Mark Morton, guitarist and songwriter for the Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling band Lamb of God, recently opened up about the evolution of his musical identity during an interview with Riff X’s “Metal XS.” Discussing his latest solo effort Without The Pain, Morton emphasized that he has never confined himself to the label of just a heavy metal guitarist. While acknowledging the extraordinary talent of musicians who focus solely on metal, Morton explained that his creative spirit has always sought expression beyond the genre’s boundaries. He described his solo work not as a departure from Lamb of God, but as an extension of his artistic journey—one that reflects his personal listening preferences and deeper musical roots. He expressed his ongoing love and commitment to Lamb of God, while simultaneously embracing the freedom to explore other sounds that have always resonated with him.
Morton also addressed the collaborative nature of songwriting within Lamb of God, describing it as a space built on mutual trust and artistic respect. He shared that when disagreements arise within the band, it becomes clear when one member feels particularly passionate about a musical direction. In those moments, the others often defer to that conviction. Whether it’s guitarist Willie Adler or vocalist Randy Blythe, Morton said the group values each other’s artistry, and that giving one another creative space isn’t a liability—it’s a strength. This trust has allowed the band to thrive and evolve while maintaining their unique identity.
His new album, Without The Pain, represents a notable shift from his work with Lamb of God. Deeply inspired by blues, southern rock, and Americana, the album showcases Morton’s southern roots and personal influences. Collaborators on the album include Cody Jinks, Jaren Johnston of The Cadillac Three, Charlie Starr from Blackberry Smoke, Tyler Bryant and The Shakedown, Travis Denning, and guitarists like Grace Bowers and Jason Isbell. These partnerships contribute to an album that bridges multiple genres, blending outlaw country, rock, and blues while still featuring Morton’s signature guitar work.
Reflecting on why it took so long to create an album like Without The Pain, Morton noted that developing the confidence and independence to pursue such a personal musical path was a journey. His 2019 solo debut Anesthetic served as the first step, offering a different sound while still rooted in metal. That experience, combined with the positive response from fans, helped Morton realize that his audience was willing to explore with him. He said the creative freedom gained from Anesthetic gave him the assurance to fully lean into the kind of music he has loved all his life—the kind that lies at the foundation of his playing. Identifying himself first and foremost as a blues player, Morton said this latest album felt like something he had long been waiting to create.
When asked whether Without The Pain serves as a form of therapy, Morton explained that some songs are deeply personal while others are purely storytelling. For instance, the track “Home” is intensely personal, and “Brother” and the title track contain elements drawn from his lived experiences. However, songs like “Hell & Back” and “Come December” are narrative-based rather than autobiographical, with the latter being more of a fictional story. He described other tracks like “Nocturnal Sun” and “Forever In The Light” as more abstract, showing that not all songs on the album are direct reflections of his personal life.
Morton elaborated further on the songwriting process, pointing out that songs often include lines inspired by real life, even if the overall narrative is fictional. Given the collaborative nature of songwriting, different contributors may infuse their own experiences, shaping a song that ultimately takes on a life of its own. According to Morton, the most powerful music happens when a listener connects with a song and makes it part of their own story. Authenticity in this context doesn’t necessarily mean factual autobiography—it means conveying an emotion or feeling in a way that resonates with others.
Through Without The Pain, Mark Morton has crafted a project that goes far beyond genre constraints. It’s a reflection of the full range of his musical identity, shaped by lifelong influences and enriched by a spirit of collaboration. The album not only reaffirms his versatility as a guitarist and songwriter but also offers listeners a deeper, more personal glimpse into the artist behind the metal legacy.
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