Duff McKagan's Loaded - The Taking

How long can you live off your past?  There are a lot of guys that try to live off their past, to establish their own thing.  Some succeed, but some fail miserably.  In the case of Guns N Roses, there have been so many members, that it would take a statistician to figure out who all has been in the band.  The main/original guys are/were Slash, Duff, Izzy and let's even say Adler.  These were the original guys, but do they stay relevant outside of G n R?  Well the jury is out.  Some say yes, some say no and others just don't give a fuck.  Yours truly, is probably in the latter 3rd.  Believe me, I 'll check out anything these guys do, but I'm not going to lick their balls and say it is great because they were in G n R.  Don't get me started on G n R.

Duff McKagan is branching out, as his counterpart Slash, and trying to start his own thing.  Even though they have Velvet Revolver, I'm sure they want to keep busy, during the hiatus.  Like Slash, he has only experienced a moderate bit of success, outside of the G n R regime, but I'm sure he hopes to strike pay-dirt, with his new band Loaded.  The band has just released their 2nd CD, The Taking which hit stores a few months back. 

The Taking has kind of a punk/groove thing going on.  The first song to somewhat grab me was the 2nd tune of the disc Executioners Song.  It is a cool track with a classic Black Sabbath feel to it.  I like the groove, but unfortunately, as with most of the disc, Duff's vocals fall a little short. The one thing is that Duff's vocals start off week, but seem to get better as the CD progresses.  The following track Dead Skin is definitely the best track on the CD.  It is a poppier, more melodic track, which is catchier than anything else on the album.  High point on the CD is the axework from guitarist Mike Sqires.  Dude is not the best guitarist ever, but is very tasteful and adds alot to each track.  Not a bad CD, but not a great one either.  Fans of buzz rock will probably dig this one.

Bottom Line:  A nice mix of buzz rock and punk.  The majority of the songs are catchy, but not spectacular.  For fans of buzz rock, ala Foo Fighters

Standout Tracks: Executioner's Song, Dead Skin and She's an Anchor.

-Ragman is needing sleep......

Nazereth - Big Dogz

Another classic rock sound from one of the classic rock bands, but best suited for die-hard fans.Can you teach an old dog new tricks?  More than likely, no.  And that is the case with most rock bands from back in the day; once they have a sound they stick to it.  The problem is, is it still relevant?  Scottish legends Nazereth have just released their 22nd album in their 40+ year career.  To be honest, I only really know two songs from the band, which are Hair of the Dog and Love Hurts.  I was blown away recently to hear that they have been going consistently, for the most part, for 40+ years.  That being said, the band has just released Big Dogz, which is their 2nd of this decade.  Who knew?  I surely didn't, but I have to say I was intrigued.  Not being the biggest fan of the band, "Hell, I didn't even know they were still together," I was curious to see what they sounded like today.

For you classic rockers, the band is still somewhat intact and the music is still true to what they were known for, back in the day.  The majority of the tracks on the CD sound as if they were written back in the 70's; in the hay day of the band.  I'm not sure if some of the tracks were leftovers from back in the day, or if this is just the way these guys write, but fortunately for them, they work for what they are.   Don't get me wrong, there are some nice hooks, with some catchy melodies, but unfortunately they didn't really grab me.  I have to admit, I was surprised by some of the songs, but the sound got a little too dated for me.  For classic rock junkies only.

Bottom Line:  New classic rock, from a classic band.  A 70s band churning out tunes as if it were still the 70s.  The band still sounds good, but have not adapted with the times, but would you want that anyway?  The songs on this CD are okay, but just fair.  There are a few standouts, but nothing that is going to stick with you.  For Nazereth die-hards only.

Standout Tracks: Big Dogz, Claimed, Radio and The Toast

- Ragman is starting to feel old...

Bloodbound - Unholy Cross

These guys may not impress with innovation, but they are solid and consistent - and that rocks.Bloodbound are back with their 4th studio album entitled Unholy Cross.   Often confused as a black metal band, with a power metal complex, Bloodbound have been putting out solid music for the last 7 years.  The band has been replacing vocalists like you change your trash bags, but at least they have been consistent in the music that they provide.  The newest vocalist to take the reigns is Patrick Johansson of Dawn of Silence fame.  Patrick continues the same powerful Bruce Dickinson-ish vocal style of Urban Breed (Original vocalist of the band), without really altering the band's signature sound. 

Bloodbound is a power metal band that sings of the dark side.  Their lyrics are darker than most traditional power metal bands, but the melody is still there.   Instead of singing of dragons and warriors, they sing about the dark one.  Unholy Cross oozes of traditional 80's meat and potatoes metal, with the power metal vibe sprinkled in, to add more flavor.  The songs are well structured and cry out for you to sing along. Most of the songs contain solid hooks with melodic choruses.  Not all the songs hit the mark, but the majority do.  This one has grown on me with repeated listens.  Worth checking out.

Bottom Line: Solid power metal from a somewhat veteran band.  The band is 7 years in, and appear not to be losing any ground.  Good solid melodic songs that contain solid ripping and solid musicianship.  It may not blow your doors, but is likely to stay in the rotation for awhile.

Standout Tracks: Reflections of Evil, The Ones We Left Behind, Together We Fight and Unholy Cross

- Ragman is on a tear...

The Metal Minute #6

This week, Genghis changes things up by talking a bit about how some of the old guard in metal are embracing change and what that means for the metal genre overall.  Guys like Tommy Lee and Geoff Tate are in the news lately showing real signs of a willingness to change to exist and compete in today's business climate as working musicians and that's saying something.  Cuz musicians aren't exactly known for their flexibility.

Hit up the discussion forums for further talk about the subject as a possible expatiation in an upcoming podcast.

- Genghis knows that you know that he used the word "expatiation" (damn straight, bitches)...

The Metal Minute #6

Podcast #122: Written

Who says you can't have two high profile jobs and be successful? You? Ahh, shaddap!Who is your favorite songwriting duo?  Is it Lennon/McCartney, Perry/Tyler, Page/Plant?  Join Genghis & Ragman as they discuss some of the strongest songwriting teams in rock and metal history.   Are there any new duos that can compare to the legends? Tune in to find out.  Next, the boys cornered vocalist/guitarist Marc Colombo from Free Reign for a heart to heart as he discusses how he splits his time between being an offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys and being the front man for a heavy metal band.

DVD of the Show: In Flames - Used and Abused: In Live We Trust

Beer of the Show: Schmaltz - Coney Island Lager  Beer Rating: 3.5

2nd Beer of the Show: Cannery Blackberry Porter  Beer Rating: 3.5

Guest Sound Man:  "Ah-nuld"

Featured Tracks: The Haunted - Unseen; In Flames - Sleepless Train; Led Zeppelin - Since I‘ve Been Loving You; Iron Maiden - Killers; Bonfire - The Price of Loving You; Dream Theater - You Not Me; Vince Neil - Promise Me; Deep Purple - Perfect Strangers; Free Reign - Last Goodbye, One Step Away and In Your Head

Classic of the Show:  Zebra - Who’s Behind the Door

Genghis Pick of the Week:  Across the Sun - Descent and Discovery

Ragman Pick of the Week: Mr. Big - As Far As I Can See

- Ragman has some catchin' up to do...

Podcast #122: Written