Elegant Weapons - Evolution (2026) | Review - Stef Metal

    Looking for new releases I found new album from Elegant Weapons, heavy metal supergroup composed of musicians such as Ronnie Romero and Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest. Sounds great, isn't it? So that's how Evolution hit my music player. Here are some sentances from internet reviews of Elegant Weapons's new album.

"Elegant Weapons push their modern metal vision forward on 'Evolution', the follow‑up to their 2023 debut. Built around Richie Faulkner’s muscular riffing and melodic sensibility, the album delivers a heavier, sharper and more cohesive sound(...). Faulkner’s songwriting leans into classic metal roots while embracing a contemporary edge, pairing driving rhythms with soaring vocal hooks and precision‑crafted guitar work.(...)"
Rock Report 3.4/6

---

"The supergroup second album is a graveyard. Half the time the chemistry never gels, the other half the band overcorrects and drowns in pedigree. (...) the band sounds tighter and more locked-in than they did on Horns For A Halo. (...)
Faulkner built this record for full-album listening, not playlist clipping. Most cuts run between three and six minutes, sit in midtempo, and trade flash for songcraft. That’s a defensible choice, and it pays off on the back half — but it also means the album rarely moves out of second gear(...)"
My Global Mind 7/10

---

"It was always more than just another side project, (...). Richie Faulkner is still best known as guitarist with the almighty JUDAS PRIEST, but ELEGANT WEAPONS increasingly look like a major part of his legacy. (...) Since the debut's release, that lineup has changed, (...), and the music on the aptly named "Evolution" reflects that personnel shuffle, as Faulkner's songwriting has taken a more deliberate turn into hard rock, blues and AOR spheres. . (...)"
BLABBERMOUTH.NET 8 / 10

---

"(...) The sophomore release is called “Evolution”, and the album showcases an evolution. In fact, it is more of a significant development.(...)
There are several factors that make “Evolution” a great release. Firstly, there is the powerful production, with Faulkner and Andy Sneap co-producing the album. The combination of Faulkner and Romero also gives this release a special feel. It’s as if the guys have really found each other, providing the album with an inspiring blend of hard rock and metal.
The metallic, shining opener, “Evil Eyes” features Faulkner’s powerful guitar playing at the forefront. With some Priest-esque riffs at the beginning, the song immediately shows its passion for metal..(...)"
Markus' Heavy Music Blog 9/10

---

Average note: 7,5
My opinion is a bit diffrent. There are some killer moments, like “Evil Eyes”, but for me, there is too little of them for me, what makes me feel like the album lacks energy.
Tracklist:

1. Evil Eyes
2. Generation Me
3. Bridges Burn
4. Holy Roller
5. Come Back to Me
6. The Devil Calls
7. Thrown to the Wolves
8. Shooting Shadows
9. Rupture
10. Mercy of the Fallen
11. Keeper of the Keys

Line-up:
Ronnie Romero
Richie Faulkner
Dave Rimmer
Christopher Williams

My note
6/10
(what you think about this album - leave a comment)

Elegant Weapons | facebook