Loaded - The Taking (Album)
Duff McKagan’s Loaded is an assemblage of musicians that are each contributing a portion of their musical successes into the making of their latest release titled The Taking, an album that constitutes nothing short of an innovative masterpiece.
Duff McKagan was introduced to us as a bassist during the inception of super group Guns N' Roses. He has continued his musical journey in high profile band Velvet Revolver, made numerous guest appearances in scores of prestigious bands, and continues to go from strength to strength as a solo artist.
Duff McKagan’s Loaded was originally formed in 1998. They have experienced periods of what we might label a hiatus, but what was going on behind the scene was something quite different. Each time Loaded resurfaced it was with an extraordinary lineup of talented musicians and amazing music. Duff has confessed he is chasing that perfect song, so change is inevitable. If you can get your hands on any of Loaded's back catalog, do so.
The Taking features Mike Squires on guitar, Isaac Carpenter on drums, Jeff Rouse on bass, and Duff on vocals and rhythm guitar. The Taking feels tough and hard, full of dissident and unrefined rock, pure magnetism for producer Terry Date and his renowned unpretentious gusto for this style.
The album opens with “Lords of Abaddon” a legend about the forces of death and destruction, musically delivered like an armoured combat and vocals like ruby on a sword slicing through to your core. Grinding trenchant lyrics and razor sharp guitars slice it up on “Executioner’s Song." Classic bluesy punk melds with manic percussion offbeats in “Follow me to Hell." The first single from the album is “Dead Skin,” and between a luring choru, and blended guitar riffs to entrap you into getting your song on, this is pure grunt.
There are many interesting highs going on within the music arrangements. Each song has its own merits and Duff’s vocal ability is superlatively boisterous. One of the many highlights for me was the song “We Win” - there's a lot going on in this song, the arrangement and the chorus is catchy, it's radio friendly, and I’m tipping it to be the next single.
The Taking is inimitable, and another success for Loaded. T
