Lamb of God Guitarist Mark Morton Explores His Memoir ‘Desolation’
Mark Morton, the renowned guitarist and lyricist of the Grammy-nominated heavy metal band Lamb of God, has unveiled his deeply personal memoir, “Desolation: A Heavy Metal Memoir.” Co-authored with Ben Opipari and published by Hachette Books, the memoir is set to release on June 25, 2024. This gripping narrative delves into Morton’s tumultuous journey through the highs and lows of his career, his struggles with addiction, and his path to recovery.
For a band as intense as Lamb of God, achieving mainstream success and performing to massive audiences worldwide was a surreal accomplishment. However, for Morton, these triumphs were often overshadowed by personal battles and the pain of addiction. “Desolation” offers a raw and unfiltered look into these struggles, providing readers with an intimate glimpse into Morton’s life.
One of the most poignant aspects of the memoir is Morton’s recounting of the greatest personal tragedy he faced—the death of his newborn daughter. This devastating loss plunged him into a state of hopelessness, exacerbating his addiction to drugs and alcohol. Despite being surrounded by bandmates living their dreams, Morton found himself wanting to disappear, resorting to potentially lethal cocktails of substances on a daily basis.
Yet, amidst the self-destruction and heartbreak, there were moments of joy, self-acceptance, and profound connection. Morton developed close relationships with his bandmates and crew members, sharing experiences that led to some strange and hilarious tales. These relationships, along with interactions with fans, provided Morton with a greater sense of purpose, reminding him that his work resonated deeply with people on a personal level.
“Desolation” is not just a memoir about Morton’s struggles; it is also a testament to his journey as a musician navigating self-doubt, anxiety, and the progressive disease of addiction. Ultimately, it is a story of finding relative serenity and gratitude. Each chapter of the book opens with a track chosen by Morton, complementing the narrative and giving fans a deeper insight into his musical influences.
Reflecting on the writing process, Morton shared, “Initially, I started writing this book just to see if I could do it. But as the writing process unfolded, it quickly took on much more meaning. Unpacking my story, I was able to observe events in my life with an objectivity that I hadn’t experienced while I’d lived them in real time. Through a lens of hindsight and recovery, I made friends with my past and found value in my most difficult days. I hope that by offering my experiences, I can create a point of connection and commonality. There are a lot of fun stories in here and a few really sad ones. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to share them.”
To celebrate the release of “Desolation,” Morton has a series of launch events lined up. Fans can catch him discussing the book and taking questions at various locations, including Books & Greetings in Northvale, NJ on June 25, Powerhouse Arena in Brooklyn, NY on June 26, and Shelf Life Books in Richmond, VA on June 27. There will also be a virtual premiere at DesolationBook.com on June 26 at noon.
For those who prefer audiobooks, Morton has also narrated the audiobook version of “Desolation,” allowing fans to hear his story in his own voice. The memoir is available for pre-order in various formats, including hardcover, ebook, and audiobook.
In addition to Morton’s memoir, Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe is also working on two new books, following his 2015 memoir “Dark Days.” This summer, Lamb of God will join forces with Mastodon for the Ashes of Leviathan Tour, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their landmark albums “Ashes of the Wake” and “Leviathan.” The tour will kick off in Reading, PA at the Santander Arena on August 8, with special guests Kerry King of Slayer and Unearth.
“Desolation: A Heavy Metal Memoir” is a must-read for fans of Lamb of God and anyone interested in the raw, unfiltered journey of a musician grappling with addiction and personal loss. Morton’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and ultimately, redemption.
Source: Hachette Books, Lamb of God Official Website
