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Desolation: A Heavy Metal Memoir
A gritty, revealing heavy metal memoir by Lamb of God’s guitarist and lyricist, which explores both his life in music and his tumultuous path through addiction and into recovery
For a band as extreme as Lamb of God, mainstream success and touring the world to massive audiences was an almost surreal achievement. But for guitarist and lyricist Mark Morton, the triumph was dulled by the pain of addiction and loss.
In A Heavy Metal Memoir , Morton traces the highs and the lows of his career and personal life, revealing how the pressures of success and personal battles eventually came into conflict with his dedication to the creative process. Morton writes about the greatest personal tragedy of his the death of his newborn daughter, which plunged Morton further into hopelessness. Surrounded by bandmates living their wildest dreams, Morton wanted nothing more than to disappear, ingesting potentially lethal cocktails of drugs and alcohol on a daily basis.
And yet intertwined with self-destruction and harrowing heartbreak, there were moments of joy, self-acceptance, and incredible connection. Morton developed close relationships with his bandmates and crew members, sharing experiences that have made for some strange and hilarious tales. He also gained a greater sense of purpose through interactions with his fans, who remind him that his work reaches people on a deeply personal level.
DESOLATION is, at its core, about Morton's journey as a musician navigating self-doubt, anxiety, and the progressive disease of addiction, and ultimately finding relative serenity and gratitude.
For a band as extreme as Lamb of God, mainstream success and touring the world to massive audiences was an almost surreal achievement. But for guitarist and lyricist Mark Morton, the triumph was dulled by the pain of addiction and loss.
In A Heavy Metal Memoir , Morton traces the highs and the lows of his career and personal life, revealing how the pressures of success and personal battles eventually came into conflict with his dedication to the creative process. Morton writes about the greatest personal tragedy of his the death of his newborn daughter, which plunged Morton further into hopelessness. Surrounded by bandmates living their wildest dreams, Morton wanted nothing more than to disappear, ingesting potentially lethal cocktails of drugs and alcohol on a daily basis.
And yet intertwined with self-destruction and harrowing heartbreak, there were moments of joy, self-acceptance, and incredible connection. Morton developed close relationships with his bandmates and crew members, sharing experiences that have made for some strange and hilarious tales. He also gained a greater sense of purpose through interactions with his fans, who remind him that his work reaches people on a deeply personal level.
DESOLATION is, at its core, about Morton's journey as a musician navigating self-doubt, anxiety, and the progressive disease of addiction, and ultimately finding relative serenity and gratitude.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
14 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 24, 2024
Having grown up in the same area, same college and social group, much of this was a walk down a memory lane of music and culture. It was well written and well spoken, as I listened to the audiobook version.
Good job, Mark!
Good job, Mark!
January 15, 2025
Mark Morton's "Desolation: A Heavy Metal Memoir" is a raw and unflinching journey through the highs and lows of a life in heavy metal. As the guitarist and lyricist for Grammy-nominated band Lamb of God, Morton has experienced the dizzying heights of mainstream success and the crushing depths of personal tragedy. Morton grew up in Williamsburg, VA, and like my daughter Maddie, has a degree from VCU! The memoir traces Morton's path from a bullied kid finding solace in music to a globe-trotting rock star grappling with addiction. With brutal honesty, he recounts the surreal experience of achieving fame with an extreme metal band, all while battling inner demons that threatened to derail everything. At the heart of "Desolation" is Morton's struggle with substance abuse. He doesn't shy away from describing his descent into potentially lethal cocktails of drugs and alcohol, even as his band reached new pinnacles of success. The contrast between his outward triumphs and inner turmoil is stark and compelling. The book takes a devastating turn as Morton opens up about the greatest tragedy of his life - the death of his newborn daughter. This heartbreaking loss plunged him further into despair and self-destruction. Yet, amidst the darkness, Morton finds moments of connection, joy, and ultimately, hope. “Desolation" isn't just a catalog of misery, though. Morton shares hilarious tales from the road and insights into the creative process behind Lamb of God's music. Fans will appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at the band's rise to prominence in the metal scene. Lamb of God toured with the likes of Metallica (2009), and Korn. Morton also had a creative song collaboration with Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington, who would commit suicide three weeks afterwards. What sets this memoir apart is Morton's vulnerability and self-reflection. He doesn't portray himself as a hero or victim but as a flawed human being seeking clarity and self-acceptance. The result is a deeply personal account that resonates beyond the realm of heavy metal. Morton's journey through addiction to recovery is inspiring without being preachy. His hard-won wisdom and gratitude shine through, making "Desolation" a testament to resilience and the power of second chances. Gritty, revealing, and ultimately uplifting, "Desolation: A Heavy Metal Memoir" is a must-read for Lamb of God fans and anyone who appreciates raw, honest storytelling about the human experience.
October 3, 2024
A heartfelt memoir from one of modern metal’s most revered stalwarts. Lamb of God’s music has had a gigantic impact on my life, so reading the backstories for some of their best songs and performances was a real treat.
Beyond that, there is a lot of sobering insight into Morton’s long term battles with addiction and personal strife, which he has thankfully come out the other side of still with us, and healthier than ever.
Would recommend for any fan of the band/music adjacent to theirs, or anyone seeking stories on recovery.
Beyond that, there is a lot of sobering insight into Morton’s long term battles with addiction and personal strife, which he has thankfully come out the other side of still with us, and healthier than ever.
Would recommend for any fan of the band/music adjacent to theirs, or anyone seeking stories on recovery.
November 27, 2025
A brusque, unpretentious memoir that reads quickly. Does not frequently paint the Lamb of God guys in a particularly good light, but I'm glad that Mark (and the rest of the crew) seem to have come to terms with their demons and chosen a brighter path.
February 1, 2025
A fascinating glimpse into the rise of one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time, Lamb of Good. Mark's journey through drug addiction and personal tragedy showcases the human side of being in a massively successful band.
February 1, 2025
Admittedly, I tore through this book. I have respect for both the author and for Lamb Of God, so it was a joy to read his story.
Honest and sometimes captivating story of his life to date, although I’m still puzzled why the book was released last year and yet the book finishes four years earlier.
I’m also puzzled why the infamous court case relating to the lead singer is mentioned in a couple of paragraphs and no more. Odd.
Honest and sometimes captivating story of his life to date, although I’m still puzzled why the book was released last year and yet the book finishes four years earlier.
I’m also puzzled why the infamous court case relating to the lead singer is mentioned in a couple of paragraphs and no more. Odd.
August 2, 2024
As a professed metal fan for the better part of my life, Lamb of God has always been in my top 10, with Mark Morton being one of the favorite guitar players (full disclosure: I can't play guitar at all but I feel that makes me much more appreciative of talent!). The beginning half of the book was a fascinating look at his early life and the formation of the band Lamb of God as we know it now with descriptive glances into the life of a touring bad (I sometimes say "I wish I was a boy", but some of the shenanigans these men get into make me glad I was not a boy).
The second half of the book is where you are instantly and intimately connected with the story. For me, the first part was like watching a documentary about the band, the songwriting process, tour buses, etc. The second part, which starts with the death of his newborn daughter (have tissues, seriously, as someone who does not cry, I was definitely tearing up), seems more personal - especially if you have or know someone who has ever been in the choking throes of addiction is where the story becomes much more readable and fast paced. You find yourself mad and sad at the same time. Shaking your head at the apparent lack of clarity that is eventually found at the end.
Even if you are not a metal fan or have never even heard of this band, while humanity and vulnerability found in this book are universal experiences that will resonate with everyone at some level. It also reads like you're having a conversation.
The only reason for the 4 stars (instead of five- and trust me-I went back and forth) was the feeling that this was two novellas smushed together. There was a lack of cohesion to me, again this was more personal than anything else. I liked both aspects of the book so much that I may change this to 5 stars after this is posted.
The second half of the book is where you are instantly and intimately connected with the story. For me, the first part was like watching a documentary about the band, the songwriting process, tour buses, etc. The second part, which starts with the death of his newborn daughter (have tissues, seriously, as someone who does not cry, I was definitely tearing up), seems more personal - especially if you have or know someone who has ever been in the choking throes of addiction is where the story becomes much more readable and fast paced. You find yourself mad and sad at the same time. Shaking your head at the apparent lack of clarity that is eventually found at the end.
Even if you are not a metal fan or have never even heard of this band, while humanity and vulnerability found in this book are universal experiences that will resonate with everyone at some level. It also reads like you're having a conversation.
The only reason for the 4 stars (instead of five- and trust me-I went back and forth) was the feeling that this was two novellas smushed together. There was a lack of cohesion to me, again this was more personal than anything else. I liked both aspects of the book so much that I may change this to 5 stars after this is posted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2024
Starting off this review, I just want to say that I'm personally a huge Lamb of God fan. I've been following & listening to them since the start of their career, and continue to do so.
The book starts off as any Rock Bio usually does, Mark talks about his life growing up in Virginia, the musical influences, and what got him into music. He also talks about some of the struggles he had growing up, such as some family issues, the urge to belong as a kid in school, and dealing with weight issues as an overweight child.
Then we start getting into his college life, and seeing how he eventually began his career in both Burn The Priest & Lamb of God. At this point, it starts to highlight Mark's struggle with addictions to both alcohol, painkillers, and prescription opiates. Something this book did that was different than other rock bios though, is that he tells in extreme detail about his withdrawals, and his need to get high to the point where you can almost feel the pain he's going through. There was another painful moment in his life where he lost his newborn daughter, which was an extremely devastating point in the book that accelerated his addictions, as it would for any one of us.
I don't want to spoil too much of the rest of the book, but it was an extremely well written bio, certainly one of the best recent ones. I'd also highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to get sober, as it gave me a but of clarity, and some hope may be one day that I'll be fully clean and sober. It's still a long road ahead, though. Take care of yourselves.
The book starts off as any Rock Bio usually does, Mark talks about his life growing up in Virginia, the musical influences, and what got him into music. He also talks about some of the struggles he had growing up, such as some family issues, the urge to belong as a kid in school, and dealing with weight issues as an overweight child.
Then we start getting into his college life, and seeing how he eventually began his career in both Burn The Priest & Lamb of God. At this point, it starts to highlight Mark's struggle with addictions to both alcohol, painkillers, and prescription opiates. Something this book did that was different than other rock bios though, is that he tells in extreme detail about his withdrawals, and his need to get high to the point where you can almost feel the pain he's going through. There was another painful moment in his life where he lost his newborn daughter, which was an extremely devastating point in the book that accelerated his addictions, as it would for any one of us.
I don't want to spoil too much of the rest of the book, but it was an extremely well written bio, certainly one of the best recent ones. I'd also highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to get sober, as it gave me a but of clarity, and some hope may be one day that I'll be fully clean and sober. It's still a long road ahead, though. Take care of yourselves.
January 30, 2026
When I’m reading a rock memoir, I’m not overly interested in the torrid details of sex and drugs. I’ve read memoirs that focus on that aspect of rock ‘n’ roll, and after a while, they all start to blend together. They glamorize the sex and the drug use as part of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.
Lamb of God’s Mark Morton has written a gripping memoir that focuses on the music, the tragedies, and ultimately his redemption tale. I truly enjoyed hearing what went into making their albums, the band dynamics, and what it was like living on tour. His personality comes across as likable, self-effacing, funny, and self-aware.
While he does detail his struggles with alcohol and opioids, it’s not done in a way in which he’s listing it off in a way to look cool for the reader, and he’s certainly not proud of it or bragging about his drug exploits. It’s more about why he did the drugs, how they made him feel, and what he ultimately learned about himself.
The most heartbreaking chapter in the book is the one where he talks about the death of his infant daughter. It had me in tears, as he bravely detailed that horrific tragedy.
This is a vulnerable, well-written, honest, and insightful memoir. I was moved by it, and I’m a big Mark Morton fan now. Highly recommend.
Lamb of God’s Mark Morton has written a gripping memoir that focuses on the music, the tragedies, and ultimately his redemption tale. I truly enjoyed hearing what went into making their albums, the band dynamics, and what it was like living on tour. His personality comes across as likable, self-effacing, funny, and self-aware.
While he does detail his struggles with alcohol and opioids, it’s not done in a way in which he’s listing it off in a way to look cool for the reader, and he’s certainly not proud of it or bragging about his drug exploits. It’s more about why he did the drugs, how they made him feel, and what he ultimately learned about himself.
The most heartbreaking chapter in the book is the one where he talks about the death of his infant daughter. It had me in tears, as he bravely detailed that horrific tragedy.
This is a vulnerable, well-written, honest, and insightful memoir. I was moved by it, and I’m a big Mark Morton fan now. Highly recommend.
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November 4, 2025This book is a disaster from start to finish. Desolation tries to be raw and revealing, but it ends up sounding like a long, self indulgent complaint session from someone who still hasn’t learned anything. The writing is clunky, repetitive, and drenched in fake depth Morton mistakes misery for meaning and chaos for honesty.
Every chapter feels the same: regret, addiction, vague moral lesson, repeat. The pacing is a mess, the “insights” are shallow, and the tone swings between arrogant rockstar and broken victim with no middle ground. Even the supposed humor falls flat what’s meant to be “gritty” just feels grimy and forced.
By the halfway mark, I stopped caring about his journey and started counting pages. Desolation isn’t cathartic or enlightening it’s a cautionary tale about how not to write a memoir. It leaves you drained, irritated, and wishing someone had told Morton that not every dark night of the soul deserves 300 pages.
Every chapter feels the same: regret, addiction, vague moral lesson, repeat. The pacing is a mess, the “insights” are shallow, and the tone swings between arrogant rockstar and broken victim with no middle ground. Even the supposed humor falls flat what’s meant to be “gritty” just feels grimy and forced.
By the halfway mark, I stopped caring about his journey and started counting pages. Desolation isn’t cathartic or enlightening it’s a cautionary tale about how not to write a memoir. It leaves you drained, irritated, and wishing someone had told Morton that not every dark night of the soul deserves 300 pages.
October 25, 2024
Lamb of God is quite possibly the greatest modern American metal band to come out of the early 2000's. Mark's journey is personable, entertaining, and emotional. He had me in near tears more than once and made myself laugh out loud.
His struggles define that we are all humans to the core, trying to live through personal battles and find the happy spot of our short existence. His dedication earned him the label and life of a rock star, along with the norms that come with it. This is his story from humble beginnings to playing sold-out shows with Metallica, Slayer, Korn, and many other bands.
Mark is a master guitarist and a flawed individual. This brief glimpse into his life was some of the most fun I've had reading, with my own eyes being a huge fan.
His struggles define that we are all humans to the core, trying to live through personal battles and find the happy spot of our short existence. His dedication earned him the label and life of a rock star, along with the norms that come with it. This is his story from humble beginnings to playing sold-out shows with Metallica, Slayer, Korn, and many other bands.
Mark is a master guitarist and a flawed individual. This brief glimpse into his life was some of the most fun I've had reading, with my own eyes being a huge fan.
July 22, 2024
What a great book! I really liked Mark's candor and enjoyed the anecdotes as well. Great storytelling and I just enjoyed reading about how one of my favorite metal bands (Lamb of God) came together. I have also had the privilege of meeting Mark on a couple occasions and he's genuinely a nice guy. Really liked his story of triumph over loss of a child and battling drug and alcohol addiction. Anyway, I highly recommend this book. It's entertaining and not too long, but also an inspirational story. Thanks for sharing your journey with us, Mark!
July 31, 2024
Been listening to Lamb of God for more than a decade, used to blast them on my headphones everyday on full volume. Their music is brutal, fast and gripping. It felt like they suck you in this stressful, dark void of chaos and beat you until you give in and in parts they release you, which was the best feeling, just what a young guy craves (atleast I did). Now in my 30's I've spared my ears and brain of that sweet torcher. This book is a must read for any Lamb of God fan for anyone else it's just a decent read about a random Joe who got big.
May 12, 2025
I was never like a super fan of Lamb Of God but I knew their records and have seen them live a few times. I never knew Mark had issues with drugs and alcohol and losing a daughter so this book was such a great insight into his life and his past. Without spoiling anything you will enjoy this book if you love heavy music, living in Virginia or a fan of Mark or his band. My only complaint about the book is the profanity. There's a good amount of F bombs in here which takes away from the book for me. But it was pretty good!
August 3, 2024
I was looking forward to reading this book. I am a fan of Lamb Of God and have seen them in concert 2 times. Once in 2015 and then in 2018. I remember I was disappointed in 2015 because Mark stayed at the side of the stage and went backstage a couple of times. I assumed to puke. But I didn't think about why he might be sick. This book explains why he wasn't feeling well. Glad he is doing better now.
April 11, 2025
Sweet and insightful in a way I rarely find in music memoirs. Sure, Morton throws some war stories in there, but there are also moments of genuine sweetness, nostalgia, and self-examination.
Four stars alone for the chapter on losing his daughter— rarely do I feel any degree of emotion from written memoir, but boy, did I cry.
Good on Mark Morton for delving into this project. His passion for creativity is evident.
Four stars alone for the chapter on losing his daughter— rarely do I feel any degree of emotion from written memoir, but boy, did I cry.
Good on Mark Morton for delving into this project. His passion for creativity is evident.
July 11, 2024
Very well written. I can relate a lot to Mark's background despite being a bit younger. As a native Virginian I get a lot of the references here which makes it extra enjoyable. I also love how each chapter starts with a music discussion. My only complaint is that I'd have liked to have read more about his life after getting sober. Overall, a great read!
August 18, 2024
Being a fan of Lamb of god for most of my life and a music lover in general, it is always nice to get behind the stage stories to better shape my perspective on what my hero’s go through in their daily’s life. Its always refreshing to realize we are all just people trying to do our best. I really enjoyed this book.
August 23, 2024
half-tell-all memoir by a heavy metal guitarist which starts as a music story and delves into an addiction one, to end up with recovery and sobriety - I'd have loved more music-related content as it diminished as time went by, being replaced by opiates and alcohol related stuff - all in one, this read makes me go back to Lamb of God's music after some years
March 31, 2025
An honest down to earth heavy metal success story. Morton is a reliable narrator, and has been through some genuinely tough times which have easily matched the crazy highs of his career. As a musician, I can relate to much of his experiences, and I have a great deal of respect for people who make a living following their muse.
October 8, 2024
While it was a good read, I was thoroughly confused by how Morton did not once refer to the fact that Randy Blythe went through a very similar experience of losing his daughter shortly after her birth, as Blythe tells in his book Dark days.
July 18, 2024
While not the greatest writer, Morton’s personality, humor and deep emotion and artistry make this a thrilling read, Lamb of God fans or not.
September 6, 2024
Resurrection Man
A great insight into one of the greatest metal bands. It's also an unblinking look at a long time addict hopefully coming to terms with himself.
A great insight into one of the greatest metal bands. It's also an unblinking look at a long time addict hopefully coming to terms with himself.
April 29, 2025
Touched on everything one could want to know. Super sad at times. Cool guitar info too
October 6, 2025
This is the best music autobiography I’ve ever read - riveting, regardless of whether or not you enjoy heavy music.
November 4, 2025
Fantastic read. Mark had a unique outlook and a fascinating appreciation for all kinds of music. Highly recommend
December 15, 2025
3.5 ⭐️The beginning of the book was good the middle not so much. Then at chapter 15 it got very good.
September 14, 2024
Driving down the Highway, listening to this on Audiobook, tears streaming down my face and then tearing up again as I retold the chapter to my wife, who also teared up…. Safe to say I found Morton’s story emotionally affecting.
April 29, 2025
I personally found this book very eye-opening, especially from a fan's perspective. After reading this book, I just want to literally sit down with Mark and just have a down to earth conversation about life. He tells his story of hard work, determination, loss, love, and success, all in about 300 pages. Highly recommended, especially if you're a fan.
August 18, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Mark Morton is a founding member and lead guitar player for Lamb of God. In this memoir he tells the story of his childhood, how he found his love of music and guitar, coming up in the music industry, relationships, loss, a long stuggle with drug addiction, and some in depth history of Lamb of God. This book is well-written and very emotional. I loved learning about one of my favorite bands and the man behind songs that I love dearly. Including some fun and not so fun stories of all the band mates. He talks about his decades long drug addiction with alcohol and opioids. At times, it did seem a bit repetitive, but I guess that's what addiction is, and it consumed him for so long. I am fortunate to have never experienced that. I wanted to listen to this one on audible because it's read by Mark himself. It really added to the authenticity and emotion that I felt from him while reading. This is a great memoir, and I love the happy ending. If you are a Lamb of God fan, this is a must-read!
Mark Morton is a founding member and lead guitar player for Lamb of God. In this memoir he tells the story of his childhood, how he found his love of music and guitar, coming up in the music industry, relationships, loss, a long stuggle with drug addiction, and some in depth history of Lamb of God. This book is well-written and very emotional. I loved learning about one of my favorite bands and the man behind songs that I love dearly. Including some fun and not so fun stories of all the band mates. He talks about his decades long drug addiction with alcohol and opioids. At times, it did seem a bit repetitive, but I guess that's what addiction is, and it consumed him for so long. I am fortunate to have never experienced that. I wanted to listen to this one on audible because it's read by Mark himself. It really added to the authenticity and emotion that I felt from him while reading. This is a great memoir, and I love the happy ending. If you are a Lamb of God fan, this is a must-read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews