Taking Dawn

Taking Dawn are a heavy metal and hard rock group from Las Vegas, United States, active since 2007. The band later uses the name Devils Run from around 2013 to 2017. Its line-up includes Christopher Babbitt, Steve Anderson, Mikey Cross, Andrew Cushing, Tim D'Onofrio, Alan Doucette and Dee “DP” Puente.

Background

The band grows out of the Las Vegas rock scene and describes that city as central to its identity. Christopher Babbitt and Mikey Cross are both born at the same hospital and are delivered by the same doctor. Babbitt says he and Alan met in sophomore year at high school, and he later meets Cross in senior year after trying to form a band for years; the group comes together when he is 21. Babbitt takes the role of vocalist and guitarist, saying no one else can sing and that he steps up by default.

The early band story includes meeting and “screwing around” at Roberto’s Taco Shop. Babbitt and Cross also work security at the Hard Rock Hotel, and this leads to appearances as star security guards on the TruTV series Rehab.

Sound and influences

Taking Dawn’s music draws on classic hard rock and 1980s metal, while aiming for a more modern approach rather than a direct imitation. Babbitt names Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Bon Jovi and Skid Row among the acts that shape the band’s outlook. He also refers to Randy Rhoads and Marty Friedman as reference points for the kind of guitar style he wants to combine. The band rejects strict genre labels and presents its music as rooted in attitude, melody, shredding and solos.

Recordings and releases

Taking Dawn’s Roadrunner debut Time to Burn brings the band wider attention. The title track is the song that attracts Roadrunner’s interest because of its speed and energy. On that release, “Take Me Away” shows a more melodic side, while the band also records a version of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain”.

The band demos with Jason Suecof, known for work with Trivium and All That Remains, and later records with Elvis Baskette, who has worked with Chevelle and Incubus.

Lyrical themes and presentation

Babbitt presents the band as focused on music rather than rock-star excess, saying it does not revolve around heavy drinking or drug use. He also frames the lyrics of “Time to Burn” as a rejection of false heroes and a statement about playing hard without adopting a self-destructive image. “Take Me Away” is described as a song about a lady of the night, and the band uses it to show a more playful, hook-led side.