DUFF McKAGAN'S LOADED - led by bassist Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES) - check in with the following update:

"Hey everyone. Sorry it's been awhile since our last blog here. Loaded has spent the last year writing and recording our new record, The Taking. Well, its done and is coming to your local record stores and internet music sites (iTunes, etc) on Tuesday, April 19th!

We are fucking ready for you all to hear it and get out on the road and bring the rock. We have posted up a few intitial dates... and will be posting more tour dates within the next few days.

See ya all out there!"

Eagle Rock Entertainment will release The Taking on vinyl on April 12th - one week before the release of the regular CD.

The Taking tracklisting:

'Lords Of Abaddon'

'Executioner's Song'

'Dead Skin'

'We Win'

'Easier Lying'

'She's An Anchor'

'Wrecking Ball'

'King Of The World'

'Cocaine'

'Your Name'

'Follow Me To Hell'

Fans have already been warmed up with tracks 'We Win' and 'Fight On', (currently available on all digital service providers). 'We Win' was played at Qwest Field, the home of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, McKagan’s hometown. It was also heard during the World Series on the MLB Network. Proceeds from downloads of 'Fight On', a song inspired by America’s military veterans, were donated to the Puget Sound Healthcare System veterans administration.

Check out a stream of the new song 'Dead Skin' below.

A Grammy and American Music Award-winning songwriter/recording artist who has sold over 100 million records, McKagan helped shape the music of an entire generation. He was a founding member of GUNS N' ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER, and formed Loaded in 1999. Though most widely know as rock’s premiere bassist, McKagan once again takes front and center on lead vocals and guitars. Long time Loaded members Jeff Rouse (bassist) and Mike Squires (guitar) return along with drummer Isaac Carpenter who joined in late 2009.

Recorded by Terry Date SOUNDGARDEN, PANTERA, METAL CHURCH), The Taking follows the band’s 2009 debut Sick.

“This record really sort of took a life of its' own, and the songs really revealed themselves to us as we went along,” says Duff. ”Terry Date came into the picture at a time when his genius ear helped to capture a sonic theme for the record. You can't underestimate what a guy like TD brings to the table. The Taking is the closest thing to a 'concept' record that I have ever been involved with. Pain, loss, triumph, and redemption. Life. Bring it.”

A feature-length film by Seattle filmmaker and documentarian Jamie Burton Chamberlin detailing the creation of The Taking (in the style of A Hard Day’s Night crossed with The Song Remains The Same), is due this summer. Check out a trailer below.

For more information, visit Duff-loaded.com.

'Dead Skin':