Mark Morton – Without The Pain – Album Review

By Hannah Compton on April 29, 2025 • ( Leave a comment )

Former lead guitarist of heavy metal band Lamb of God, Mark Morton goes into a more southern rock direction with his album Without The Pain which is produced by longtime collaborator Josh Wilbur. An astonishing career that spans across 25 years, Morton dives back into his southern roots within this album but doesn’t steer too far from his metal background.

The album features collaborations with artists like Nikki Lane, Cody Jinks, Jaren Johnston (The Cadillac Three), Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown, Travis Denning plus guitar solos from Grace Bowers, Jason Isbell and more. Fans of Southern Rock should definitely enjoy this album. Elements of 90’s rock/grunge blended with a southern rock/outlaw country/traditional country sound – Without The Pain is addictive from start to finish.

Atmospheric, heavy, timeless and vibrant, Without The Pain feels nostalgic and is the album that I never knew I needed. There is something for everyone on this album and would be a great introduction to any fans of rock music who are reluctant to listen to country music because of the stereotypes it brings. Guitar solos to get completely lost in, the overall talent across the entire album is absolutely insane.

Hell & Back with Jaren Johnston from The Cadillac Three is the perfect opener. A somewhat hypnotic track, it has that kind of Tomorrow Never Knows vibe to it!

Former single Brother was an instant standout. It perfectly blends the finest elements of Southern country rock with traditional country. Some captivating guitar solos , the song also has a dark intensity in both its melody and vocals which delivers a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Title track Without The Pain is heavy in its rock theming and brings out the Lamb of God in Morton. Parts of the track also brought me back to the heavier side of Soundgarden.

Kite String with Travis Denning is wonderfully sweet. The riff gets you tapping along to it and it’s beautiful to see this side of Morton as really showcases his wide range of talent.

Come December (feat. Charlie Starr and Jason Isbell) delivers a rich gospel-rock edge which is driven by the presence of a pipe organ. With powerfully emotive vocals and intricate guitar solo’s, the song taps into the spirit of 1970s rock legends which brings a nostalgic, timeless energy.

Things go back to a more traditional sound with duet partner Nikki Lane in the song Down No More. More wicked guitar solos, the track has massive hit potential.

Dust holds exceptional guitar work from Grace Bowers and Morton which brings the song alive in so many ways. Live, this song will undoubtably be a favourite for the guitar solos alone.

Forever In The Light brings us the sensational collaboration with Tyler Bryant. Another hypnotic track with some fantastic musicianship, the dark elements of the song are really addictive.

Delving into a much heavier sound with Nocturnal Sun, the song (which features Troy Sanders and Jared James Nichols) seems to wipe away the existence of country music which isn’t a problem at all. Fans of heavy rock and metal should love this song, especially Lamb of God fans. The song of course, wouldn’t be complete without more guitar solos but it is the drums that really stand out here alongside metal vocals. A definite favourite.

The Needle and The Spoon (feat Neil Fallon) is a glam rock, glam metal tinged tune with a strong late 70’s, 80’s tone.

Closing with the track Home and featuring Travis Denning for the second time, it starts with a sweet recording of a child which I imagine is Morton’s. A delightful close with some mild Jazz groove elements to it, the song’s gentle edge is really enticing.

Without The Pain is an album full of masterful tunes that showcase an array of talent from all involved. Morton finds the perfect balance between genres such as rock, metal and country creating a sound and style so distinct, it feels like a genre of its own.

Tracklisting