After more than a decade away from the spotlight, Australian heavy rock band Highroad No. 28 is back with their latest album, The Will to Endure. Known for their raw intensity and emotionally charged music, the band’s return marks a new chapter built on years of experience, reflection, and unwavering passion. In this interview with The Alternative Gig Guide, James—bassist for Highroad No. 28—shares insights into the band’s evolution, the creative process behind their new album, and what fans can expect from their highly anticipated comeback.
After more than a decade of hibernation, what inspired Highroad No. 28 to return now, and how does it feel to be back?
Nothing specifically “inspired” our return—it was always part of the plan. For Andrew, the guy who started the band, stopping was never an option. Highroad No. 28 was always going to continue, but as life moves forward, responsibilities, time constraints and shit like that slows things down. I joined during the so-called “hibernation” period, and I’d like to think I played a role in reigniting the momentum.
Your music has always balanced raw heaviness with deep introspection. How has your songwriting evolved over the years, especially on ‘The Will to Endure’?
It’s evolved tremendously, man. The songwriting has always been about pushing boundaries, both sonically and emotionally. This album takes everything that Highroad No. 28 has been about and refines it further. There’s more dynamic contrast, more exploration of textures, and more maturity in the compositions. But the raw heaviness is absolutely still there.
Your previous albums explored themes of resilience, affliction, and perseverance. Does ‘The Will to Endure’ continue this narrative, or does it take a new direction thematically?
The core themes are still there because that’s ingrained in the band’s DNA, man. “The Will to Endure” isn’t just a title—it reflects the journey, the struggles, and the unwavering passion that kept the band alive even during the so-called ‘hibernation.’ That said, there are new perspectives in the lyrics. But like all of Andrew’s lyrics, it’s not just about enduring hardship but also about finding meaning in it.
How has the time away from the stage and studio influenced your approach to making music today?
In some ways, it’s been an advantage. The time away allowed for reflection and reinvention. We’re not just picking up where Highroad No. 28 left off; we’re bringing years of experience, new influences, and fresh energy into this album. There’s also a renewed sense of purpose—if we’re doing this now, it has to be fucking meaningful man.
The Australian heavy rock scene has changed a lot since 2012. How do you see Highroad No. 28 fitting into the current landscape?
The scene has definitely evolved, but Highroad No. 28 has always been about authenticity. We’re not like Metallica catering to the latest trend, and we’ve never tried to fit into one—Andrew never did. Actually, we couldn’t give a shit if no one liked our music, because we do. That being said, there’s still a demand for authentic music with depth, and that’s exactly what we bring. Heavy music has countless subgenres, but there will always be a place for something raw, real, and emotionally charged.
You’ve been known for your intense live performances. What can fans expect from your upcoming shows after such a long hiatus?
Energy. Emotion. Catharsis. The break hasn’t dulled anything—if anything, it’s intensified our hunger to perform. We’re rehearsing harder than ever to make sure we deliver something powerful, man. Fans can expect the same raw intensity, but with a tighter and more evolved sound.
Looking back on ‘Unsteady and Steady State’ and ‘Stumbling to Divinity’, are there any creative lessons or regrets that shaped your approach to this new album?
I didn’t play on those records, but every album is a snapshot of where the band was at that time. There aren’t any massive regrets, but there’s always room for reflection. That said, I know Andrew wasn’t happy with “Stumbling to Divinity’s” production, though he still loves the music. In fact, for “The Will to Endure”, we’re re-recording some of the tracks from that album.
How has technology and the digital age influenced the way you write, record, and release music compared to your early years?
It’s changed dramatically, and once again, Andrew is the only one who’s been there since the start. Back when Andrew (with his old line-ups) recorded “Obscure Madness“ and “Dynamic Introspection“, everything had to be done in person. There were hardly any DIY recording programs, home studios were rare, and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Reason, and Cubase, along with VST plugins, weren’t nearly as accessible as they are now. It was all about rehearsing the shit out of the songs in the studio before heading into a proper recording session. I was playing in other bands a couple of decades ago, and I did it the same way. But, yeah, the ability to demo and refine ideas remotely has been a game-changer. For “Stumbling to Divinity“, the process involved writing first on a DAW, recording all the instruments, completing demos, and then passing them on to the other members. Only after that do we rehearse the songs in the studio. The process has been pretty much the same for “The Will to Endure“ So, technology has definitely helped. But, of course, there’s a downside—these days, anyone with a DAW can release music, even if they have no fucking clue how to play an instrument.
Many bands struggle with maintaining cohesion after long breaks. How has the chemistry between band members evolved during this time?
It’s actually been really natural. A big part of that is because Andrew always had the vision for Highroad No. 28, so it wasn’t like trying to resurrect something that had lost its identity. Everyone involved now is fully committed, and that makes a difference.
Beyond ‘The Will to Endure’, what’s next for Highroad No. 28? Are there plans for more tours, collaborations, or other projects?
Right now, the focus is on getting “The Will to Endure” out and playing live again. But beyond that? Anything’s possible, man. The band is back, and there’s a lot of music still to be made.
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