Highway Terrier Pushes the Envelope with Walking Weapon
Single Review ★ Kenzie Gay ★ @kenzwrites ★ 2 Minutes
During my almost three years of being a music journalist, I’ve been asked the same question countless times: why? Why do I do it if I’m not getting paid? Why do I spend so much time on it when I’m actively in college? Why does all (literally all) my money go towards it? There’s a varying number of answers I could give you. I love music, I find gratification in it, etc. but a particular answer that comes up at times is that watching an artist develop from start to finish is arguably the most beautiful thing to witness and experience - why wouldn’t I want to do it?
Ben Sherstinsky AKA the guitarist and creator of Highway Terrier. You know him, you love him. I was first introduced to the young rocker last Spring during our May 2025 interview where we discussed the Highway Terrier project, contemporary rock n roll, and his debut single Covid Blues. Though we’re less than a year in, the growth I’ve witnessed within Highway Terrier is incredible and that’s especially prominent when you listen to the new song: Walking Weapon.
Please note that the band is composed of lead vocalist Joshua Levi, drummer Johnny Moeller, bassist Brandon Ramirez, and Ben Sherstinsky on guitar though the new song's recording only features Ben on instrumentals/vocals.
Ben Sherstinsky shot by Joey MeierWalking Weapon is the lovechild of the greats. With each passing moment, I couldn’t help but think of a new rock star it reminded me of. Varying from CSNY, The Beatles, Billy Squier, Jane’s Addiction, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Joy Divison, and a personal inspiration of Sherstinsky’s: Greta Van Fleet, the song is a journey. A journey that most would be convinced was birthed in the 1970s, not 2026.
Sherstinsky has never shied away from authenticity and rawness, which is very prevalent within Walking Weapon. Completely written and performed by him, the song packs a gnarly punch much in thanks to his brilliant guitar work. The opening riff hits you like a freight train, melding in with his Lennon-Farrell approach at vocals, and the lyrics bring it on home.
Despite many artists that lean into the cryptic nature of their work, Highway Terrier has taken a transparent attitude towards Walking Weapon, explaining:
“In the midst of college blues, guitarist Ben Sherstinsky had turned a calm riff into something of an unbridled rage. Lyrics followed, with Ben narrating the story of a man who had endured the worst trauma imaginable--but came out of it a beast at life, an unstoppable force—the Walking Weapon. This song is about overcoming one's lowest points, and not only coming out of it a stronger person but also using that trauma to fuel one's motivations and actions after the fact. After writing the song, Ben recorded each instrument and vocals with this energy (electric and acoustic guitars, drums, bass, vocals). In the Davis, CA scenes it became an instant hit, with fans singing along at every show”.
Everything comes to a peak at the instrumental break near the 3:20 mark, where Sherstinsky puts all his cards on the table through an eclectic, commanding guitar solo. It’s gritty, skilled, and lingers long after Walking Weapon meets its conclusion.
Walking Weapon singlehandedly proves that the little guys are forces to be reckoned with. The Highway Terrier project may not have a major recording contract or millions of online followers yet but it can stand toe to toe with any and all of the modern icons - it is an utter blessing to know the music of Highway Terrier this early in the game. After this release, listeners old and new can keep up with Highway Terrier online (or in person if you’re in the Davis, California area) via Instagram and they can listen to Walking Weapon on repeat!
