Elegant Weapons Announce ‘Evolution’: New Album, “Bridges Burn” Single and Historic Deal with Exciter Records

The story of Elegant Weapons continues to unfold with power and purpose. The band led by Judas Priest's Richie Faulkner has officially announced their second studio album, Evolution, set for release on April 24, 2026 via Exciter Records—a move that not only signals growth, but also reconnects with heavy metal’s deep-rooted legacy.

Following the momentum of their debut, Elegant Weapons return with a renewed sense of identity. Alongside Faulkner, the lineup features powerhouse vocalist Ronnie Romero, bassist Dave Rimmer and drummer Christopher Williams. What once felt like a high-profile collaboration now sounds like a fully formed band—tight, focused, and driven by shared experience.

A New Chapter Begins with “Bridges Burn”

The first single, “Bridges Burn,” offers a glimpse into this next phase. Built on a foundation of commanding riffs and soaring vocals, the track balances classic heavy metal energy with a contemporary edge. It’s a statement piece—confident, direct, and unmistakably Elegant Weapons.

“This record represents growth in every sense,” says Faulkner. “We’ve spent time on the road, developed chemistry, and you can hear that evolution in the performances.”

A Label with History — And Meaning

One of the most compelling elements surrounding Evolution is the band’s signing to Exciter Records. For fans of Judas Priest, the name carries historical significance, as it is tied to the early era of the band’s career in the 1970s.

Now, decades later, that legacy comes full circle. A project led by a current Priest guitarist joins a label that echoes the origins of the genre—creating a symbolic bridge between heavy metal’s past and present. It’s a rare alignment that adds an extra layer of depth to the release.

Label founder Michael Closter describes the signing as a natural step in honoring metal’s heritage while investing in its future—a philosophy that Evolution embodies from start to finish.

Record Shaped by Experience

The album’s tracklist reveals both intensity and introspection. Songs like “Evil Eyes,” “Generation Me,” and “The Devil Calls” promise driving energy, while the instrumental “Rupture” carries a deeply personal weight. The track is partially inspired by Faulkner’s life-threatening onstage medical emergency in 2021, adding emotional gravity to the record.

Other titles such as “Thrown to the Wolves,” “Shooting Shadows,” and “Keeper of the Keys” suggest a blend of classic storytelling and modern heaviness, reinforcing the band’s evolving sound.

Co-produced by Faulkner and Andy Sneap, Evolution was recorded across Nashville, Europe, and France—highlighting both its ambition and its global scope.

The Riff Collective