Review | Mark Morton – Without The Pain

Snakefarm

Mark Morton, delivering hard-hitting, groove-laden guitar riffs for metal institute Lamb Of God, now releases his sophomore solo album called ‘Without The Pain’. However, be aware, as this new Morton solo effort is NOT a metal album! As the ten featured songs are a wonderful mix of country, southern rock, blues rock and rock. Seeing the fact that Morton has a deep appreciation for bands like Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd, this album does not really come as a surprise.

SOUTHERN ROCK AND COUNTRY

Morton delivers a stunning homage to Lynyrd Skynyrd with his version of ,,The Needle And The Spoon” from Skynyrd’s second studio album ‘Second Helping’ (1974), featuring singer Neil Fallon of Clutch. The album opens with the song ,,Hell & Back”, featuring country music and rock vocalist Jaren Johnston (The Cadillac Three). That one is a 100% southern rock anthem for sure, while ,,Brother” and ,,Dust” feature outlaw country music singer Cody Jinks.

More country influences can be heard on ,,Kite String” and ,,Home”, featuring singer and country hitmaker Travis Denning, as both truly carry that classic country feeling. But, for those who like it heavy, ,,Nocturnal Sun” is the heaviest song by far of this album, featuring Mastodon’s Troy Sanders on vocals and Morton really delivers some monster truck guitar riffage here. ,,Forever In The Light” offers a furious and electrifying guitar duel between Morton and blues shredder Tyler Bryant, while ,,Come December,” featuring Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) and Jason Isbell is probably the “sweetest” track of the entire album.

MARK MORTON – THE CONCLUSION

On this wonderful diverse album Morton’s band consists of bass player Tim Lefebvre (Tedeschi Trucks Band), drummer Gary Novak (Allan Holdsworth) and keyboardist Adam MacDougall (The Black Crowes). ‘Without The Pain’ is a very enjoyable listen, with top notch collaborations, extraordinary and skilled guitar work and more than excellent songwriting. So play it LOUD and enjoy! Listening tip: ,,Forever In The Light”.

Release date: 11 April 2025