Mark Morton - Without The Pain
- Samuel Stevens
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
By shifting gears from the hard-hitting, groove-laden riffs of Lamb of God to the warm twang of country, southern rock, and blues rock, Mark Morton’s sophomore solo album, Without The Pain, is a bold reinvention. To be released on April 11, 2025, via Spinefarm and Snakefarm Records, the record captures Morton at his most authentic and reflective, delivering a heartfelt tribute to the sounds that shaped his musical upbringing.
Morton has long hinted at his deep appreciation for southern rock, citing some bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, and Molly Hatchet as formative influences. With Without The Pain, he finally embraces that love wholeheartedly, enlisting an all-star cast of country, blues, and rock artists to bring his vision to life. The result is an album that seamlessly blends the grit of outlaw country with the swagger of blues rock, all while retaining the intricate guitar work and emotional depth Morton is known for.
Produced by longtime collaborator Josh Wilbur, Without The Pain boasts an impressive lineup of guest artists, each adding their own unique flavour to Morton’s compositions. The album opens with “Hell & Back,” featuring Jaren Johnston of The Cadillac Three, a fiery southern rock anthem packed with bluesy swagger and down-home attitude. Cody Jinks lends his unmistakable baritone to two standout tracks, including the hauntingly raw “Brother,” a song about family estrangement and reconciliation that was born out of a late-night writing session with Jinks and Travis Denning.
Speaking of Denning, the Georgia-born country artist contributes to two tracks, including “Kite String” and the album closer, “Home,” both showcasing the softer, more introspective side of Morton’s songwriting. Meanwhile, Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr and Americana luminary Jason Isbell join forces on “Come December,” a soulful, bittersweet track that feels tailor-made for a long drive down a dusty highway.
For those craving a touch of heaviness, Without The Pain doesn’t completely abandon Morton’s metal roots. Mastodon’s Troy Sanders makes an appearance on “Nocturnal Sun,” a doom-laden track that rumbles with intensity, while blues shredder Tyler Bryant delivers an electrifying guitar duel with Morton on the psychedelic-tinged “Forever In The Light.”
One of the most exciting moments on Without The Pain is Morton’s take on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “The Needle and the Spoon,” featuring Clutch’s Neil Fallon. It’s a fitting homage to one of Morton’s greatest influences, delivered with reverence and a gritty, soulful energy. The title track, fronted by Matt James of Blacktop Mojo, is another highlight, fusing soaring melodies with anthemic choruses that beg for a live sing-along.
Beyond its impressive guest list and stellar musicianship, Without The Pain succeeds because it feels deeply personal. Morton’s songwriting is raw and honest, exploring themes of longing, redemption, and self-discovery. Tracks like “Dust,” featuring Cody Jinks and teenage guitar prodigy Grace Bowers, and the melancholic “Home” show an artist unafraid to be vulnerable, allowing his lyrics to take center stage as much as his guitar work.
Mark Morton could have played it safe, sticking to the tried-and-true formula of his metal roots, but Without The Pain is a testament to his artistic growth and fearless creativity. The album doesn’t just dip its toes into country and blues rock—it fully embraces it, crafting a cohesive and compelling journey through Morton’s influences.
With top-tier collaborations, masterful guitar work, and emotionally charged songwriting, Without The Pain is a career-defining statement. Whether you’re a longtime Lamb of God fan curious to hear a different side of Morton or a country-rock aficionado looking for a fresh take on the genre, this album is well worth your time.