaling over 35 minutes of music.

Tracklist:

  1. Nightfall In Atlantis (05:50)
  2. Morbid Existence (05:25)
  3. Star (06:02)
  4. Rebirth In Hollow (06:12)
  5. Babylon On Fire (06:39)
  6. Servant and the Master (06:11)

Album Credits:
All songs were written by Antoni Tashev. The album was produced and arranged by Kevin Hartnell and Antoni Tashev.

  • Antoni Tashev: Electric and acoustic guitars, Tambura
  • Kevin Hartnell: Drums, percussion, keys, bass guitar (track 5)
  • Rob Glass: Bass guitar (tracks 1-4, 6)

Mixed by Kevin Hartnell and mastered by Hector the Rat at the Overlook Hotel. Artwork and design by Hector the Rat for Overlook Hotel Records.

©2015 Antoni Tashev. All rights reserved.

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Travel By Whale by Trinity & Triage - cover art

Trinity & Triage Return with New Single “Travel By Whale”

June 13, 2015
Travel By Whale by Trinity & Triage - cover art

Trinity & Triage Release New Track: “Travel By Whale”

Overlook Hotel Records is pleased to share “Travel By Whale,” the first new track to be released by Trinity & Triage since their debut self-titled album in 2014.

The band has widely been labeled as a “progressive folk” trio, but has also been embraced by the Prog Rock community, popping up around the web on various blogs, forums, and music sites.

Studio Updates & New Material

The Overlook Hotel Records studio remains to be rebuilt, so progress on the new album has been slow. The good news is that things should pick up quickly this summer. Another positive note is that quite a bit of new material was already recorded and is in various stages of development.

In the interim, Deanna continues painting and working on various art projects, Ralph has recorded a large number of tracks as potential candidates for future Trinity & Triage songs, and I have been taking care of a baby boy who is now eight months old. I also have a studio to build this summer.

Having said all that, please have a listen to the new song.

Cheers!
Kevin Hartnell
Overlook Hotel Records

Credits

Trinity & Triage is:

  • Deanna Quijada: Vocals
  • Ralph Feetham: Guitars, Bass, Synths
  • Kevin Hartnell: Drums, Bass, Synths

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Dronefly EP cover art

Dronefly EP: Debut Dream Pop Release on Overlook Hotel Records

May 2, 2014
Dronefly EP cover art

Dronefly EP Released on Overlook Hotel Records

Overlook Hotel Records is proud to announce the release of the self-titled debut EP from Dronefly.

Overlook Hotel Records has released the very first EP from dream pop/shoegaze/indie rock trio Dronefly! The 4-track EP features subtle and sublime guitar textures with vocals ranging from delicate to majestic to create a highly dynamic listening experience.

The project features the collaborative talents of Mike Chambers (Guitars, Bass, Keyboards), Deanna Quijada (Vocals, Lyrics), and myself, Kevin Hartnell (Drums, Percussion, Synths). Together, we have aimed to create a soundscape that fans of 4AD, FatCat, Slumberland Records, and highly melodic atmospheric music will find right at home in their music collections.

Early Reviews & Reception

We are thrilled to see the EP already garnering positive attention from music blogs.

Eric from NoObject writes:
“SPACE. Not outer space. Not the space bar. But SPACE. It’s the space between chords, between drum hits and between vocal lines that makes “Closer” an incredible opener. A soft harmonic ringing carries me from section to section. Playing to the strengths of shoegaze as a genre, the track gives off a smooth weighted feeling… Dronefly is a very polished EP. There’s no sharp corners or excessive noise. But its exactly this neatness that makes me want more…”

Samantha from TheEqualGround says:
“All four of the songs on Dronefly’s album evoke a different vibe but they all so brilliantly coexist. This, to me, is a sure sign of a band that has potential.”

Stream the Dronefly EP

The EP is available now for free streaming or download.

Spotify:

Bandcamp:

Tracklist & Credits

Tracklist:

  1. Closer (04:18)
  2. Doldrums (03:18)
  3. Joysticks (03:42)
  4. Forever Light (04:43)

Album Credits:
All songs written by Dronefly. Produced by Kevin Hartnell and Dronefly.

  • Mike Chambers: Guitars, Bass, Keyboards
  • Deanna Quijada: Vocals, Lyrics
  • Kevin Hartnell: Drums, Percussion, Mellotron, Synths, Guitars, Bass

Mixed by Kevin Hartnell and mastered by Hector the Rat at the Overlook Hotel. Artwork and design by Hector the Rat for Overlook Hotel Records.

Lyrics: “Closer”

On planet where I / First encountered your kind
Where fingers beam and ripples burn / For a whisper of sky
Contemplating your eyes / Could you transmit to my world?
Distant beam of cooling light

I’ll bring you closer / I’ll bring you closer
I’ll bring you close / Close / Close

On the planet where I / First encountered your sigh
The sweetest aria / Was I calling your name
As you floated in space / Unaware of my cry?
Distant beam of cooling light

I’ll bring you closer / I’ll bring you closer
I’ll bring you close / So close now
You’ll share my every doubt / So close now

©2014 Overlook Hotel Records. Catalog R237-009.

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