Following a 20-year hiatus, Stretcher have just dropped their reimagined version of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights,” accompanied by a music video. Introducing their new lineup, with Mower vocalist, Brian Sheerin, and Relevance guitarist, Chris Hartjen joining founding members Joe McGowan (bass) and Tom Stuart (drums), it is taken from the band’s upcoming EP, Information Overdose. The six-track record is set for release on April 4, 2025. Check out the new video and more below.
Pre-order Information Overdose here: https://stretchermusic.com/stretcher
“After years of writing with different guitarists, Joe and I found a natural fit with Chris. His style sparked something new,” adds Stuart. “Then Brian randomly texted one day and started writing before a visit to San Diego, and it all fell into place. We’re pumped to keep making music for the fans who live and breathe this.”
The seeds for Information Overdose were planted during the pandemic, with early song ideas forming in California while Sheerin split time between the East Coast and South America. The tracks came to fruition in Los Angeles with Emmy Award-winning producer Eddie Wohl (Anthrax), who helmed production and mixing. Drum recordings were engineered by Eric Emery (Blink-182, Periphery) and Eddy Garcia (Pissing Razors), while mastering was handled by Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More). The first single, Blinding Lights, comes paired with a high-energy music video directed by award-winning filmmaker Tyler Jordan, shot on location in San Diego.
“Mower and Stretcher were tight in the ‘90s, playing countless shows together,” says Sheerin, “Mario (Israel, original Stretcher vocalist) would always have me jump up and trade vocals, and when we met up on tour, it was pure chaos. This record channels that same raw energy.”
Information Overdose delivers a powerful message— break free from the cycle of media-driven division, and reconnect. Sonically, the EP is a melting pot of styles: “Chosen One” drives with alternative rock vocals over crushing metal grooves, while “Salvation” layers hypnotic melodies over doom-inspired riffs. Thematically, the songs focus on awakening, unity, and empowerment.
Stretcher built their reputation with high-energy performances at Metalfest and alongside legends like Marilyn Manson, Machine Head, and Cannibal Corpse. Mower gained international recognition with Road Rage, featured on Sirius XM and MTV’s Headbangers’ Ball, and has shared stages with Slayer, Disturbed, System of a Down, and Linkin Park. Both bands emerged from San Diego’s thriving scene, which also produced P.O.D., Blink-182, and Unwritten Law. The band’s reformation in 2023 was driven by McGowan and Stuart embracing Hartjen’s self-taught riff mastery and Sheerin’s dynamic vocal approach of melody with controlled aggression. Their influences range from Slayer, and Snot to Mötorhead, Gojira, and The Bronx.
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