Highroad No. 28, the Australian heavy rock powerhouse, is back after a long hiatus, and they're not just returning – they're evolving. From their raw, angst-ridden EPs in the late '90s to the more melodic and introspective sounds of albums like ‘Stumbling to Divinity’, the band has always explored the depths of human experience.

Now, as they prepare to unleash their long-awaited third album, ‘The Will to Endure’, in November this year, we caught up with bassist James to discuss their journey, their evolution, and what fuels their enduring spirit. In our interview, we dig into their past, present, and future, exploring everything from their early days in the Australian heavy rock scene to the personal struggles that have shaped their music. So, without further ado, let's dive into the conversation.

Thanks so much for chatting with us today, James. When did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you?

“For me, it started when I was like 11. Just was always drawn to music. Just hearing music inspired me, man. I started with guitar but ended up on bass. For Highroad No. 28, it all started in the late ‘90s by Andrew, he's the founding member and main songwriter; he started the band when he was like 16 or something. He released the first Highroad No. 28 EP ‘Obscure Madness’ in 1999. The heavy rock scene back then in Australia was exploding.”

Can you tell us a bit about the band’s latest release and what it means to you?

“Well, the latest release is damn old man! It was called ‘Stumbling to Divinity’. I wasn't in the band then; Andrew had a different lineup. All I can say is he loves the music on the album but is not at all happy with the production. We are actually re-recording some of the album's tracks on our upcoming album ‘The Will to Endure’. And this is the album I want to discuss.”

Are there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when writing the new album?

“’The Will to Endure’, set for release in November this year, has been a long time coming. It’s about resilience, about fighting through the darkness, and finding that fire inside you that refuses to go out. There’s always been a wide range of influences, from classic heavy rock acts to more modern experimental sounds. But no one really specific. Lyrically and even musically, ‘The Will to Endure’ was shaped by personal struggles, life transitions, and the passage of time itself.

What was the songwriting process for the album? How did it all come together?

“Andrew had been writing and refining ideas for years, even during the band's hiatus. He basically demoed all the songs up, playing all the instruments, and then gave the tracks to me and the drummer as demos. I then tweaked the bass lines, and the drummer modified some of the beats, and we rehearsed them. I actually wrote a couple of songs myself for this album. Some songs came together naturally, while others took months to perfect. We experimented a lot.”

How would you describe the sound of the new album? Has there been a change or evolution in style since the band first began?

“There’s definitely been a massive evolution. The band's first two EPs, ‘Obscure Madness’ and ‘Dynamic Introspection’ were heavy rock and metal, with shouting-type vocals and crazy lyrics. We will still play some of that old material live. But even if you compare ‘The Will to Endure’ to the albums ‘Unsteady and Steady State’ and ‘Stumbling to Divinity’, you’ll hear a massive shift. The heaviness is still there, but we’ve expanded-- there's much more atmosphere, texture, and even more focus on melody. There’s an emotional weight to the songs that reflects where we are now.”

You’ve spoken about resilience driving the album, is that a central theme throughout the songs? Is there a moment in the release that really captures that idea?

“Well, Andrew wrote the lyrics but I'm 100% on board. The central message is this man- resilience. ‘The Will to Endure’ is exactly what it sounds like—a reflection on pushing through, surviving, and coming out the other side stronger. There are tracks on this album that hit deep emotionally, exploring themes of struggle, loss, love, and perseverance. One song in particular (without giving too much away) builds from a quiet, almost fragile beginning into an explosive, defiant finish. That kind of encapsulates the whole album—starting in the depths but rising with unwavering strength.”

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the band? Where do you see yourself in the next few years, both musically and personally?

“First and foremost, I, like the other guys, want to get back on stage. The energy of a live show is something we’ve missed, and we’re ready to reconnect with our audience. Beyond that, we want to keep creating, keep pushing ourselves musically. "The Will to Endure" isn’t just a comeback—it’s like a new chapter. Personally, I think we’re all just grateful to still be doing what we love. If we can keep making music that resonates with people, that’s all we could ask for.”

Are there any plans for once the album is released in November?

“Live shows are the priority. We’re currently in rehearsals for our first performances in over a decade, and we can’t wait to bring this album to life on stage. We’ll also be releasing singles leading up to the full album drop in November 2025, along with some behind-the-scenes content showing the making of the record. Beyond that, who knows? Just keep going, man.”

Is there anything you would like to say to our audience? How can they connect with you and help support you?

“Thanks a bunch for reading, appreciate any and all support, and check us out online!”

Highroad No. 28's return is more than just a reunion; it's a testament to the power of music to connect, to heal, and to inspire. As they prepare to unleash "The Will to Endure" upon the world, their journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the fire of creativity can burn bright. Keep an eye out for their new album this November, and be sure to catch them live as they bring their powerful music back to the stage.

For more from Highroad No. 28, find them today on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.