Elegant Weapons Fire Up with Evolution: Richie Faulkner Opens Up
Since its inception, the 'Streaming For Vengeance' series has become a relentless force in the metal landscape, and the 'Rapid Fire' segment is where the real magic happens. BraveWords has taken the plunge deep into the grit and glory of heavy metal, sitting down with none other than Richie Faulkner, the blazing guitarist of Judas Priest, and his band Elegant Weapons. Their latest album, 'Evolution,' is a testament to the unyielding spirit of rock, and Faulkner is here to spill the metal beans.
When asked about his metal gods, Faulkner doesn’t flinch, immediately citing the legendary Glenn Tipton as his ultimate inspiration. "Glenn has always been my metal god—seeing how he crafts his magic on stage, especially now that he’s not always there, has hit me hard. It’s a stark reminder of how precious our heroes are," he reflects, paying homage to the man who shaped so many lives with his riffs. Faulkner’s list doesn’t stop there; he throws in heavyweights like Iommi, Schenker, and even Ozzy, proving that the metal pantheon is vast and deeply personal.
But Faulkner isn’t just about the heavyweights; he’s also got a sense of nostalgia that runs deep. When reminiscing about the iconic hand gesture of metal—the horns—he chuckles, admitting he can't pinpoint the first time he encountered them. Instead, he offers a heartwarming snapshot of his daughter learning the horns from Rob Halford backstage. "It’s a moment frozen in time that I’ll cherish forever," he says, showcasing that the legacy of metal is as much about family as it is about thunderous riffs.
As the conversation flows, Faulkner recalls his first concert, a surprising detour from metal to the pop-rock realm with Bryan Adams at Wembley Arena. "It was mind-blowing; his band is still intact, and he’s still got that killer voice!" he exclaims, proving that even metal heads have their soft spots. The nostalgia of that era is palpable, and Faulkner’s appreciation for Adams’ songwriting is a reminder that great music transcends genres.
When the subject shifts to Judas Priest, Faulkner’s passion ignites. He recounts hearing 'Painkiller' for the first time, realizing it was the same band behind the hits he had been grooving to. "It was like discovering a treasure chest of metal gems. From 'Stained Class' to 'Killing Machine', each album was a revelation!" The excitement in his voice is infectious, and it’s clear that Faulkner's journey through the heavy metal archives has only deepened his reverence for Priest.
With 'Evolution' now unleashed upon the world, Richie Faulkner stands as a testament to the enduring power of heavy metal—a genre that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. As the thunder of guitars fills the air, one thing is crystal clear: the legacy of metal is in good hands.