Free at Last marks a pivotal release in the discography of South Carolina hardcore band Stretch Arm Strong. Known for blending melodic hardcore with a positive, emotionally resonant message, the band pushes their sound further on this album, combining intense energy with refined songwriting. Free at Last showcases themes of liberation, personal growth, and resilience, delivered through passionate vocals and tightly woven instrumentation. As their final full-length release, it captures the essence of their influence on the hardcore and punk scenes of the early 2000s—a powerful farewell from a band that helped shape a generation of melodic hardcore.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Free at Last has been remastered by Alan Douches and is being reissued by Iodine Recordings with updated artwork and a heartfelt retrospective from the band. This special edition offers fans—both longtime and new—a fresh look at a genre-defining record. Honoring the legacy of the original while breathing new sonic and visual life into it, the reissue stands as an essential release for collectors and hardcore enthusiasts alike. Originally produced by Paul James Wisner (Paramore, New Found Glory, Dashboard Confessional).
- 1. The Hardest Part
- 2. Hearts on Fire
- 3. Faces
- 4. The Sound of Names Dropping
- 5. To the End
- 6. When All Else Fails
- 7. Flight 828
- 8. Every Last Minute
- 9. Landslide
- 10. This Time
- 11. (This May Be in Fact) As Good As It Gets
- 12. A Time for Peace
- 13. Martin (hidden track)
