Heart in Hand (band)

Heart in Hand

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	2008
Headquarters	Bournemouth and Southampton , United Kingdom
Products	Music albums, EPs, music videos

Heart in Hand was a British ensemble originating from Bournemouth and Southampton, established in 2008. Their musical approach fused elements of hardcore punk with heavy metal, often categorized under both melodic hardcore and metalcore. The group’s initial offering was the Heart in Hand EP released in 2009, succeeded by three full-length albums. The last roster featured vocalist Charlie Holmes, guitarists Ed Hartwell and Ollie Wilson, bassist Gavin Thane, and drummer Sam Brennan.

Prior to 2014, Heart in Hand had produced five music videos that collectively amassed close to 3 million views. To promote their 2013 album Almost There, they toured alongside acts such as Bury Tomorrow, Deez Nuts, Miss May I, Stray from the Path, and Texas in July. Their live appearances included prominent UK festivals like Download Festival, Slam Dunk Festival, 2000 Trees, Ghostfest, and Redfest, as well as European events such as the Czech Republic’s Rock for People and Spain’s Resurrection Fest. Additionally, they headlined various smaller-scale festivals. The band officially dissolved in February 2015.

Formation, Heart in Hand EP and Only Memories (2008–2012)

Following his departure from death metal outfit Trigger the Bloodshed in August 2008, vocalist Charles "Charlie" Holmes established Heart in Hand with drummer Nick Kendall. They enlisted guitarists Carl Martin and James Broderick; Broderick introduced Edward "Ed" Hartwell to the lineup. Martin shifted from guitar to bass. After Broderick left, Ollie Wilson—previously a bandmate of Hartwell—joined as guitarist. On 1 January 2009, the band independently released their debut Heart in Hand EP, produced by Stu McKay. Their first studio album, Only Memories, appeared on 23 May 2011 through Siege of Amida Records. During the album’s production, Kendall exited and was succeeded by Duncan Andrews, who was quickly replaced by Samuel "Sam" Brennan of The Eyes of a Traitor. Bassist Martin departed as well, with Gavin Thane stepping in. Critics commended Only Memories for its polished hardcore sound and it featured guest vocals from Ian Fike of It Prevails. Several tracks, including the title track, were accompanied by music videos.

Almost There, A Beautiful White and dissolution (2013–2015)

Their sophomore album, Almost There, released on 11 February 2013 via Siege of Amida, featured guest contributions from James Leatherbarrow (Death of an Artist), Mikey Chapman and Sam Douglas (Mallory Knox), and Dani Winter-Bates (Bury Tomorrow). The band supported this release with extensive European tours alongside Bury Tomorrow, Deez Nuts, Miss May I, Stray from the Path, and Texas in July, performing at festivals such as Rock for People and Resurrection Fest. Metal Hammer lauded the album for its melodic composition and emotive vocal delivery.

The group’s final album, A Beautiful White, produced by Will Putney in New Jersey, was released on 3 November 2014 in the UK and on 4 November in the US through Century Media Records. The band emphasized its broader musical range on this record. Reviews highlighted its ambitious mix of pacing and emotionally resonant passages. To promote this album, Heart in Hand toured Europe with The Amity Affliction, Buried in Verona, and Napoleon.

On 13 February 2015, Heart in Hand announced their breakup via Facebook and canceled their upcoming European tour. They attributed the split to a loss of trust among members. In May 2015, allegations unrelated to the band’s activities surfaced against Holmes; other members did not comment publicly. Following the breakup, Ollie Wilson revealed involvement with new musical endeavors.

Members

Final roster

• Charlie Holmes – lead vocals (2008–2015)
• Ed Hartwell – guitar (2008–2015) (currently a member of Bury Tomorrow)
• Ollie Wilson – guitar (2008–2015)
• Sam Brennan – drums (2011–2015)
• Gavin Thane – bass guitar (2013–2015)

Former members

• James Broderick – guitar (2008)
• Nick Kendall – drums (2008–2010)
• Carl Martin – bass guitar (2008–2013)
• Duncan Andrews – drums (2010–2011)

Timeline

Discography

Albums

• Only Memories (2011)
• Almost There (2013)
• A Beautiful White (2014)

Extended plays

• Heart in Hand (2009)

Videography

• Only Memories
  • "Only Memories" (2011)
  • "Tunnels" (2012)
  • "Threefifteen" (2012)
• Almost There
  • "Life Goes On" (2013)
  • "Almost There" (2013)
• A Beautiful White
  • "A Beautiful White" (2014)