Album Review: Mark Morton - Anesthetic

Utilising Slash's first solo record and Dave Grohl's Probot project as templates, Lamb Of God riff-meister Mark Morton's songwriting restlessness has seemingly compelled him to craft his debut solo LP.

Morton not only enlisted numerous vocalists, but a plethora of rock/metal royalty such as Roy Mayorga, David Ellefson and Mike Inez to flesh out the musicianship. The end result feels akin to a man tackling a task with the wide-eyed enthusiasm of a kid in Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.

Anesthetic draws from Lamb Of God's bruising groove metal, but also the likes of blues and rock. Opener Cross Off's an immediate banger, and the sleazy Back From The Dead feels like a heavier take on singer Josh Todd's Buckcherry day job. But they're contrasted with growers that offer elements ripe for discovery with each listen. Note Mark Lanegan's distinctively moody tones on the folky Axis, or the blues, jazz and soul-flavoured Reveal, punctuated by Naeemah Z Maddox's smooth vocals.

Metallers will definitely find something to sink their teeth into, though. Aforementioned, groove-laden Cross Off features late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, who veers between rapping and screaming in a fashion that makes one ponder what could have been had he pursued more aggressive fare. With Lamb Of God having borrowed liberally from thrashers Testament, it's a thrill hearing frontman Chuck Billy's gruff style on the visceral, if surprise-free The Never. Lamb Of God growler Randy Blythe appearing on The Truth Is Dead could have been a questionable move, but he gels nicely with Arch Enemy's Alissa White-Gluz.

Morton will soon return to conquer the world's stages elsewhere, but he's clearly revelling in this fresh creative outlet.