Interview: Horizon Theory vocalist Josh Harrington

By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

Heavy hitting rockers Horizon Theory recently released their new song “Transcendence”—which features drumming and backing harmony vocals from Morgan Rose—from the band’s upcoming sophomore full-length album, Mission Control (Mindful Recordings), releasing this March.

Lead vocalist Josh Harrington took time for this interview with OOTB to discuss the band’s new single, their upcoming LP, collaborating with producer and Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose and their plans into the year.

How does your single “Transcendence” define the band’s approach and sound as an intro to first time listeners?

We want to give people a little bit of that “wow” factor, if we can; so they can kind of get that big sound, big chorus type of feeling.

Some cleaner verses and grittier choruses! Maybe the other way around sometimes, but still have that anthem feel!

What song on the upcoming Mission Control album is your personal favorite and why that song?

For me, it’s probably “Millennium”!

It’s kind of about how we think that these presidents and politicians are actually going to change something for the better.

It’s like we believe everything them and the media say, but nothing changes. Sometimes I feel like it’s right in front of our face, but we don’t know what to do with it.

What other releases, videos or plans do you currently have in the near future to preview the album before its March 2026 release?

We are still debating on releasing another single off the album, but I think it’s doubtful.

On this one, we kind of wished we would have dropped the whole album on the day we dropped our single “Transcendence.”

It’s so good!

We’re currently working on a possible tour come spring; hopefully around the time we drop the album.

When working with Morgan Rose on this, what was the biggest thing you took away or learned?

Oh man, working with Morgan was killer!

It was cool to see a different process than how we do it back home.

Definitely helped on how I might approach a melody or a hook, that’s for sure. The guy is a genius when it comes to that!

It was cool to see someone take one of our ideas and mold it into this masterpiece, too.

What was your biggest struggle recording this album and how did you overcome that?

I was a little nervous to be singing in front of just Morgan, at first. We did two tours together, but when you’re just hanging out, it’s a little different. [laughs]

Plus, the dude is a legend and has been around some of the best singers and musicians in the world for most of his life.

I remember singing the first couple lines and thinking it was crap because I could hear them talking a bunch through the headphones[;but,] once I peeked my head out and noticed Morgan grinning ear to ear with excitement, I knew we had something brewing! It’s was over with after that!

When did you realize that music is what you want to do—was it a moment, a person, an event?

Since I was a kid, I think. Never thought it would really happen though.

It wasn’t until I was almost 30 when I joined my first band.

I got sick of going to shows and thinking that should be me up there, so I started looking for guys to jam with.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Super appreciate the interview!

Be looking for the new album in March hopefully with some tour dates!

Hear “Transcendence”