LOADED, the band formed by current VELVET REVOLVER bassist Duff McKagan (on guitar and vocals) after he left GUNS N' ROSES, will release a new album early next year via Century Media. A five-song EP will precede it in September.

"These are purely my songs," McKagan told Billboard.com. "It's probably more derivative of my earlier years of punk rock. It's a good rock 'n' roll band. It's fun, is what it is. There's no real business and no real drama. I'm really into no drama right now," he adds, noting Scott Weiland's recent rancorous departure from VELVET REVOLVER.

LOADED recently posted the third webisode (see below) featuring footage from the recording sessions for the group's new album. The sessions with producer Martin Feveyear are progressing well and they band already has several new tracks ready — "Roll Away", "Forgive Me", "Sick", "No More", "Southern Girl", "No Shame" and "Translucent".

In addition to McKagan, LOADED features drummer Geoff Reading (GREEN APPLE QUICK STEP), bassist Jeff Rouse (VENDETTA RED, ALIEN CRIME SYNDICATE) and guitarist Mike Squires (ALIEN CRIME SYNDICATE).

LOADED will embark on a European tour in September. Support on the UK/Ireland portion of the trek will come from THE LOYALTIES.

LOADED was formed in 1999 and has morphed several times, releasing two albums: 1999's "Live Episode" and 2001's "Dark Days".