After two decades of silence, Stretcher roars back with Information Overdose, a six-track EP set for release on April 4, 2025. The new collection showcases an evolved yet aggressive sound, blending elements of metal, punk, thrash, and hard rock.

Out now, Stretcher’s cover of The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights, reimagined with Stretcher’s signature intensity, marks the first single of the upcoming EP.

Stream and buy the single here.

Founding members Joe McGowan (bass) and Tom Stuart (drums) have joined forces with Mower vocalist Brian Sheerin and Relevance guitarist Chris Hartjen to bring this new era of Stretcher to life. 

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.

“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.”

Pre-order Information Overdose now on Apple Music and Bandcamp, and watch the Blinding Lights video on YouTube. Follow @stretchermusic and visit www.stretcher.music.

About Stretcher and Mower: 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.

Song Credits:

• Producer & Mixer: Eddie Wohl
• Drum Recording Engineers:
  • Eddy Garcia (Pissing Razors) – Chosen One, Information Overdose, Kill The Power
  • Eric Emery (Blink-182, Periphery) – Blinding Lights, Salvation, Skitzo
• Mastering: Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More)
• Writers & Performers (Original Tracks):
  • Chris Hartjen – Guitar
  • Joe McGowan – Bass
  • Brian Sheerin – Vocals
  • Tom Stuart – Drums
  • Additional Writer: Jason Hodgdon (guitar composition-Chosen One, Kill The Power)
• Blinding Lights (Cover) Writers: The Weeknd, et al.