Elegant Weapons, the hard rock and heavy metal outfit led by Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest, has unveiled a brand-new single titled “Bridges Burn”. The track serves as the first taste of the band’s upcoming second album, “Evolution”, which is scheduled for release on April 24, 2026 via Exciter Records.
The album will arrive digitally and on CD on April 24, 2026, while a special edition vinyl pressing is planned for release later in the year.
The lead single, “Bridges Burn”, is already available on all major streaming platforms. Watch the official lyric video below.
Elegant Weapons boasts a powerful lineup featuring guitarist Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest, vocalist Ronnie Romero (known for his work with Rainbow and Michael Schenker Group), bassist Dave Rimmer of Uriah Heep, and drummer Christopher Williams from Accept.
With “Evolution”, the band takes its sound to the next level, blending razor-sharp riffs, arena-ready hooks, and technical precision with the chemistry built from years of touring and collaboration. The album was co-produced by Richie Faulkner alongside Andy Sneap (Judas Priest’s touring guitarist and producer of Firepower and Invincible Shield), with recording sessions taking place across Nashville, Europe, and France—a truly global effort that mirrors the band’s international pedigree.
“This record represents growth in every sense,” said Richie Faulkner. “When the four of us come together, we sound like ELEGANT WEAPONS. We’ve spent time on the road, we’ve developed a chemistry, and you can hear that evolution in the performances. I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I’m excited to begin this next chapter with Exciter Records”.
For Exciter Records, signing Elegant Weapons represents a strategic step into contemporary metal while strengthening the label’s longstanding connection to the genre’s roots. Together with its publishing partner Reach Music, Exciter recently acquired Judas Priest’s seminal early albums “Rocka Rolla” and “Sad Wings of Destiny”, making this collaboration with Richie Faulkner and the band a natural evolution of that legacy into a new era.
“Richie Faulkner is not only one of the most respected guitarists as a member of JUDAS PRIEST, but he is also a leader in forming and developing ELEGANT WEAPONS,” said Michael Closter, founder and president of Exciter Records. “Signing ELEGANT WEAPONS is a natural step for Exciter Records as we continue to honor metal’s heritage while investing in its future.”
The album features standout tracks including the opener “Evil Eyes”, the groove-driven anthem “Generation Me”, and the lead single “Bridges Burn”, alongside the instrumental “Rupture”, an emotionally charged composition inspired in part by Faulkner’s life-threatening onstage medical emergency in 2021.
With “Evolution”, ELEGANT WEAPONS solidify their identity as a band defined not simply by pedigree, but by forward momentum.
Track listing
01. Evil Eyes
02. Generation Me
03. Bridges Burn
04. Holy Roller
05. Come Back To Me
06. The Devil Calls
07. Thrown To The Wolves
08. Shooting Shadows
09. Rupture
10. Mercy Of The Fallen
11. Keeper Of The Keys
