Taker

Taker started out as a Northern Virginia based Christian Metal band whose live set was comprised of mainly Stryper, REZ, Daniel Band, Barren Cross covers and one original, the Danny Wilkinson penned "He Is The Light". Songwriting began in earnest once guitarist Robert Bussey (then known by his nickname PJ) came on board and forged a sound somewhere in the realm of Scorpions, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath with Kevin Potter's vocal range and power rivaling that of Geoff Tate from Queenryche. Add to that the conviction in which they delivered their message and the combined package was a formidable metal powerhouse for the Kingdom Of God.
The band gained worldwide recognition when their debut 4 song demo received glowing reviews in White Throne Magazine and Heaven's Metal Magazine and soon the White Metal underground was a buzz about this band out of Virginia that had a Progressive Metal sound and a message they delivered with "demon slaying boldness" as one reviewer said.
Now an all original band, they played numerous concerts sharing the bill with White Cross, Believer, Second Chance, and later on, Haven.
In 1988, Taker contributed two songs to the Regency Records release "East Coast Metal", a follow up to the John and Dino Elephante' produced California Metal. The final result of the East Coast Metal versions of "Living By Faith" and "Yesterday, Today and Forever" did not measure up to the original versions as the producers were trying to emulate a Mutt Lang type production akin to Def Leppard's Pyromania album. With programmed drums, background singers, sequencers and someone other than Robert playing the guitar solos, the band's sound became very watered down and formulaic. The rationale from the producers was "trust us, this will lead to a record deal for you guys". The reviews were kind but did not exude the enthusiasm the band had gotten when they were in control of their sound.
Shortly thereafter, Kevin Potter needed to take leave and give himself and his family a much needed break from the rigors and the three night a week rehearsals that he hosted. Rob Kreiner, a Vineyard Worhip leader at the time and close friend of the band, stepped in for the band's final studio recording that they entitled "Blood". He also appeared live with the band for one show. Soon thereafter, Robert and Dan joined Armageddon in support of their album "The Money Mask".
Taker reunited for a couple of gigs after Armageddon, one as the opening act for Haven.
Dan and Robert continued their songwriting collaboration throughout the Nineties in the form of "The Calm", a progressive metal band featuring Robert's wife Ellyn on lead vocals, issuing a self tiled EP and the 1997 release "Confessions Of A Thirsty Tongue".
In 2004, Robert and Dan recorded instrumental versions of several Taker classics as a retrospective called Attic Symphony and was released through CD Baby.
Taker can rest in the fact that they saw many people come to Christ, enjoyed a worldwide fan base for a season, made some great friends, and had a unique chemistry and brotherly love that very few bands ever have, but the lack of an official full length album is a glaring omission in the eyes of many.