It's a good new day for hardcore fans, as beloved band Stretch Arm Strongannounce the brand new release, titled The Revealing. The six song, pipebomb of an EP arrives on May 10 via Iodine Recordings. Pre-save it here.
This is the first taste of new music from SAS in nearly two decades. Listen to the new single "Illuminating" below.
"We all have a brilliant light inside of us," the band states about the new track. "Our light can seem inadequate and dim in times of darkness and struggle. We may need another person to shine their light on us so that we can see a path forward. Sometimes, we can be the one to shine the light for others.
'Illuminating' was inspired by a story that was shared with us about a friend helping another friend see their own light."
The Revealing also features a guest vocal from HxCx legend — Sick of It All frontman Lou Koller.
ABOUT STRETCH ARM STRONG:
Formed in Columbia, South Carolina in 1992, Stretch Arm Strong quickly made a name for themselves in the world of hardcore with their frenetic musicianship and unflinching positivity that crossed boundaries of belief and genre. The band initially went on hiatus in 2008 but made a significant return at Furnace Fest 2021. The festival's energy was palpable, leading the band not only to reconnect with countless friends from shows over the years but also with each other, reminding them of how rewarding playing music in Stretch Arm Strong is.
It was only a matter of time before the question of coming back together to write new music would arise. Recording with Steve Evetts, who was initially slated to produce 1999's Rituals of Life, turned out to be total kismet. Their combined chemistry shines through, displaying an energy that recalls their heaviest moments as a band. "It was really refreshing to put an exclamation mark on this thing," says guitarist David Sease. "We did it the way we wanted to, had a good time, and expressed ourselves." The result of this is The Revealing, a true gem of a record and the model for what can be achieved on an EP.
From the outset, it doesn't sound like any time has passed since Stretch Arm Strong stopped. Opening track "The Mirror" slams forward with total ferocity and youthfulness, showcasing why they're still an important part of the scene. "Still Believe Part III" follows up on previous entries with an absolute crusher, concluding with a monster of a breakdown. On "Take a Stand," Stretch Arm Strong enlists Lou Koller from Sick of It All for a killer guest spot.
With six songs clocking in at under fifteen minutes, the EP’s brevity is a testament to the lightning in a bottle Stretch Arm Strong captured by taking the stage once more. No longer being kids and now being full-fledged adults with families and worlds outside of music, the bond between Stretch Arm Strong and their love for playing is a testament to what this music means both for them and the countless listeners that have joined them throughout this time. It's a release that’s worthy of the band's exceptional discography, and a record that can only exist with a once-in-a-lifetime friendship and focus that the band has.
SAS is Chris, David, Jeremy, John and Scott.
