From Nashville to Romania: Recording in a Global Lockdown
Though originally calling from just outside Nashville, Faulkner explained how Horns for a Halo was a truly international effort. “It was recorded during 2021 when the pandemic was still limiting travel,” he said. “Everyone did their parts at home or near where they lived, and then we sent everything over to Andy Sneap in the UK to pull it all together.”
Despite the challenges, he embraced the process. “Every record has its hurdles—when you're younger it might be budget or bad gear. This time it was just logistics, but that becomes part of the album’s story.”
A Lifelong Hendrix Devotee
It's no secret that Faulkner draws heavy inspiration from Jimi Hendrix. “He put the guitar right out front—sonically, visually, emotionally,” he shared. “That’s what did it for me. And all these years later, I still find myself playing Hendrix riffs like ‘In From the Storm.’ The guy was ahead of his time.”
From Strats to Gibsons: Finding the Right Tool
Richie’s journey with the guitar started with Hendrix-style Strats, but shifted to Gibsons as he began gigging professionally. “I didn’t know much about specs,” he laughed. “I just needed something that could handle everything from Santana to Sabbath, and the Les Paul through a Marshall did the job.”
A Record Years in the Making
Some of the material on Horns for a Halo had been floating around for a while, and finally giving those songs life was a major milestone for Faulkner. “Getting those ideas down with a killer band and performing them live has been a dream. Songs evolve when they hit the stage—they take on a new personality.”
Since it’s the debut record, Elegant Weapons has been performing the entire thing live. “When album two comes out, we’ll have to start mixing up the setlists,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll get to that Priest-level one day where you have to choose from 20 albums!”
Cover Choices and Fan Favorites
Elegant Weapons has been known to throw in some epic covers, including UFO’s “Lights Out” and Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” “Lights Out was almost on the record,” Richie said. “It’s a nod to my favorite guitarist, Michael Schenker, and it really fit the vibe.” War Pigs was added for a longer live set—“It just made sense.”
There were discussions of other covers too, including Fleetwood Mac’s “Oh Well” (originally by Peter Green), but it didn’t make the cut—maybe next time.
How Priest Influenced—but Didn’t Define—His Sound
When asked how Horns for a Halo compares to his work with Judas Priest, Faulkner was clear: “I wanted it to be its own thing. You’re not writing with Rob Halford or Glenn Tipton, so it naturally has a different flavor. There may be hints of Priest, but this is a different animal.”
And no, there’s no overarching concept—just a solid collection of riff-driven rock songs. “They’re from the same family, but it wasn’t mapped out. It was about seeing what came naturally.”
Tracking, Tuning, and Tone
The album is tuned down to D standard for most songs, except “Blind Leading the Blind,” which is in standard tuning. “It gives the songs a different weight,” he explained. “And hey, when you run out of licks, just change the tuning—it sounds fresh!”
Sequencing the album was another creative puzzle. “Some songs obviously belong at the beginning or end, but finding the right flow is like building a rollercoaster.”
Collecting More Than Just Guitars
When Richie isn’t shredding, he’s collecting—big time. “Guitars and amps, of course,” he said, “but I also just picked up the original 1988 Ninja Turtles figures—Splinter, Shredder, April… the whole gang.”
He’s also a lifelong Star Wars fan and collects Alien, Transformers, and other nostalgic memorabilia. “Boys and their toys,” he joked.
As for Priest memorabilia? “I’ve got some incredible gig-specific posters, like from the Fox Theatre in Detroit—one-of-a-kind stuff that reminds you of those unforgettable nights.”
Words of Wisdom
Asked for any final words, Faulkner kept it simple: “Just stay alive the best way you can. We’re looking forward to getting Elegant Weapons back out in the States soon—see you out there!”
Elegant Weapons – Horns for a Halo is available now.
Catch Richie Faulkner and his band on tour, and keep an eye out—you never know when that mystery track “Roseville” might surface…
Stay heavy.
- Metal Gods Radio-
Photo credit Matt Owen
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