ALBUM REVIEW: Anesthetic – Mark Morton
For the last twenty-two years, Mark Morton has torn up the world as one fifth of American juggernauts LAMB OF GOD, his riffs and solos as the band’s lead guitarist helping to spearhead the so-called ‘New Wave of American Heavy Metal’ at the turn of the millennium and turn the Virginia outfit into one of the most beloved outfits of recent years. Now, he’s stepping out on his own with Anesthetic, his first solo effort that arrives on Friday via Spinefarm Records and involving a plethora of big talents from around the world, some of which would have never collaborated with his main project.
Before we get to some of the more surprising guests on the album though, there’s only one place to start and it’s opening song Cross Off, which as it stands is the final piece of music that the late, great Chester Bennington contributed his instantly recognisable vocals to. To hear his voice is a heart-wrenching experience, especially as he’s singing above music that is far closer to the sound he is most notable with than a lot of the latter day material LINKIN PARK produced. It’s a wonderful epilogue to the life and career of a brilliant musician, and the song’s big chorus and catchy hooks make it a strong opening for the album as a whole.
The hits keep on coming as well. Myles Kennedy of SLASH and ALTER BRIDGE fame is arguably the best rock vocalist in the world today and although Save Defiance isn’t a song that threatens to stretch his vocal chords, he tackles it with the same assured confidence that has served him well so far. The surprise performers also stand out. Mark Lanegan, best known as the front man for 80’s psychedelic outfit SCREAMING TREES, adds real character to Axis that takes on a more country and blues feel; the same holds true for Reveal towards the end of the record which sees singer-songwriter Naeemah Maddox add her own soulful pipes atop Mark Morton‘s guitar wizardry that leans into classic rock territory more than anything else.
As with a number of projects like this, there are a couple of lesser moments among the strengths. Sworn Apart, featuring PAPA ROACH‘s Jacoby Shaddix,is straightforward and very radio-friendly, making it less interesting than a number of other songs despite its bounce and groove. As for Back From the Dead, it’s great musically but the style clashes horribly with Josh Todd‘s gravely vocals that certainly haven’t improved as the years have gone on; the BUCKCHERRY front man has struggled in recent years to maintain a degree of relevance with the rock world and this will do him no favours either. Curiously as well, final track Truth is Dead featuring Randy Blythe and ARCH ENEMY‘s Alissa White-Gluz also fades in comparison to the rest, but that could be down to the over familiarity of hearing the LAMB OF GOD singer over Morton‘s well-trodden tones; this also surprises given that both vocalists sing clean at various moments and their harmonies are excellent.
But don’t let the above take away all of the shine from what is a great solo effort from one of metal’s most underappreciated axemen. Anesthetic will not leave you numb at all; it’ll let you appreciate the work of Mark Morton yet again and, whilst not probably bothering end of year lists, will certainly be enjoyed repeatedly as 2019 goes on.
Rating: 7/10
Anesthetic is set for release March 1st via Spinefarm Records.
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