Richie Faulkner, guitarist of heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST, has been working on his side project ELEGANT WEAPONS, which will release its sophomore album "Evolution" on April 24, 2026 via Exciter Records.

The band's lineup includes Faulkner, vocalist Ronnie Romero (RAINBOW, MSG), bassist Dave Rimmer (URIAH HEEP), and drummer Christopher Williams (ACCEPT).

ELEGANT WEAPONS' debut album "Horns For A Halo" was released in May 2023 via Nuclear Blast.

The new album will be co-produced by Faulkner alongside Andy Sneap, with the recording spanning Nashville, Europe, and France.

The lead single "Bridges Burn" is available now on all streaming platforms.

Watch the official lyric video below.

Exciter Records has acquired JUDAS PRIEST's landmark early albums "Rocka Rolla" and "Sad Wings Of Destiny", making the partnership with Richie Faulkner and ELEGANT WEAPONS a natural continuation of that legacy into a new era.