Richie Faulkner, best known as the guitarist for Judas Priest, is bringing his side project Elegant Weapons back into the spotlight with the announcement of the band’s second album, Evolution. The record is set for release on April 24, 2026, and arrives alongside the hard-charging lead single “Bridges Burn.”
The album serves as the follow-up to the group’s 2023 debut, Horns for a Halo, and signals a new chapter for the band as they continue refining their blend of classic heavy metal swagger and modern production power.
A Supergroup Built On Metal Pedigree
Elegant Weapons features a lineup packed with experienced players from across the metal world. Joining Faulkner are powerhouse vocalist Ronnie Romero, known for his work with Rainbow and Lords of Black; bassist Dave Rimmer; and drummer Christopher Williams.
The album was co-produced by Faulkner and renowned metal producer Andy Sneap, a longtime collaborator who has also worked extensively with Judas Priest. Recording sessions took place across multiple studios in the United States and Europe, capturing the band’s growing chemistry after touring and writing together.
“Bridges Burn” Ignites The Album’s Arrival
The first taste of Evolution comes in the form of “Bridges Burn,” a high-energy track built around Faulkner’s razor-sharp riffing and Romero’s commanding vocals. The song blends classic metal intensity with modern punch, offering a glimpse into the heavier and more confident direction the band has taken on the new record.
Driven by galloping rhythms and a soaring chorus, the track channels the spirit of traditional heavy metal while still feeling contemporary, something Faulkner says was key to the band’s approach on the new album.
A Record Born From Growth
According to Faulkner, Evolution reflects how the band has developed since their debut. After spending time touring and writing together, the members found a stronger musical identity and deeper creative connection.
“The title really says it all,” Faulkner explained in discussing the album. “This band has grown since the first record, as players, as writers, and as a unit. You can hear that progression in every track.”
Personal Inspiration Behind The Music
One of the most intriguing tracks on the album is the instrumental “Rupture,” inspired by Faulkner’s dramatic on-stage medical emergency in 2021, when the guitarist suffered an aortic aneurysm during a Judas Priest performance. The experience, and his remarkable recovery, became a powerful source of inspiration for the music.
By channeling that moment into the album, Faulkner has turned a life-threatening event into a creative milestone.
A Powerful Next Chapter
With Evolution, Elegant Weapons aim to build on the foundation laid by their debut while pushing their sound forward. Combining veteran musicianship, modern production, and a renewed creative drive, the album positions the band as more than just a side project, it’s becoming a fully realized force in modern heavy metal.
And if “Bridges Burn” is any indication, Elegant Weapons are ready to make an even bigger impact with their second strike.
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