Mark Morton Talks Chester Bennington, Solo Album Without The Pain & Lamb Of God’s Future On The Loaded Radio Podcast

TL;DR:

Lamb Of God guitarist Mark Morton joins the Loaded Radio Podcast to talk about his soulful new solo album Without The Pain, collaborating with late Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, the creative process in Lamb Of God, and his honest thoughts on both current and former bandmates.

Mark Morton Unleashes His Blues-Driven Side With Without The Pain

Mark Morton isn’t just the riff-slinging guitar beast from Lamb Of God. On this week’s episode of the Loaded Radio Podcast, the guitarist pulls back the curtain on his newest solo release Without The Pain, a record steeped in blues, southern rock, and emotional depth.

Released via Rise Records, Without The Pain features a diverse lineup of guests, including Cody Jinks, Neil Fallon (Clutch), Grace Bowers, Jason Isbell, Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), and Jaren Johnston (The Cadillac Three). It’s a sharp turn from the punishing rhythms of Lamb Of God, yet unmistakably Mark Morton.

During the podcast, Morton explains how the album was years in the making, allowing him to fully explore the stylistic roots that shaped his musical identity long before he ever set foot on a metal stage. 

Collaborating With Chester Bennington: The Story Behind “Cross Off”

One of the most emotionally resonant points of the podcast is Morton’s reflection on working with late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington. The two teamed up on “Cross Off,” a standout track from Morton’s 2019 debut solo album Anesthetic.

Morton opens up about the power of that collaboration — how Bennington brought a raw intensity to the track, and how the session still resonates with him today.

Lamb Of God, Sobriety, And Looking Forward

Of course, no conversation with Mark Morton is complete without diving into Lamb Of God. In this episode, he shares honest reflections on the band’s internal dynamics — both past and present.

Morton touches on his long journey with sobriety, how it's impacted his creative process, and how the band’s chemistry continues to evolve after more than two decades of making heavy music together.

Morton also hints at what's ahead for Lamb Of God, suggesting that while his solo work is a vital creative outlet, there's plenty of fuel left in the fire when it comes to the band's future output.

Listen To The Full Interview

Want to hear Mark Morton discuss songwriting secrets, guest collaborations, Lamb Of God’s legacy, and his love of southern blues? Hit play on the podcast episode below and get the full story straight from the man himself.

FAQ

Q: What is Without The Pain by Mark Morton? A: It's Mark Morton’s second solo album, exploring blues and southern rock influences with a range of guest musicians.

Q: Who features on Without The Pain? A: The album includes appearances by Cody Jinks, Neil Fallon, Grace Bowers, Jason Isbell, Jaren Johnston, and more.

Q: Did Mark Morton work with Chester Bennington? A: Yes, on the track “Cross Off” from his first solo album Anesthetic in 2019.

Q: Is Mark Morton still in Lamb Of God? A: Absolutely. Morton continues to be a key creative force in Lamb Of God while exploring other musical avenues through solo work.

Q: What did he say about Chris Adler? A: Morton remains reluctant to discuss the former Lamb Of God drummer and the reasons behind his departure.

Mark Morton Bio

Mark Morton is the longtime lead guitarist for the Grammy-nominated groove metal band Lamb Of God. Known for his tight, aggressive riffing and technical solos, Morton has been a core part of the band since its early days as Burn the Priest.

Outside of Lamb Of God, Mark has carved out a distinct solo identity that explores blues, southern rock, and deeply personal themes. His 2019 debut solo album Anesthetic featured collaborations with artists like Chester Bennington and Jacoby Shaddix, while his 2025 release Without The Pain leans further into heartfelt, roots-driven territory. Morton is also open about his sobriety and personal growth, often using music as a vehicle for emotional expression. He remains one of heavy metal’s most versatile and thoughtful guitarists.