Loaded is Duff McKagan’s new rockband. The former bassist has clearly left his past behind, literally. Instead of a place in the spotlights, it seems he, together with Geoff Reading (Green Apple Quickstep), has chosen to live outside the Paradise City and focus on playing decent rock. And that’s what you get with Loaded.

Besides the ex-Gunner, Loaded is made up of drummer Geoff Reading (Green Apple Quickstep) and session/touring members from Danzig, Goatsnake and Infectious Grooves. That’s quite a resume indeed, but you’d be surprised how little there is to be foundof any of their previous groups.

Sure, there are some Guns ‘n Roses influences to be heard (in “Misery” for instance), but it’s mainly rock with a little bit of roll thrown in.

Duff’s lyrics are personal and deal with issues like addiction (“Dark Days”) and relationships (“Criminal”), so don’t expect a lot of rockstar egotrips here. Dark Days is a decent album from a very decent band. It’s not phenomenal, but then again, that probably wasn’t their goal in the first place.