Highway Jack

Highway Jack is an Alternative Metal band from the Kortrijk region, Belgium. Founded in 2009, they were first inspired by no-nonsense rock 'n' roll bands. This resulted in a first EP with songs such as 'Electric' and 'Russian Roulette'. During this period they mainly developed a solid live reputation by successfully taking part in several local rock contests. Inspired by American and UK pop rock/punk bands, more melodic layers were introduced into their sound. Influences from progressive rock and djent, on the other hand, added a dark and more complex flavor to the mix. The combination of these genres resulted in their second self-titled EP with 'Chicago Skyline' released as a single. With this second EP they played local small festivals, bigger venues in Belgium like Botanique and De Kreun and did a UK tour in the London – Bristol region. The closing song on their second EP - 'This is dawn' – influenced them to go to a more raw and metal direction. After this second EP they stopped performing live to focus on writing new music and further developing their own musical direction. Now they are back with a renewed setlist ready to further expand their live reputation. Plans and recordings are being made for a third EP. The different musical paths shaped their own musical direction. Nowadays Highway Jack brings a mixture of raw riffs, complex grooves, spherical melodies and catchy to screaming vocals resulting in an energetic and dynamic unity.

History

Early days (2009 – 2010)

Highway Jack was founded in 2009 after the split of the bands mOrbus and Aia Hewick. Jonah (lead vocal) and Kevin (lead guitarist) of Aia Hewick teamed up with Robbie (lead vocal/guitarist) and David (drummer) of mOrbus. After spending a week in the Belgium region 'Ardennes' the foundation of the first version of Highway Jack was made. The love for a good rock 'n' roll riff, inspired by bands like Danko Jones, Buckcherry, and Backyard Babies, resulted in no-nonsense and straightforward rock music. The main element of their sound was that they didn't use a bass guitar. Instead, they used a baritone played through a bass amp, giving a low raw guitar sound. After some home recordings a first EP was born containing songs like 'Electric' and 'Russian Roulette'. During this period local rock contests were a popular way to promote your music, build a solid live reputation and expand your fan base. Highway Jack successfully took part in contests like 'Red Rock Rally', 'Hippodium', 'Rock rally Schippersweekend',…

Melody and pop rock/punk injection (2011 – 2015)

In search to add more 'musicality' to their straightforward riff-based music, Highway Jack added more melody and pop rock choruses in new songs. Mainly inspired by American and UK pop punk bands like Paramore, 30 Seconds to Mars, Deaf Havana and Mallory Knox.

To add the extra melodic layer to their music, some changes were made to the band members. Robbie returned to rhythm guitar and a bass guitar was added, played by a new member, Alexe.

The band also started experimenting with backing tracks during their live shows triggered by Ableton.

Most noticeable song during this period was 'Strange World'. Despite having written and recorded some decent pop rock songs, they never made it to a follow-up EP.

The band was in a transition phase during this period. Alexe left the band, Robbie switched over to bass guitar and a new virtuoso lead guitarist Dieter joined.

After a tragic fatal car accident involving co-founder Robbie, the band stopped playing for +- 1,5 years. However, out of love for music and respect for their dearest friend Robbie, they decided to go through with Highway Jack.

After a long and difficult search to find a new bass player, Ben joined the band. He showed lots of patience and respect for this situation. The band slowly revived, and Ben proved to be the perfect match to get the band forward again.

Metal influences (2015 – 2018)

The tough years left their mark. The music of Highway Jack became darker, heavier and more personal.

During this period, Dieter left the band to pursue personal ambitions abroad. The band decided not to replace him and instead go back to their roots as a 4 piece band.

Influenced by bands like Nothing More, Sikth, Architects, Karnivool,… they decided to add more elements from the metal genre (raw riffs, complex grooves and screaming vocals as most noticeable examples).

Because of the choice to work with only 1 guitarist, melodic and raw riff parts alternate, which adds an extra dynamic layer to their music.

COVID-19 Shizzle (2019-2021)

Uhhh yeah this period was... :(

Future direction (2022 - …)

The newest songs of Highway Jack prove that they have found their musical direction. They sound more mature and unique than in the early days. Rumor has it that recordings of a third EP are ongoing, so new music is to be expected soon!

The future looks bright again, let's see where their ambition takes them…

Main influences

Current: Karnivool, Nothing More, Muse, Russian Circles, Architects, Monuments, Northlane, Sikth, Meshuggah, Baroness, Black Peaks,... Early days: Danko Jones, Buckcherry, Backyard Babies Mid period: Paramore, Mallory Knox, Deaf Havana

Members

Current

● Jonah Holvoet – Lead Vocal (2009 – present)

● Kevin Velghe – Guitar (2009 – present)

● Ben Dewyn – Bass guitar (2013 – present)

● David Courtens – Drums (2009 – present)

Former

● Robbie Van Eeckhout – Bass guitar, guitar (2009 – 2012) - rip dearest friend

● Dieter Annys – Lead guitar (2011 – 2015)

● Alexe Moreels – Bass guitar (2010 – 2011)

References

This article "Highway Jack" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Highway Jack. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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