Richie Faulkner Reflects on Metal Legacy with Elegant Weapons' 'Evolution'
In a world where heavy metal is both a badge of honor and a relentless beast to tame, Richie Faulkner stands at the forefront with his latest project, Elegant Weapons. Joined by a powerhouse lineup featuring Ronnie Romero, Dave Rimmer, and Christopher Williams, the band has just unleashed their sophomore album, 'Evolution', a testament to the enduring spirit of metal. On a recent episode of Streaming For Vengeance, Faulkner, the leather-clad luminary of Judas Priest, dove deep into the metal psyche, sharing stories that resonate with fans and musicians alike.
Having spent over 15 years in the hallowed halls of Judas Priest, Faulkner's connection to the band's classic catalog runs deeper than mere nostalgia; it's woven into the fabric of his very existence. Reflecting on his early days strumming Priest classics in cover bands, he recalls the moment he first learned the riffs of 'You've Got Another Thing Comin'' and 'Breaking The Law'. “You’ve got to play that stuff,” he admits, acknowledging the enormous shadow cast by the band's legacy. “That music is going to outlive us and for good reason.” With every note, Faulkner honors the giants who paved the way, recognizing that their music is destined to echo through the ages.
As the conversation unfolds, Faulkner candidly reveals that even the most seasoned musicians grapple with the weight of their past. “All of them!” he laughs, when asked about songs that challenge him. As age creeps in, so do the realities of performing at a high level, especially when the adrenaline of live shows kicks in. “You burn yourself out within three songs,” he explains, highlighting the physical demands of not just playing, but performing. The challenge isn’t merely technical; it's about delivering a legacy to both die-hard fans and fresh faces alike, ensuring that every performance lives up to the towering expectations set by the Priest legacy.
When it comes to the iconic twin guitar attack that defined Judas Priest, Faulkner and his bandmate Andy Sneap are acutely aware of the legacy they inherit. “There’s a couple of moments in this set where you have to do that stuff, you know?” he muses, referencing the synchronized moves during 'Living After Midnight' and 'Breaking The Law'. Yet, he also understands the fine line between homage and imitation. “If you try too hard, it becomes forced,” he warns, demonstrating a thoughtful balance of respect for the past while carving out their own path in the metal landscape.